The Drive Home

Exhaustion did nothing for my drive home last night!  In fact, just through the round-a-bout, I was ready to change lanes and almost HIT a former Bible study leader of mine!  Oh, did she give me the stink-eye!  Then she realized it was me  and waved!

I sent her a text when I got home, apologizing for driving stupid after an eight-hour day on the course . . . opps!

Only at Sand Creek - on a Saturday!

It was a great start yesterday.  Our first zip was at eleven.  Tim and I took them through the course and walked back up to the hill . . . to a 75th birthday party that never made the calendar!

Bless Jenny and her crew - they were wonderful, but they needed a lot of help.  So I spent my lunch break putting harnesses and helmets on them, and then Duane and I took them zipping.  Remember, it was a 75th birthday party which mean we had a lot of ages and stages.  I became the "Uber Chick", driving one sweet lady at a time up the hill in the Bobcat. 

Our two o'clock fun included my neighbor's former junior high youth pastor.  When I heard her name, it clicked.  I looked at her and said, "I know who you are and what you do!"  Then I didn't say anything else.  It was priceless.  When I finally spilled the beans, we took a couple of selfies to send to the neighbors.  

At 3:15 p.m., we had a group of "unscheduled" people show up.  They had signed up to zip an hour before which meant they had not show up on our morning/staffing schedule.  It was tight, but Duane and I got them through, managed to do the high ropes group and arrive only seven minutes late for our 4:30 zip.

It turns out that it was mission's week at Al's church (Sand Creek is on his land) and with the four zippers, we had seven more missionaries zipping too!  Oh, we laughed and had fun, but we were beat.  We hadn't even finished lunch yet . . . 

We got back up the hill, only to discover the missionary from Paraguay had arrived late.  What do you do?  A two-zip which was the perfect compromise!

We were comatose, but everyone was happy!  

The Atlantic Ocean or the MIghty Mississippi . . .

If I'm swimming from Duluth through the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, I'm there!  In fact, I'm out there floundering in the ocean somewhere . . . If I'm swimming the Mississippi River from one end to the other, I've got 247.5 miles to go before I reach the Gulf of Mexico.  I completed 2100.5 miles on Thursday . . .

Only at Sand Creek - on a Friday!

Today, Tim and I had the superintendent of the McLeod County Schools and fourteen students on the low ropes, high ropes and zip line.  It was the first time these students had been together and it was so neat to see them arrive as strangers and leave as friends. 

Thankful Thursday!

When things throw me off, like an impaled object in the leg or a fish hook in the back, I need chocolate.  It calms me down.

After seven mice yesterday, I was so thankful to come home to a pan of freshly made chocolate chip caramel bars!  I was even more thankful to find some bars still in the fridge after two mice today!

Mouse Count.

When the kids were little, we read a book entitled, "Mouse Count".  There a snake captured mice, "one . . . two . . . three . . ." and put them in a jar.  While the snake went off to look for more mice, the mice tipped over the jar and escaped "ten . . . nine . . . eight . . ."  You have the vision.

Yesterday, I grabbed a pair of gloves and said I was going to clean out the high ropes shed.  I had seen a bunch of mouse droppings in it the day before and was rather grossed out.  Anna, Tim and I went down and opened the shed.  I started to pull out the helmets.  "One . . . two . . . three . . ."  Four I tossed out the door because inside it was this:

   

If that wasn't bad enough, one more mouse ran through while I was sweeping!

To top it all off, when I opened the Welcome Center this morning, two traps had mice.   

I'm done with MOUSE COUNT.

Only at Sand Creek . . . on a Thursday!

It was a short day at Sand Creek with only two zip groups and some free time in between (more on that in a bit!).  Our first group was a father-daughter team who were enthralled with the beauty of Sand Creek.  Our second group had been rained out in July and gave it a second go yesterday.  There were fourteen co-workers who had a glorious time on every zip THIS time! 

Deck Manager or . . .

Sometimes at the Y, I wonder what my actual job is . . . My job title is "Deck Manager", meaning that my job is to ensure students are in the right level for lessons, staff are teaching what they are supposed to be teaching and lifeguards are scanning, among other things.

Wednesday night found me actively listening and providing counsel to the mother of a kindergardener with a receptive language disorder.  Both Micah and Matt have that, with Micah's being a bit more severe.  In me, this mother found someone who understood and had lived through it.  For an hour we shared struggles, ideas and possibilities.  It was good.  It was God.

Only at Sand Creek - on a Tuesday!

