As I thought over possible solutions and counted down the minutes until Gloria got home, I was reminded of a man I knew who mentored teenagers in Mexico at a different orphanage. His group of teens fought so much that one day he had the idea of tying them together and going on an intense hike. He later said that half the way up was rough going as they struggled to get along and be patient with the slower team members, but once they got into a rhythm, they arrived at the top a unified group.
Well, it is way too hot here for an intense hike and I am too lazy, so instead, we met this morning and had a Bible study/discussion about our recent problems and then they lined up. I tied them together at the waist and explained what we were going to do. I told them to wait quietly as I ran to gather my things. When I came back into the dorm they all had their heads bowed in prayer. It was one of those "goosebump moments."
The rules:
-We were walking to the river.
-I was going along, but just to make sure they didn't kill anyone, not to give instructions.
-If the cord broke, we had to start over.
-Any one of the group members could call a meeting and the decision at hand had to be voted on, with each girl having an equal say.
Finally after our fourth try to leave the dorm they made it with all their cord intact and we started for the river.
None too impressed with the idea, the girls start out, trying different theories. "Maybe holding hands will help us not break the cord!"
The "inmates" traipse through the woods.
Working together to open the fence.
The girls discussed path options at a "meeting." I finally pulled Blanca's privilege to call a meeting as we were getting absolutely nowhere.
A smiling group. The girls hit a certain point when they actually started to work together as one unit and have a good time.
After a few hours I cut the ropes as they begged for a bathroom break. They came back together and asked if they could try lunch tied together. "hmm...sure."
I decided it is a good thing that my Mom and Dad didn't have this rule when I was young or I would have spent probably 95% of my childhood tied to Kristen or Chad.
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
Proverbs 27:17
11 comments:
Ames,
What a great lesson! It was encouraging to watch them learn to work together (and by the end they were getting pretty good at it and accepting too!). ..Even when Yaneli had to go to the bathroom and then on the way back remembered that she forgot to wash her hands and they all had to turn around and traisp back! :) Keep up the great work!
Praying for you (and all the mentors),
Carissa
Ames,
Oh my, we would have been miserable! I'm so glad Mom and Dad didn't think of this!
Love ya,
Kris
once a Faskillitator, always a Faskillitator! you are still a teacher at heart! : ) maybe i'll use this in my classes next year...haha!
ouch amy
What a neat idea!!! Even Janel agreed, though only because she doesn't live in our house anymore.
Praying for you & I hope Gloria made it back!
Jill
Amy,
What a great teaching exercise! I will have to think of that next time I disagree with someone!:)
If you aren't writing a book about your experiences..you should be. I would have hated to miss out on this one! twyla
Twyla,
I don't think I need a book, this blog is turning into one! ;)
Amy,
I was showing this post to Art last night and we decided you have the ticket for world peace! Wouldn't that be awesome if our family, church, brethern, & world conflicts could use this method!
I think it would work. I am kind of excited about this!
You are all in our prayers today!! twyla & art
This exercise truly proves your genius! I always suspected you was the smart one, now we knows it for sure! GOD BLESS
Hi Ames,
You will probably never again accuse us of being too tough on you growing up, will you? You never cease to amaze me with your creativity gifts! Actually, I just wanted to comment to put your comment level over 10!
I love you,
Mom
Post a Comment