Not just roll butter

I think it is easy to make assumptions or place labels on different races, religious groups, etc. Whether we admit it or not each of us have our own form of prejudice. I've been guilty of it. In past, my only interaction with the Amish has been with the pretzel guy at Dutch Wagon Market or the little boy riding  in a buggy with his family in Lancaster. So we'll just say there were no deep relationships being built.
The Amish have their own culture, veer clear (some more so than others) of the material things of society and have always intrigued me.For a little over two years my parents have maintained a business relationship with a few Amish families that live within an hour of their farm. In that relatively short amount of time they have taken quite a liking to my parents and I feel quite privileged to accompany them for drop offs and pick ups of jellies and pastas.
Yesterday we stopped by the Yoder's Farm and one of the young women brought me to their local hub for vitamins, spices, bread and toiletries. It was at some point someone's home that was now a little make shift Wawa for all things Amish. I was stoked and I think the lady thought I was a bit off with how I was so into the vitamin/herbal section. Only a few pictures were snapped out of respect to the family and without having my parents black listed from their new business partners.
I'm hoping to have one or two more visits before the summer's end continuing to learn a little more each time we meet, even if there are no words exchanged. It's all about dismantling misperceptions and reshaping what people are really about through our own personal experiences.

Father's Day Madness...or just colored goodness

Sunday started a little earlier than everyone in the Patterson clan would have
liked it too, but being the committed athletes that we are the crew was up and
Philly bound at 5:15 am. Ouch. We were bound for the Color Me Rad 5k that
was to be held in Fairmont Park. The sun wasn't even making its debut until
after we arrived in Philly and even though our surroundings may have been a
tad on the sketchy side, we were ready to have our attire to from all white to all
the colors of the rainbow.

There were thousands of people, young and old, lined up all in the name of goodness.
All of the proceeds raised went directly towards the Special Olympics.
Fun+Goodness= a total win for all. Yay!
As everyone either ran their hardest, did a little power walking or skipped their way
along the course it was a whole heap of fun. What other occassion can you run through
the streets of Philly with people pelting you with colored corn starch and not have the
inclination of getting mugged or asked for money that has the strong possibility of funding
someone's addiction? Never! We ran through clouds of pink, green, purple and blue with
smiles on our faces. Woop!

It was the perfect way to spend a day loving Keith, having us all achieve target heart rate
as a family along with being immersed in super goodness with thousands of other crazy
train peeps. Bring on the goodness!!! 

Dual Diploma Goodness

 The end of the school year is always the traditional whirl wind of attempting to tie up loose ends, saying last goodbyes to graduates and the attempt to maintain composure at the elation of summer's arrival. This year was a whole new experience as Jordan not only graduated from Shawnee, but managed to receive her Associate's Degree from BCC before even receiving her high school diploma. I would say that that's a pretty impressive accomplishment.

As a new chapter awaits I know she is excited to begin her studies at the University of Rhode Island to begin their six year pharmacy program. It's amazing to think how much life lies ahead of you when your eighteen. A whole canvas waiting for the color and new experiences to be added. I am excited for her and the future that lies before her. 

My prayer is that as each of us enters each new stage in life that we will be receptive to God's direction and open to His plan's. If you were to have told me at eighteen that I would be living 3 miles away from where I grew up, working in the same district that I attended high school and married with two teenagers I more than likely would have put the label of 'crazy train' on that statement. But God is in control and the path that I had for myself at eighteen and even twenty- five was so very different than the one God intended. 

But that's the cool thing about life, it isn't meant to be predictable. As Seneca and Shawnee's Class of 2012 forge their own paths it will be interesting to see where life leads these young people. Quite often the unknown can be daunting, but my belief is that if you are open to God's leading and maintain receptive ears, a willing heart and open arms the path will bring you to your intended destination. Live, love & laugh on this beautiful day! 

It's school, not work...

It has been awhile since I've taken the opportunity to sit and pen my thoughts. I guess I've been distracted and my mindset has been a bit clouded. Funny thing is, sitting in my office on the second to last day of school I'm flooded with thoughts and emotions that have quite rapidly tweaked what was briefly misaligned.

Working with teenagers is rarely easy, but I have come the realization that it is one of the most rewarding and beautiful experiences that have enhanced my life in a million ways. At the end of the day I chatted with two of my seniors who will be graduating tomorrow who I have watched blossom into amazing young adults. They have become two exceptionally outstanding human beings that I am confident will leave imprints upon the hearts of many on their journey of life. I am in awe having been blessed to be a part and a witness to their growth, their moments of enlightenment and transition for teenager to young adult.

Life is fleeting and having opportunities to shake things up, challenge and encourage the kids I work with continually inspires me to become a better person. In my past eight years 'attending' Seneca High School I have learned some of the greatest life lessons through the words and actions of teenagers. Never underestimate someone due to their age, because that goes both ways ....life's a journey and when we close our ears and cover our eyes we do a disservice to ourselves and those around us. Live, love and press onward...because getting  caught focusing on what's behind you keeps you from reaching your destination.

Congratulations Class of 2012!!!

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