A Testimony Without Words

   "It's a great thing you are doing there," a friend said to me. "Yes, but it isn't a ministry- it's a job," was my reply. Our conversation continued with her challenge to me- look for the ministry in the job. Though I politely smiled, there was doubt in my mind I would find it, after all, God isn't allowed in schools.
    As is my daily routine, prayers were lifted during my long drive- a 7:15 garden group would be waiting for me. The strong aroma of onion sets kept distracting me as I tried to focus on the road and my conversation. Could there be a ministry in the job? Doubtful, I unloaded garden tools and waited for the students to arrive.
    Gathered there in the drizzle, four young gardeners and I huddled over a pile of seedlings to separate them in preparation for planting. One per hole, hand width apart, single file along the edge of each bed- we planted dozens of onions for 'salsa gardens'. Kneeling elbow to elbow with a sweet little red head a conversation began with - I thought of you at church yesterday.
    There, frozen in a moment of time, I looked into her clear blue eyes in wonder of her comment waiting to hear more. In Sunday school we talked about how God made everything. Have you ever had a moment where the whole world disappeared and time stood still? She and I were all I could see as she continued- I told them I knew He made the broccoli and the peas we are growing here- He gave those seeds what they need to grow. He made the herbs and all the food we cook every day. A smile was all I could muster; amazement filled my heart.
     The truth is: we never know the impact our presence, our character has on another. I will never know how this inner connection works; how others are able to 'sense' God in us, but I will be forever touched and humbled by this simple encounter in the garden.

A Hard Lesson

    Weekly in-garden activities are the highlight of my week. Who wouldn't love 40 students squealing with delight over strawberries and ladybugs, tomato blooms and radish sprouts? My weekly garden adventures are usually full of wonder and excitement, but this week held a different lesson.
     You see, this week, our garden was trampled and destroyed. An unknown mischief maker felt the urge to stomp, kick, and uproot every plant, seedling and bulb.. leaving only the cinder blocks unturned. Much of our soil was kicked from the beds where footprints lay instead. Students were heartbroken and quite dismayed to find their hard work so hatefully demolished.
     Devastating and unfair as it may seem, it is a lesson that must be learned. Life is often unkind and generally unfair. Hard work will go unnoticed and unappreciated. Things we value may not hold value to others. These are things we cannot change, we cannot prevent, and we cannot take revenge for.
      Teachers were quick to guide and encourage.. we restored our beds as best we could; replanting anything that offered a glimmer of life. Conversation led to restoration and recovery instead of revenge and judgment. Students found comfort in the strawberries that seemed to escape the chaos, onions that seemed quite recoverable, and the reality that their fruit trees were untouched. In good faith I offered to seek out replacements as soon as possible that we might get them in before their testing schedule gets underway.
      It is a hard lesson learned, but one that must be learned. In the end, I believe we are each better for it. I saw a beautiful side to these children I might not have seen otherwise. The side of hope!

Just Between You and Me

    Right before a recent cooking demonstration, a shy, rather quiet, girl approached me. Her seriousness had me a bit concerned, but in the end the moment was priceless.

Hesitant, the student approaches- Ms. Go

I reassure her with a smile- yes

She leans in, questioning- Can I ask you something

A smile and a nod encourage her

Just between you and me

More seriously now, I nod.

A little closer this time- how long is your hair, really, like when you brush it all out

That question. I understand and reply- long enough to sit on

An endearing smile shares a quiet secret- mine too! but, just between you and me

I smile, lean in, and reassure her our conversation is sacred- just between you and me.

 We never know when the simplest thing can become a connection to a child's heart. Whether the 'secret' length of my hair, the motif of that day's crazy sock, or how many chickens I really have, it is my goal to be open to the little things.. the quirky moments that become jewels in my day.

Meet Them Where They Are

   Frustration hit me more than once as the reality of regular restaurant habits seemed to be hindering progress. Let's face it, some families exist on take out. Whether by 'necessity' or convenience, it has become a habit many homes live by. I have discovered there are children who base their geographical and their food preferences on which restaurant they have frequented lately. The constant conversation and comparison was driving me crazy. How on earth do our healthy recipes compete with drive thru routines?    Habits are formed by routine and exposure; children pick them up quickly. In a desperate moment of prayer, I realized fighting this force was futile and negativity toward their family's habits was counterproductive to my purpose. I needed to meet them where they are and work from there.
   That morning brought to the table the 'comparison conversation'- I only eat here, I only like this place's food, I won't try it. It was time to meet them where they were. Instead of trying to steer the conversation away from restaurants and take out, I opened the door for it.
   Where do you like to go? It quickly became clear to me locations were chosen due to cultural marketing: kids eat free; the dollar meal, and buffet lines. In reality, families fall victim to the appearance of a cheap and convenient meal. This isn't a battle I am able to fight- after all, the students were not necessarily making the decisions where the family would eat. So what decisions were in the hands of the children? Where could influence be given?
   What do you order when you are there? It seemed the students generally had a voice in their food order. From here the idea was to guide their thinking toward not ignoring their routine favorite, but making them recognize the ability to improve/balance their meal. For example, one student loves the local Chinese buffet and their noodle dishes are his favorite. What vegetables do you see in the noodle dishes? Are there vegetables there you recognize from our cooking sessions? They hadn't thought of that. Their habit was so ingrained they hadn't realized many of the same things they refused in class were right there in reach.
   What can you add to your favorite choice to make it more balanced? There in lies the challenge. Can you eat your favorite and improve your choice? Sure. Have the green beans or the carrots- realize there are snow peas in the noodles or tomatoes on your burger. We met where they are and encouraged small, attainable steps.
   Did it make a difference? I believe it did. Whether they actually ate vegetables or not I can't say, but the relationship and interaction with the students changed immediately. Conversation, interaction and even participation the next few classes has been wonderful.
   Everyday I face the task and privilege of teaching amazing and challenging students, but may I never forget that while I am teaching them.. they are teaching me.

