Here it is, Jan. 3, 2012. I can't believe that we are here already. It seems like just yesterday we were starting 2011. The saying goes, as you get older time goes faster, so I must be getting old or maybe I'm getting better. Either way I can't believe it's 2012. We are starting this year, bigger than ever before. Open Lodge finds us entertaining 50-60 kids every time we open the doors. Elementary Open Lodge has 15-20 kids coming every time. Wow! God is moving in this ministry and I am excited to see where He is going to lead us the rest of this school year.
Open Lodge is on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30-6:30. This is for Middle/High School students. We spend time playing games, eating, dodge ball, basketball, and so much else. One of the most exciting things I get to do as the director is I bring kids lunch to school 2 or 3 times a week. All the schools that the kids attend have allowed me to do this. I have a room in the office where I can have a meal with one of the students and for 1/2 hour they are all mine. I love this time as Open Lodge is really busy and not much 1-on-1 time happens. I also have started having 4 or 5 kids over to my home once a month. These kids have shown responsibility, kindness, respect, or leadership during the past month. Again, it gives me a chance to get to know kids better. I get to talk about their home life, what they like/dislike, school, and all the other things that are important to them.
We have had some exciting things happen at Open Lodge this year already. We had an all-nighter, which was a lot of fun but very tiring. We had 30 students come and because they were so well behaved with very few problems I will be planning another. During the Wonder of Christmas we took 15 kids to Laser Tag. Another fun get away for all that came out. Dodge ball is the main game during Open Lodge and we have had some great match ups. If you want to see some serious Dodge ball happening come up and check us out.
Elementary Open Lodge happens on Monday's from 4:30-6:00. The kids that come are ones that the interns have had an impact on during the summer. We have seen as many as 28 but normally we get around 20. We spend time playing games, coloring, playing the WII and 4 square. Kendra, Abby, Jenna and Ellie have made this time their time. They spend time with the kids, play with them, get to know them better, build relationships with them, and just love on them. These girls are my inspiration. During break we had the "undivided choir" come and spend time with all of us. 16 kids and some of their families came to play games, build gingerbread houses, eat, and sing. It was a fun time had by all. It was great to see parents come and join their kids in this time of celebration. Check out the pictures on our front page.
I hope you understand a little bit better about Open Lodge and what we are all about. Interested in knowing more, contact Karen.
