Anyone who's spent anytime with me knows that I've been involved in our church's youth program for a while. I was baptized in September 2001. About 2 weeks after I joined the church, I was asked to be the Secretary for the Young Women's organization (girls 12-18) in our ward (congregation). In the LDS church, we have no paid clergy. Thus, each active member is given a calling, or position, within the ward to help things run smoothly. I've been in the program ever since. I've lived in a number of wards (they are divided up by location) and in each ward, been asked to be in YW. That's 8 years I've been involved with this group.
Young Women's, in my humble opinion, is the rockinist group in all of the church. The girls are fun. The activities are fun. We laugh and giggle. We feel the Spirit. Seeing the girls of the church gives me hope for the future.
Every week we have an activity. That's 52 activities a year. As a YW leader, it's my job (there are 3 of us in each "presidency" or group of leaders) along with my presidency members, to come up with the activities and help the girls carry them out. In addition, we have dances to chaperone, Youth Conference to attend, Girls' Camp, special conferences, and Temple trips. Needless to say, they keep the youth busy with good things. And, they keep us leaders busy too.
One of the major programs within the YW organization is Personal Progress. It's akin to the scouting programs the boys participate in. The girls have to complete 42 small projects and seven 10 hour projects while they are in the YW program. The projects fall under themes such as Faith, Divine Nature, Integrity, Virtue and Knowledge. The purpose of the program is to bring the YW unto Christ. When you have done all of these things, you earn a medallion and the honor of knowing you worked your tail and did something great.
A leader may earn her Personal Progress (PP) after she has served for one year. We are encouraged to earn our PP along with the girls. Because I didn't grow up in the church, I never did get to do PP as a youth. So, why not?
PP is one of those things that is easy to overlook when you're busy trying to do all of the things us living folks must do. My little booklet sat in my scripture bag. And sat. And sat. Every 6 months or so, I would think "crap!" and pull it out. I'd set some goals and work on it. Slowly, but surely I checked off one task after the other. Then, I had my kids. Personal Progress? Forgetta 'bout it!
However, this last year, I renewed my commitment to complete this program. For gosh's sakes, I've been in the program for 8 years. That's 2 years longer than the girls. What kind of leader can't get this done in 8 years? Not this leader. Plus, I knew my time with YW would end eventually. I didn't want to walk away knowing I'd squandered the chance I'd been given.
Last week, I checked off the last 2 of my PP requirements. I did it. I actually finished something I started. And, coincidentally, I was released the same week. I can walk away with my head held high knowing I did what I asked my girls to do. I put in the same time. I developed my testimony. I recorded my life. I created good habits. I'm so dang proud that I didn't let this fall through the cracks. I love the YW organization. I love the girls. I've learned how to be a strong LDS woman because of their example and the example of the other women I've worked with along the way. The PP program has only enhanced my experience.
I'm so grateful to have had the chance to serve in this capacity. I would not be who I am today without these experiences. I know I'll be a better mom to my teenagers because of my involvement. When they are working on their own PP, maybe my example will help them to keep on keepin' on and get 'er done. It's kind of hard to believe that 8 years have gone by so quickly. While I was ready for a change, I
will miss being involved with the youth of the church. I hope the girls I've worked with will look back one day and feel the fond feelings I do for the time we spent together.
Our little cheerleader, Addie.
Bun in the Oven, Cheerleader, Baker and Snow White.
Cayle and Lexi
Spider leg ring toss
The Baker and his girls.
This year, we wondered if Lexi would dig in and help with the carving process. At this point, things are looking hopeful.
Um, not lookin' so hopeful here.
Allen tries asking her to help him out. Notice the fear. The poor thing is near tears at this point.
Wait! Is she going to go for it?!?
Nope, no go. Things just went down hill from here.
Yuck! It's too sticky!
I QUIT!
Ok, fine. I'll watch.
During the pumpkin drama, I made some caramel apples.
Hmmm. Not much apple and a whole lotta caramel eatin' is what I think happened here.
Even with the rough patches, we managed to walk away with a few decent jack-o-lanterns.
She's been very excited to wear her Snow White costume to school.
Musical pumpkins
Count the clothespin game
Here's the fishing for candy game. You might be able to tell from the mommy helper's expression that Lexi was a little over zealous here. She would give the "fish" about 2 seconds to give her some candy and jerk that pole back so hard that candy would go flying and hit another kid in the head.
Of course, it was her favorite game.
Listening to the Halloween story.
This is a little cow train they have for the smaller kids.
A small maze for the youngsters. Lexi cheated her way through the entire thing and in the process convinced a number of other innocent children to join in her devious ways.
Tractor tires make for great climbing and hiding.
Addie enjoyed the petting zoo.
Pumpkin sling shots.
This was a corn box. Rather than sand for the kids to dig in, they had filled it with corn.
Just in case you weren't sure where sheep go to church.
On the way to the pumpkin patch.
Addie picked hers pretty quickly.
The weather was chilly and windy for most of the day, but it was a great time. Lexi had a blast and the place was so kid friendly, she could easily do everything by herself. We will definitely be going again next year.
What? That much work would have made anybody hungry.