It was a great day at Sand Creek with eighteen managers from some local McDonald's!  They wanted to work on negative talk on the low ropes, so Tim and I called them on it every chance we had!  To the comment, "But we all know each other and we know we're just teasing", we replied, "But we don't know you . . ."  They got it.  They realized that others hearing what we heard would hear what we heard and it wasn't nice.  Like I said, another great day at Sand Creek!

The Gala.

. . . In the beginning, truly, I supported Curt Rhodes, founder of Questscope, before Questscope was even founded.  When Sam and I married, our support continued.  Last night, we celebrated thirty years of Questscope downtown.  It was a lovely evening, connecting with old friends and making new, delicious food and amazing desserts.  Questscope's motto is simple, "Putting the last, first".  They work in the Middle East in amazing, heartbreaking situations.   

We chuckled when Curt commented that some there had supported Curt longer than Questscope - looking directly at us!

We did not chuckle when we tried to find our way home.  The third time we detoured by the StarTribune offices, we asked an officer for help!  

Not at Sand Creek!

We're not at Sand Creek tomorrow with eighty Girl Scouts because there's a chance of rain.  They cancelled.  I honestly haven't watched the weather so I really don't know how big the chance is but I had to laugh when I googled "Girl Scouts" and found out . . .

From the backyard to the back country, Girl Scouts has a long and storied history of getting every girl outdoors. In fact, many Girl Scouts tell us “camping trips” are one of the best things about their Girl Scout experience. It’s true: connecting with the great outdoors in a girl-led setting is a big benefit of belonging to Girl Scouts.

Studies show that girls today are not spending nearly enough time outdoors. Technology and structured activities leave less time for girls to get outside and enjoy nature. But as a Girl Scout, she’ll have plenty of opportunities to create her own outdoor adventures and develop a lifelong appreciation for nature and the out-of-doors—whether with her troop, at camp, or with friends and family.

And that’s great news—because when Girl Scouts get outside, they:

• Discover that they can better solve problems and overcome challenges
• Develop leadership skills, build social bonds, and are happier overall
• Become team players and care more about protecting our environment

When girls spend quality time outdoors and increase their exposure to nature, they thrive physically, emotionally, and intellectually.

But not at Sand Creek and not tomorrow . . . 

You know it's a bad day . . .

When you arrive to work at a swimming pool and your swim suit is still at home!

Thankful Thursday!

Today, I am thankful I can be THERE . . .

. . . There for A. who put down her dog of ten years today, Tucker.  Thankful that I can understand when she says her dad (who is from Sierra Leone) says it's just a dog and it doesn't matter when we both know it DOES.

. . .  There for D. who's friend's funeral was today.  The friend was a murder/suicide victim.  I don't understand the "why's", but I can hug the one who is HERE.  

. . . There for K. who just got diagnosed with leukemia.  You know, the mother of four who's children's ages range from one to seven, who's husband travels for work, who's third daughter is battling juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.  I have no platitudes to say, but I can be THERE . . .

Thankful Thursday!

I've been writing "Thankful Thursday"s for a very long time.  Do you ever wonder what I'm going to say?  Because today's is truly a first . . .

I am so absolutely THANKFUL that no one drowned on my time today at the Y!  I can't even make this up.  Claire was the first one to go down.  She stepped of the step we have the children stand on and went under.  Fortunately, she was tall enough that a few coughs and she was fine. 

Maxwell, however, was so excited for his very first day of swimming lessons that he forgot to hang on the wall and he forgot to stay on the step.  He went down not once, but twice- at different times!  I hear his mom stopped by the front desk after lessons and said how happy she was with his swimming instructor!  Really?

Mark only went off the step once.  I told him that he had done a remarkable "bob" as he coughed up a bit of water.  His mom is a doctor.  She's cool. 

I think, while I'm quite thankful that this Thursday ended well, next Thursday I may look into velcro or super glue for these students . . .  

The FINAL PT Report

I met with Laura yesterday for my final PT session.  It was filled with encouraging news, good news, and challenging news.  I, according to her, am doing great!  Better than most!  However, I'm not "perfect".  We had to work together to get my leg to flatten to 0º, but we did it.  It took a bit of time, but Melon Knee managed to bend to 120º.  All good . . .

Laura also said that over the next ten months or so, my knee will swell, hurt, and do spectacularly - in what ever order it decides.  But I'm to not loose heart.  I'm to keep doing my exercises.  If I lose my step-down wobble, I can stop doing exercises.  That could be in two weeks, two months or ten.

