Pretty soon we will be leaving for Peru. In 4 days to be exact. Much work and preparation goes into each Peru Learning Opportunity, and this one has been no different.
We've met together in Cornwall and Ottawa to experience orientation sessions. We've gotten our immunizations and collected VBS supplies. We've also held several fundraisers in order to help us reach our goal of the $1550 it costs for each person to go.
One big event that we hold each time is a sort of retreat. This year it was held on Saturday, February 18th.
The 13 members of Cornwall CRC travelled to Calvin and we met at 8:00 am. Yes, I know, it WAS early, but we had LOTS of work to do. Here's the group of almost 40 of us getting settled in.
We began our day with get-to-know-you stuff. Here's Mel introducing a new friend to the group.
Zack is my co-op student for a couple of months, so I had him help me out on some things. I was coming down with the flu, and my voice was pretty much shot (yes, some of the group actually LIKED that! : ) ) During the whole day I was sweating with a pretty good fever, but no one really knew so we pressed on.
After introductions it was time for some more bonding in the small groups we would be in during the trip.
I see that Wilma is having fun, as usual....and Jackie is being weird, as usual. I'll have to remember to get pictures of her on the trip when she's not aware of it....hmmmmm
After the get to know you stuff, it was time to get down to business. The day's primary goal was to get all the craft preparation work done, and there was a lot of it to do!
Marsha and Jeannine were heading this part up, so I let them have the floor and they got people working.
There was lots of hole punching to do with paper plates. I think Ian got a pretty good cramp by the end of the day. They all worked hard though.
Here's Mel (left) and Marg (Middle) and Yvonne (right) cutting straws. This will be Marg's 3rd time coming with us, and Mel and Yvonne's first. Neat.
Here's Jeannine still smiling, but feeling the pressure to get things done, especially since she had to leave at 1 pm to go to work : (
We weren't about to let her down!
Soooo, apparently Mel and cutting don't get along, so I put her to work with some administrative stuff...it ended up taking close to 4 hours. Mostly putting lots of forms into alphabetical order....In the end, I have one VERY thick binder full of paperwork that was needed for this trip. Thanks Mel for helping me out in this way...my brain couldn't handle doing that on this day. Oh, and wasn't it fun redoing that soccer Jersey spreadsheet.....about 5 times.... : )
After a couple of hours of cutting, hole punching, and more cutting it was time for a break. LUNCH break! Here are some of the group on the floor eating lunch together.
Hmmmm...Cornwall group hanging out together...we'll have to fix this cliquish stuff as we move into the Mission Trip.
Lunch time is OVER! Back to work.....
Now, it must be noted that we did have FUN during the day too. LOTS of talking while working...especially Madii and Mina....must be the letter "M" that has something to do with being so social! : )
About 1/2 way into the afternoon we took a short break to read some rules and codes of conduct for the trip. Then it was back to work. Fontana began to pack things into carry on luggage as they were finished. It wasn't an easy task, as she discovered soon into it.
Ah yes....our fearless leader of Calvin at the present time...John....Chair of Ministry Board, and Council...and our official photographer for the week....(but don't worry John, we'll get you doing something out of your comfort zone if we can muster it.... ) Nice to see him working hard...
Now here's a sight....Gerry with all his friends.... : )
So, Michael....what's with the new head attire?
A new area we are venturing into this year is teacher training. It has been a dream of mine to be able to assist the Christian school in some way as they continue to grow at Gamaliel Church. Dianne and my sister-in-law Edith, with the help of Marsha, are heading this project up. They spent most of the day talking Via video Skype because Edith couldn't be here.
I think it's becoming more than they bargained for, but they are excited, and more than qualified. I've stayed out of the planning, unless asked about something, and I have the utmost confidence that this will prove to be one of the highlights for those at Gamaliel church and the school. Stay tuned for information during the week as to how things are going.
Marsha packing, and the repacking......and STILL smiling...
By about 4:30pm we had actually gotten everything finished. PTL! Several people took home the carry on luggage that was packed with supplies.
About 1/2 way through the afternoon, Mina decided it was time for an ice cream snack. Thanks Mina for your thoughtfulness and going out to get them. It sure felt good on my soar throat.
At 5:00 pm we gathered together for a communal meal before heading home.
John, once again being himself. You'll probably not see much of him during the week, but I'll be sure to try to get a couple of shots of him on my less glamorous camera, just so you can see his pretty face.
THANKS to all of you who worked so hard during this day. I wanted to get a wee bit more done in the way of community building, but we did get done what HAD to be done, and that's ok too.
Only 3 more sleeps left, and we are off to Peru.....
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