Your "Real World" Interaction

[azskyman]

Ticka's thread on internet additiction shows both folly and truth about our connection to our keyboards. Still, many of us are involved with activities ranging from church to Habitat for Humanity in our "real face-to-face" world.

Curious what activities outside work or school some of you might be, or have been, involved in...even if only from "a distance."

For example, since arriving in Phoenix in 1997, I have been trained in and been involved as a Wish Granter for the region's Make-A-Wish Foundation. I have also served as a tutor at a nearby learning center that assists mostly kids with ADD, ADHD, and Aspergers. On the weather scene, I've been part of the local Skywarn program, too.

No contribution, however insignificant it may seem to you, is trivial in today's world.

Whether still active or not, why not share some snapshots of your world.

[vbhoutex]

Mine is mostly church related. We have been on several missions to different areas to rebuild after floods have devastated peoples llives and possessions. We are heading to West Virginia this summer. It is quite fulfilling, especially when you realize that these people often had no hope till your mission arrived and started the process of getting them back on their feet.

I tend to have a "connection" with teens and have had some come back to me with thank you's for the time I spent either listening to, counseling, or teaching them in sunday school. To this day I still have some parents that come to me and ask me to give their "wayward" children a call and touch base with them to find out how they "really" are doing. All of this is an outgrowth of my working for the Lord.

[furluvcats]

Windows of my world:

Until I started teaching the kids at home this year, I was always a volunteer at whatever school they attended, starting when they were in pre-k, many moons ago. I'm an advocate of "Read, Read, Read"! My son has struggled with reading his whole life, and I found my niche at schools, reading to classes and/or individual students. So many children struggle with reading, and just get left behind...Thats my soap box! lol

When I lived in Daytona, I was heavily involved with Christian Women's Club. What an awesome group of ladies. I haven't followed up since in Shreveport, to find out where the local club meets.

We travel to foreign places, and love to interact with the children wherever we go.

No horns to toot here, just an average person with a fondness for seeing children suceed.

[ColdFront77]

I don't have much to add to this topic (thread).

Steve, I am glad you have interaction with people with Asperger's Syndrome.

[streetsoldier]

Non-existant for the past 3 1/2 years. I used to go to Lodge twice a month, Chapter/Council and Commandery once a month, and taught school by day...eating out once or twice a month, and going out for quick shopping trips was commonplace.

I spent a lot of time out with "firehead"; Legion Hall after school, took him to the Shrine Club a couple of times, often just out to "window shop"...anything to share time with him.

[Amanzi]

My son takes up a lot of my time. I am teaching him to read and write at the moment. I attend church on Sundays, and take my boy out when I can. We live in a pretty rural area and it is quite a drive for me to take him to the park or beach. Saturday nights we normally have friends over. I am not very social and never have been. Dont flit around town, I keep very much to myself. I can stand up and give a speech in front of hundreds of people (I did theatre for years) Just not good at small talk

[pojo]

PoppySky hit one on the head....Habitat for Humanity. Habitat takes up a lot of my time, whether at meetings, on trips or just building a local house...its time consuming, but worth every minute. You not only build muscles, but you also build character.

As for my other job. I have been a swim lesson instructor for 5 years at the Neenah-Menasha YMCA and about 6 months at Broadview Center (Green Bay YMCA) and have watched children grow into swim team extrordinaires! One little correction on a stroke technique can do amazing things! I've taught all levels from Parent and Child to swim team. Until last summer I was extremely hesitant about teaching Parent and Child lessons, but now, that aren't that scary. Its that 'parental' feeling that pulls many excellent teachers away. I know, I was one of them! Not anymore.

[wx247]

I am a member of the National Forensic League, college takes up a lot of time, I am in a bluegrass band so in the summer I am on the road some, I also am involved with church, and I also participate in Relay for Life.

[weatherwunder]

I am also involved in the Chapter/Council/Commandery and Lodge. I am on the advisory council for a girls organization.

Also involved with Neighboorhood watch, and the Neighboorhood Organization in my area.


