Author: Wick

Yesterday morning, community leaders gathered together for a breakfast with a purpose. Sure, many of them probably came simply because it was sort of a “who’s who” for Decatur, and to eat scrambled eggs with the cities finest, and finest schmoozers. Truthfully, you don’t have to be a great leader to go, you just have to be involved in representing a business of some sort, and/or just willing to pay the $16 to eat among them. But I’m sure there were some there who genuinely desire to lead well. 🙂

The main speaker was Salome Thomas-El, principal from the Philadelphia area. He had a rough time growing up, and understands what many students are going through. His story sounds compelling, and I really like what he’s doing/living out….even if it is becoming a Disney movie. Side note: Why Disney? Why? Why not just let something good be something good, and not have to capitalize on it? Or perhaps…does good become better when Disney is allowed to amplify its’ message to the world? Hmm.

In any case, while many are struggling to leave inner city jobs, and make enough to support their families in locations that are “safer, more updated, nicer, etc…” whatever. Salome Thomas-El decided to stay with the inner city, and encourages others to do the same. As a father and husband (he is too), I gotta admit, that’s be a hard message to swallow. So much contained in the words “inner city” are things I want to protect my children and family from. Yet, it’s the call to the church as well.

One thing he spoke of, I think is a very popular sentiment, no matter where you live it seems. From the article above: “Success is a rejection of their background (and community).” How often do you hear young people talk about success and “leaving this place” as if they go hand in hand? How many of us feel more successful than those who “still live back there”? I admit, it’s an illness that I find in myself sometimes.

Not that moving away, pursuing a dream elsewhere, etc…are bad things. But what about promoting a success that finds itself at home in a long term sense of community? How about raising students and relating to them in a way that helps them envision themselves as part of something worth staying a part of/coming back to?

Hey all..I know I have one or two youth workers who stumble on my blog. For you special few, I’m posting about a helpful tool I’ve found. I may be completely out of touch, and you may laugh that I don’t use _______ instead because it’s so completely easy and free. But in case, like me, you found yourself wondering how to compile a youth directory easily and free….here ya’ go:

I used GEFC Directory 2.1, which is a free shareware program. They do offer the ability to pay and subscribe to having them host/save your address/database online. But you can still use their software without paying for any of those services, simply by clicking “Register Later” when using the program.

You simply upload pictures of your teens into a file, and remember where it is. You’ll want to crop them to a square around the face, it shows up best. Then you add each person’s information as a separate set of data, like any student database you may have used before. It allows you to select your photo for each student/leader, and set up a profile for your booklet (front page/back page inside and out designs). Then you print, and make copies!!!

Addison turned 3 years old this past August. Sophie is going to turn 2 in February. Ruby is just over 4 months old. Whew.

Addie has a free spirit, or at least, she advertises something like that. In actuality, she’s very cautious and takes things a step at a time. Often she’ll want mommy or daddy near, not to do it for her, but simply to give her assurance that she can do it. She loves loves loves to dance. I know dance “classes” exist for girls her age, but I don’t think I want dancing to become a class just yet. She’s a professional dancer already, and if she takes a class, she may realize she’s a beginner. She’s a princess, except for the moments where she’s a mommy to her younger sisters. She’ll tell you she’s not hungry during this meal, and eat for two at the next one. Her smile can light up a room, or daddy’s face at 6am when he sometimes needs a reminder that he’s a morning person. I love her.

Sophie also advertises that she is very independent. But she totally means it. Independent of any need for clothing. Independent of any desire to work well with or give much thought to gravity. Independent of any drive to hone her skills at anything just yet. She’s a do-er. As seen in recent videos, she’s not afraid to get into a mess. Perhaps not because the mess does not intimidate her, but because she doesn’t see it as a mess. She loves to pop her peas like bubble wrap, and most other foods become toys or history quickly. Sophie loves to run, naked preferably, but as that can’t last long, we encourage clothed rampages. Her legs are still getting used to how fast her mind wants them to go, and have taken more bruises than Addie ever did. Silly faces are her specialty, and she knows how to make you smile. I love her.

Ruby cries out in a house already filled with happenings “I’m coming!!!”. She can smile and laugh larger than either of the first girls ever did at this age. Only one problem – there’s no audio yet. It’s coming though. We’ve had glimpses of it, and they usually lead to a long case of the hiccups, to discourage trying further. Her cries can be heard half a mile away, but her large eyes and giant smile can travel even further into your heart. When given the opportunity, she’ll plant her little feet on your lap, and stretch out her legs, as if to prove that balance is the only thing keeping her from standing independently. She sucks her thumb, no pacifier required. Although by sucking her thumb, I also mean she often counts her entire fist as her thumb. When her eyes lock on you, it’s impossible to resist. I love her.