The sweetest thing she said was, "Let me get you my card.  You can send me an e-mail at any time.  I'm here to help."  

Good-bye to . . .

Saturday was Micah's last day at Applebee's.  She wasn't happy with some things happening at the store and asked us if she could resign.  She talked with her manager at Cub and he was willing to give her more hours, so we gave her our blessing.  

She wanted to go out in a "storm", letting them know EVERYTHING that was wrong!  I encouraged her to show grace.  Choosing to leave with grace, her manager's gave her a "farewell" meal before she left Saturday as well as these words, "If you ever want to come back, know you're hired."

Salematu

It all started with a toothache when Salematu was 24. As a first-year nursing student, she knew she should go to the dentist, but she was struggling. She had just lost her husband unexpectedly, leaving her with two young daughters. Money was low, and medical costs were high. But the pain in her mouth grew worse. Eventually, waiting was no longer an option. After examination, the doctor’s news was not good — she was told it was a tumour that was growing slowly but steadily.

Over the next two years, she watched helplessly as it took over her face, pressing into her mouth and making it more difficult to speak or swallow. It twisted her nose. It began to creep closer to her left eye, threatening her vision.

All the while, Salematu was told the same thing by doctors: there was nothing they could do. They did not have the medical capacity to help her. Over time, she was forced to abandon her dream of finishing nursing school. What use was it to continue studying if her tumour kept her from working?

Tired of the looks and comments from strangers in the street, she stopped going out. She became relegated to her home, spending most of her time with her two young daughters. She was ashamed to be seen, embarrassed to let even her daughters witness her changing face.

Kiwi nurse Shali Clemant (left) helps care for Salematu post-surgery

‘I FELT HELPLESS.’

The first glimmer of hope came the day her uncle called her with news from the port city of Conakry — a hospital ship was arriving to perform free surgeries! Her heart was filled with happiness at the hope of release from the tumour. Salematu got on a bus and made the journey to the capital city alone, leaving her daughters behind with their grandmother.

It was hard to say goodbye not knowing how long it might be until she saw them again, especially without a way to keep in contact. But she knew that this surgery would not only save her life — it would save her daughters from growing up as orphans.

The day she walked up the gangway to receive her operation, Salematu said she felt joy down to her bones.

The next two weeks in the hospital were a blur. After her successful surgery, she bonded with the nurses who gave her round-the-clock care. “The nurses are my favourite,” Salematu said. “They are so kind to me. They have all become my friends.” After a few days, she was able to look into the mirror and see her new face for the first time after surgery.

“I feel beautiful. I feel good. I feel hopeful,” Salematu marvelled.

A HOPEFUL FUTURE FOR HER CHILDREN

During her stay on the Africa Mercy, Salematu couldn’t stop thinking about the moment she would be reunited with her daughters when they would finally see her without the tumour that had hindered her smile for two long years. Without a way to send them photos, she knew the transformation would be overwhelming.

After a few days, she was able to look into the mirror and see her new face for the first time after surgery.

“I feel beautiful. I feel good. I feel hopeful,” she marvelled.

During her stay on the Africa Mercy, Salematu couldn’t stop thinking about the moment she would be reunited with her daughters, when they would finally see her without the tumour that had hindered her smile for two long years. Without a way to send them photos, she knew the transformation would be overwhelming.

“They will see me soon, and they will not believe it,” Salematu smiled. “They will be so happy!”

The day she was told she could return home, Salematu said she felt like dancing! She was so excited to finally hold her daughters close, and to return to pursuing her dreams of finishing nursing school, with the hope of one-day pouring love and care into others.

These plans for a life that once felt powerless now felt full of limitless possibility. Salematu’s miracle changed her life, and she couldn’t wait to share her joy with the world.

Only at Sand Creek - on a Sunday!

When you work with a bunch of believers, you find out everyone prayed before work today - either that the rain would stop or that the group would cancel!  

The rain stopped and we had forty-some girls from the Southwest High School Girls Soccer Team in Minneapolis on the course.  Tim and I got to do the low ropes and had a blast.  Then we did zip lines while our co-hearts were down in the high ropes.  It was a great day working with a great team and some very fun girls!

Only at Sand Creek - on a Saturday!

This one was for the record books!  Seriously!  The whole day went fine until the 3:15 p.m. high ropes course.  Then it got a whole lot better!

Imagine . . . We had four fifth grade girls from Apple Valley there to celebrate a birthday.  Add to them, six ladies from a bridal party.  It could have been a disaster.  Instead, it was the best time ever!

