Youth Street and The value of Family

Good morning!
It's wednesday morning and I'm enjoying some cooler weather.... still warm enough for shorts, but a nice change.
Last week was a busy week with lectures, but thankfully no special events on base, like the last 2 weeks. On Friday, we organized a volleyball game for our school and it was "heaps" of fun! We actually had a spirit award for the player who had the most spirit. :)
Every Saturday we are involved in something called "Youth Street" which is the youth outreach here. It runs from 1pm to 10 pm every Saturday. Approximately 150 kids are here every week and our school (Ship DTS) helps out. Not everyone is on a team, like I am that runs from 2-5:30. "Teams" are similar to small groups and they have the Art Team, Hip Hop Team, Dance Team, Skate Team, Sports Team, Music Team. I am on "Saving Grace" which is the worship band here. It's been amazing to work with the "crew" (kids that attend) and interact with them. I've had the opportunity to teach some piano and develop stage presence. The first couple weeks I was adjusting to so many things, but I'm really enjoying it now.
The rest of our school, if not assigned to a team is involved in the evening with games, sports, music, hanging out with kids. Youth Street has been so interesting to watch as they have something different every week (last week it was native island wear so there were lots of grass skirts and sarongs) and have a value to emphasize, like inclusiveness. Thankfully my commitment is done at 5:30, but I admire all the staff that are involved from start to finish. I recently learned that the Staff who are here are all full-time volunteers! I didn't realize they are here because they are passionate about inspiring youth and sending    young people to outreach, and they actually pay their own way here, getting support from churches, family and friends. I have more and more respect and admiration for them.

 Christina and Kylie( from Australia)

 Janina (Swtizerland) and Angelica (Canada) in lectures

Sven (Switzerland) and Sonia (Australia)in class

One other thing I'm really learning about is the value of family. We have 20 people on our team, but we've become so close in the last month. We've learned to honor each other and work as a team, and resist gossiping or slandering (which completely destroys trust). We are fighting to maintain unity, which is something new for me. I didn't realize before what it meant to fight for someone else that wasn't my family by flesh and blood, but I've come to a place where I am ready and willing to stand up, fight and advocate for someone else and their needs.

Friday we head to Billabong, an animal refuge/sanctuary. Not sure if I will be able to hold a koala, but I'm sure gonna try.  And maybe a kangaroo! We've had a possum so far to visit us at the base, and a few geckos, including the white ones that sneak into my bedroom!

Thank you all for your love, support and encouragement! God bless all of you this week!
Christina


If you are interested in supporting me or ways to be involved, please contact me for more info. Email: christyp20@gmail.com