Life Change Adventures

Christmas Dinner Stories

Steve — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:09:46 +0000

STORIES and REFLECTIONS from Christmas Day Dinner at St. John’s Kitchen:

Highlights for me include:

The number of volunteers who came up to me and thanked us for the
opportunity to serve and be with the team. There were a number of people who
would have spent the Christmas morning alone had it not been for the time
with us.
Generosity. People from all over displayed tremendous generosity. We were
blown away. More than ever I am convinced that people keenly desire to serve
others. We simply must find new ways for people to serve others!
The number of guests who sought me out to thank me for the fact that we
served lunch. Often meals like this are taken for granted but many really
were appreciative of what we did and the way they felt valued.

Jeremy

We were really happy to be able to serve at the St. John’s Christmas dinner. This was our second time making, decorating and serving cookies.

I gave some cookies to an older woman with a walker, and then talked with her for a while. I offered to get her lunch, and then asked if I could eat with her. She was very sweet (and very hungry). As we talked, we realized we had a common connection – two of the neighbourhood girls who babysit for us are daughters of her late nephew. Talk about a small world! Chatting with her was such a pleasant way to spend Christmas lunch.

Our kids, 8 and 4, also have a great time there, and we’re hoping this becomes a part of their normal Christmas celebration.

Thanks for allowing us to serve with you.

Bethany, Greg, Lydia and Nathan

We loved seeing you all there! Working alongside of each of you…loving others…was a great way to celebrate Christ’s birth!

There was a guy who parked himself right inside the little corner of cookie decorating and organizing. He was surrounded by a bustle of activity and had a front row seat for all this action. I asked him if he preferred to move and he indicated that he was right where he wanted to be. He said that
he enjoyed watching us do our work, both adults and kids alike. He often watched and smiled and occasionally engaged us in some type of conversation. He appeared to be totally relaxed and happy being with us.

I ate lunch with a woman who said she was “all alone” in life. She heard about today’s dinner and decided to come despite having little money for gasoline for her car. She said “this is where I want to be with all of YOU today”. The way she spoke to us, engaged us in conversation felt like we
were her family for that morning.

I noticed a number of guests would watch the children and had contented looks on their faces. Once I came over to quiet down our kids, who were being a bit loud, one man said, “Don’t worry, I’m keeping my eye on them”. Even the gruffest of guests seemed to grow tender and protective as
the children played nearby.

Teresa and Dan

Running & Reading 12.1.11

Steve — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:47:14 +0000

Cedarbrae Running & Reading Club

We are preparing now for Winter Celebration, an event run by Start2Finish. Kids and leaders travel together by bus to Toronto for a special happening with all the other clubs – movie, games, food! Our R&R kids will also have the opportunity to compete in the “Word of the Day Challenge” for a pizza party for our club. This is a big event for many of these kids, who get really excited when we drive past the airport on the 401! Thank you for your support for these kids and our coaches.

Corrie Ballantyne

Running & Reading 11.24.11

Steve — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:45:46 +0000

Cedarbrae Running & Reading Club

Due to the limitations of the school gym, we have had to limit the size of the program to approximately 40 kids. This has been a hard decision to make since there are many more kids who would benefit from and love to be part of our Running & Reading Club. This only reinforces the many needs of these kids and that we must continue to find creative ways to help and support them. Who knows if in a couple years we are able to run TWO independent Running & Reading programs at Cedarbrae!

Corrie Ballantyne

Sunnydale Connect Nov. 21, 2011

Steve — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:10:04 +0000

As the warm weather has pushed us indoors for most of our events for the next few months, we have had to find some new event ideas! This week we had Nicole, one of our leaders who spent 4 months in India this summer, tell us a bit about her experience and the country itself. 2 of our youth were going to contribute to the evening with their multi-cultural experiences as well however, unfortunately at the last minute could not be with us for the evening. We ended the evening with some samosas from the local Indian store, some group games and socializing. More events like this where we share our cultures/backgrounds are coming up!

-Katelyn Bearinger

Running & Reading Nov. 17, 2011

Steve — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 19:12:13 +0000

Cedarbrae Running & Reading Club

Running & Reading Club is well underway! and I am very excited to tell you that we have a great group of kids and a fantastic group of volunteers this year. Our core group of volunteers continues to grow, with at least 10 returning from last year. Their commitment is what holds this program together, and I cannot thank them enough for all their help. We also have a significant number of Junior Coaches (high school age) who are very dedicated and showing very promising leadership skills.

Corrie Ballantyne

Ecuador 2012

Steve — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:25:46 +0000

ECUADOR 2012 – INVEST DEEPLY…BUILD FUTURES

Join us as our focus sharpens on helping to create building blocks for life. Whether we are working with kids from squatter communities at camp or serving youth and families in Santo Domingo de Onzole, we are intent on contributing in such a way that makes possible better futures.

SANTO DOMINGO DE ONZOLE

February 16-26 (fully booked)
March 10 -20 (approximate dates)

With a fully functioning school building, and the Learning Centre, carpentry and sewing workshops all established, we will join with the community to establish programming for youth and families. Participants will have an opportunity to get close and personal with various members of the community as we work and play together. Each participant will become part of a programming team and will endeavour to engage various members of the community in healthy and vibrant activity. While this program is underway, small maintenance work projects will take place on the already established buildings.

CAMPAMENTO EL FARO D’ESPARENZA (Lighthouse of Hope Camp)

February 10- 20 (approximate dates)

Each year Canadian teams invest in the Lighthouse of Hope Camp experience. Our involvement makes it possible for children often trapped in harsh living situations in squatter communities to escape for a week into a context were they are safe, well cared for and provided with opportunities to just be kids. This is mission by immersion. We will jump right into the entire experience serving alongside Ecuadorian leaders and complementing their activity in any way possible. You will discover the transforming power of relationship.

To receive more details, send an email to info@lifechangeadventures.org with “Ecuador 2012 – your date and location preference” in subject line and your name, age, and contact info in message.

Community…

Steve — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 16:29:58 +0000

Katelyn writes…

In October we (Sunnydale Connect) spent 2 evenings on an art project that let us explore our creative sides!

We each created a mask by moulding each youth’s face with plaster and then after it had dried, we decorated with paint, glue, feathers, and more.

We closed our night with an inclusive conversation about building community, the importance of a positive atmosphere at Connect, and how we can create this each week.

A display board at the community centre shows our thoughts on what feels comfortable and what makes us feel uncomfortable.

Explore the Streets…

Steve — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:14:31 +0000

Here’s how…

Sunnydale Connect Rides for Refuge

Steve — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:51:20 +0000

Together, 23 members of the Ride Team raised over $4,600 ! Way to go Team!!!

YOU can make a difference!!

Steve — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:26:52 +0000

Here is how YOU can make a difference…