Draw them In

   It's no secret: children can be unruly and downright uncooperative. This said, I have noticed a trend among many that excludes the culprit from any and all activity leaving the child to himself with no recourse and no responsibility. That un-nerves me. Sent to their room, a desk facing the wall, standing 'over there', sitting in the hall- what does this do? Nothing at all. Well, maybe it tells them they don't have to do anything; that there is no bottom line; no boundary; no value to their presence.
   Whether among friends, family, or a student body the sight of 'exclusion discipline' drives me to the edge. It's not how I roll. I am one who draws them in; places them right next to me. Unruliness is a cry for attention (even if it is negative), or a cry to be ignored, even a cry to not be held responsible. I refuse to fall victim to these cries, instead valuing the person enough to lead them.
    

   Instead of pushing them away, I prefer to pull them near and 'stake them up' next to someone stronger- a mentor if you will. Drawing them in gives the attention, but offers accountability, purpose, and redirection. Example: a student quite verbally expresses disgust at the demo for today. His folded arms and set jaw accentuate his disdain. Overlooking this, he is assigned a table to work at as we all move on with the process. Continued attempts to be disruptive are causally met with warning, but not given too much address. When called upon to participate (measuring ingredients and stirring them in) he flat refuses. *at this point teachers offer to remove him, placing him in the hall as not to be disruptive* Instead, he is drawn in. Given the task of stirring the skillet as others measure out, he has to assume responsibility or face the consequence of burning the dish, thus ruining it. As we continue on, he begrudgingly takes the task and fulfills it. Mellowing, he later joins conversation.
    Before we get too romantic about the whole thing, it is not an easy, quick fix. I have seen a child throw themselves on the floor for a screaming fit and some stand in defiance refusing to yield. The key is to stand your ground and be willing to let the ax fall. The child who threw the fit- getting him to tell me the problem he had with his task was step one of many. I have more than once said, I need you to be a young man and take care of this. Rarely does it not end well- the Go Lady doesn't send kids away.
    Unfortunately, I have very little voice in the way friend, family, or the education facilities handle situations. They have their reasons, some are quite sound, for excluding. Teachers are overwhelmed with tasks and demands in their day and discipline is devalued and difficult. Before anyone takes this post in offence, let me say it isn't intended to be offensive- but thought provoking. For me, it's about stopping for a moment, considering the soul of this child, and trying to stir a spark.

Just A Moment In A Day

     Up and down and all around; each day is a maze traveled through. The return to my work 'routine' finds me hurrying here and there gathering it all together- trying to find the rhythm. On my way to an unexpected meeting I passed students sitting in the hallway between classes. Much younger than the ones I generally work with, they stare curiously at me as I walk by. One young boy checked cautiously with his friend to see if I was the teacher they were waiting for - I wasn't they confirmed. Suddenly a little girl beamed sweetly- she isn't our teacher; I know who she is.. she's the lady in the garden.
      It was just a moment in an ordinary day made significant by the child who brightened it. I couldn't help but smile and nod, confirming her stand. I am the lady in the garden; the one they see through the window as they pass by. That very morning they passed that place, all lined up in a row, as I hovered over half frozen plants. Watering and uncovering the weak little sprouts, they hesitate a wave- a smile- a giggle.
     It may have been just a moment in a day, but it was a moment I needed to remind me why I run here and there, to and fro keeping the crazy pace I seem to roll at. It was the moment I have returned to as I face the upcoming crazy days of recipe demonstrations, garden clubs, and planting dates. It is just a moment in a day- but it is a moment that makes my day- today and for many days to come.

The Beginning of the Go Lady

      It all started with gardening, no it was teaching- maybe it was cooking. While the true beginning of it all may be hard to nail down, the 'Go Lady' started with a heart for children and a love of inspiration. Joining a research project aimed at combating childhood obesity, I was deemed 'The Go Lady' by staff and students trying to connect who I was with why I was there (go is the last word in my job title, which is lengthy- and have you ever tried to say my last name?).
       In the beginning, it seemed a bit curt- maybe even negative. As we have gotten to know each other, falling into a rhythm of activity and responsibility, the title has become endearing and precious. Students know me by my big red SUV (the Go Mobile) and my extremely long hair. When I am dressed up with all my hair pinned atop my head, they know we are in the kitchen for some hands on nutrition. If I show up in jeans with my long braid swinging behind me, it must be time to get down and dirty in the garden.
        With such a span of activity comes adventure. Join me now and then as we peek into the classroom for a glimpse at my heart and the precious ones who touch it week after week. Sometimes our heart breaks as hardship is revealed, but other times we triumph over the smallest victory. There are days when we just can't stop laughing at the antics a group 3rd graders can come up with.
         Now that we are introduced, let's see where we end up next!