We sent the four girls up first as they had requested to do the giant swing if there was time.  They successfully made it through, then decided they wanted to cheer on the bridal party rather than swing.  They learned everyone's name and shouted encouragements throughout the course.  

Now the only way to get off the high ropes course is to zip down.  As each bridal party member zipped down, two fifth grade girls stood on each side of the "runway" and did a cheer.  There was "Amazing Grace" which was sung.  There were dances.  There was the chant for the bride - "A-L-L-I-E".  We were all laughing and smiling.  

Then the owner invited everyone to do the giant swing at no extra charge.  See, we were all having fun!  We had bridesmaids and fifth graders side by side pulling people up.  

At the end, they wanted group pictures.  Now, I doubt the fifth graders will be invited to the wedding, but word is out the bridesmaids are going to do the "ALLIE" cheer when she walks in to the dance.  After all, they video-taped it!

Smile on His Face . . .

I may have left M. Dub with a smile on my face today, but Sam came home with quite the grin on his!  At 4:08 p.m. this afternoon, they found out that they would be having three full-time fifth grades this year.

For the past four days, they've had 2.5 - Sam and Cheri are full-time with Susie just in the mornings.  Sam is thrilled.  He'll be going from 31 students each afternoon down to 21 students a day (his morning number).  The even better news is that Cheri and Susie each only have 18 students in the morning, so the next six new students will NOT being going to Sam . . . no wonder he's smiling!

The Fifth Graders at M. Dub

Sam and Cheri had asked me if I would be willing to come in to school today (M. W. Savage) to do team building with them and their fifth graders.  Never one to pass up such a fun opportunity, I arrived at 1:40 p.m. per Sam's request.

Sam and Cheri divided their kids up in to four groups.  Add in the ESL teacher, and we had four leaders.  Every 10-15 minutes or so, the kids rotated clockwise and we all had an excellent day outside!

I led my groups through a combination of "Shark Attack" and "Mergers".  Three out of the four groups nailed it - two of the groups being from Sam's class.  It was great! 

I left with a smile on my face . . . 

Thankful Thursday!

It is amazing the things you can be thankful for on an ordinary Thursday!  Things like going to bed at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday night after two nights with little to no sleep compliments of Melon Knee.  Then to actually put in more hours of sleep more than not, having to ice Melon Knee only once during the night.  But even better would be the first swim in exactly two months.  I was hoping for ten laps, striving for a half a mile, and desiring to be right knee's first swim of twenty laps!  Thankfully, Melon Knee was up for a swim and went 3/4 of a mile or twenty-seven laps.  Way to go, girl!  Thankful.  She finally did something better than right knee.

Chocolate Consumption Inducing PT Report

I'm sure you've guessed by now that I got good news and I got bad news at PT today.

The good news?  Bionic knee went flat!  Party on!

The bad news?  That same knee would only bend to 114º, three degrees LESS than last week. 

Why?  We have no idea.  It could have been my insanely busy day - from walking the dog to Sand Creek to CPR.  It can't be that I haven't been doing my exercises.  

So we're going to change my exercise regimen and see if that makes a difference.  

Our goal:  Flat and 120º by next Wednesday.  Press on . . .

Certified!

Not "certifiable" - certified!  

This afternoon, on my seven-week-old bionic knee, I became re-certified in CPR for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid and Emergency Oxygen Administration.  You have to love the supervisor who put said knee on a large floatie with a kick board on top of that, a pad on top of the kick board, and two towels! 

It still hurt, but I passed and that's all that matters!

Only at Sand Creek!

Today we had the educators from Como Zoo on the high ropes course and on the zip line.  They were great!  Their job is to educate in their (Como) classrooms or by traveling to school classrooms and weddings and other fine things.  I almost asked for a job there until I learned that staff got to handle giant cockroaches and snakes and NO THANK YOU! 

Only at Sand Creek . . . on the weekend!

Saturday was a most interesting day at Sand Creek.  As always, the clients were just fun!  The struggle was with the co-workers.  You are an adult.  You can get to work on time.  You are an adult.  You can make a lunch rather than leaving the course for an hour and a half to buy one.  (We have half hour lunch breaks if you're curious!)  You have worked here for five months.  You do not need me to tell you what to do every step of the day.  

I talked to the course manager about said co-worker today and she agrees with me.  Unfortunately, we are currently short-staffed and she is willing to put up with it for now.  

Define "adult"?  Someone over THIRTY!!!

Fortunately, Sunday was a hoot and a half!  It all started with Ethan taking off his hat:

Loved that cut!  Loved the people!  Great day!