Jeff

[Guest]

I am involved with the Girl Scouts - have a troop of 18 girls. My hubby and me like to attend drag-racing at the local dragstrip - meet up with people who have some of the same interests. Also, involved in my church - with CCE and as Eurchristic Minister. Plus I work a full time job and I'm a full time stepmother!

Patricia

[streetsoldier]

weatherwunder,

It is good to see a fellow Companion Sir Knight Templar in here! Had you not posted, I'd have had no idea...but, as previously mentioned, I haven't been able to attend any functions in almost 4 years now.

[azskyman]

How significant all of these things are!!!!

Perhaps none more important than looking into the eyes of your son, Bronwyn, and realizing your role is shaping a life in ways that no other can.

[azsnowman]

As most of you know, we do search and rescue with 2 of our 4 dogs. This is strictly volunteer, we use to be with the Navajo County Sheriffs Dept, too many politics (imagine that!) we are now sworn deputies with the White Mountain Apache Police in Whiteriver. Since becoming a memeber of the WMAP, we've been on 3 searches already, all live finds AMEN! With NCSO we went on 2 searches in 3 years!

Dennis

[Arizwx]

In the 80s I started a Homeless Shelter network for Moms in Oakland,CA.
It changed from the Cots in an Armory when the temp dipped below 39F to Motel Vouchers at ANY time of the yr,and made sure that donations of Diapers and Food were also supplied.State agencies adopted part of the plan,which I believe is still in place.It all began,just before Christmas of 1988 as I was walking to the HiRise office garage on a Chilly Fri eve..a Preganant women,with a child in a beat up stroller,kindly asked for some assistance across the street.I began to ask her questions,and ended up getting her some food,daipers and a Motel room for the weekend.I followed up at the Oakland Mayor's Office and for months faxed and had petitions signed to demand change for thier safety and dignity.
I also began to run coffee and blankets to the usual homeless office blg doorsteps at 3am in Oakland,some 15 miles from my home.I even brought cream and sugar!..drove around the city for 2 hrs..and continued on to work once a week.After the Oct 89 E-Quake,I worked harder at filling boxes of clothing and toys for Children.It culminated in a Toy Drive sponsored by myself,and my Office staff,the Companies of the office Blg I worked in.One Kaiser Plaza..30 stories of Corp big boys donating NEW toys.We threw a Christmas Party in the Lobby of the Office Bldg,Mayor in attendance,with over 100 at-risk children from the poor Oakland "Flats" district,hard hit by the Quake,and ignored by the Media.CJ and I sponsored a Family and 2 children,one who had Leukemia.We along with Joe Montana's Foundation were able to get her into Oakland's"Children's Hospital",where 9yr old Lucy recieved excellent care.She sadly sucummed to the horrible disease,yet her Mother corresponded with us until recently with Christmas Cards with copies of Lucy's Picture of Lucy,Me and CJ on the inside cover that lovely 1989 Evening.
Since moving to AZ, in 93,I became Chairman of the Catalina Council,Cub/Boy Scouts..Cub Leader for all 3 of my sons thru
'Arrow of Light' cermonies..coached all 3 in Little League Baseball and AYSO and Club Soccer.
CJ was in Spec ED for 6 yrs and we attended many functions to keep the 'Rillito Center" for Special Needs Children open,despite budget cuts.
John McCain's wife was also,most helpful and is still active in AZ's Special Needs Kids Foundations.CJ is a First Grade teacher now,and teaches 'Sign' during Vacation periods to Parents of hearing impaired children,free of charge.
I was also active with the Pasqua Yaqui-Tohono San Xavier del Bac Missionary work with Native Americans needing advocacy in the Tucson Metro Area.
All of that is now behind me,finished.I was married to a wonderful woman and am grateful.I am no longer active in any of these groups.I look forward simply to spending a few precious hours with my 3Boys as Visitation Time permits.How things change...I am grateful though.

[weatherwunder]

streetsoldier,

It is great to have a fellow companion here. Had I not read the entire thread, I would have never known either.

My dad will be Grand Commander in Nebraska next year. He has already been Grand High Priest, and will be Grand Illustrious Master in a few years too.