Week three on the job! This week is VBS so the mornings have been quite active with 200 kids running around learning about Jesus. It's pretty exciting. Also exciting is that I've been wearing the same shirt each day this week for VBS. Don't worry, I'm washing it now.
I've gotten so good at watching planes. I know the exact point in my drive where they turn around to enter in the landing line. I know the exact point where they put their landing gear down. I get nervous when they don't put it down at the normal spot! I pass just feet under landing planes on the highway. I watch them take off when I'm at the south end of the airport. And I watch all of this in reverse on my drive home. I could seriously watch planes all day.
I've gotten more interesting comments about my name this week. Yesterday someone addressed an e-mail to me as "Dear Mr. Scheuch." I've gotten that before, but never has that person called me and immediately go "oh wow, I thought you were a man. I'm sorry!" Another lady asked me if my last name was German. I said yes and she asked me when I moved here...
Next Sunday through Friday I'm going on Catholic Heart Work Camp with 6 teens and 2 other adults to Oklahoma City. I went on CHWC in 2005 and it was my first mission trip experience! I'm excited to return with my own youth group!
I decided I'm going to model my youth group's service activities after the Corporal Works of Mercy for this upcoming year. I started working out the calendar and getting ideas and I'm super excited about it!
One of my co-workers the other day was talking about the vision of faith formation at our church and she said "spirituality is when life and faith collide." I really liked that.
Reflection: I'm realizing more and more that being a youth minister requires the perfect balance of assertiveness and humility. I'm still working out exactly how to make those qualities work for me. But those are two words that keep coming to mind when I pray about it. Assertiveness and Humility.
Lesson Learned: The best Catholic churches will always have free food. Always.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Quinces and Quints
Finished my second week of work! I did more paperwork things and computer organizing this week.
On Wednesday Justin's Mom's cousin stopped by on her way from St. Louis to San Antonio. She brought her 5 two year olds- Quintuplets!! They were adorable and they all looked different. By the time I got home from work they were starting to tire out so they weren't as crazy. But they ran around the house for a few hours!
Today I went to a training session for Quinceañeras. There are 1-2 a year at my church and they fall under my domain! I was excited to learn about them and I think it will be fun to meet with the girl making hers in November.
The commute is still as annoying as ever. If anyone wants to send me a CD or call me between 5 and 6pm Central (6-7pm Eastern) that would be awesome.
I feel bad I won't be home for Father's Day tomorrow but I want to give a big shout-out to Papa Scheuch! Happy Father's day to dads everywhere. And don't forget to thank Our Father (who art in Heaven) for being so awesome.
Reflection: During the Quince Años training class the instructor asked us what our favorite Marian Apparition was. I normally would say Our Lady of La Vang, when Mary appeared to a Catholic Community in Vietnam (everyone knows how much I love Asians.) But for some reason I blurted out Our Lady of La Leche- the image of Mary breastfeeding Jesus. I'm not really sure where that came from, maybe babies were still on my mind from the Quints! I definitely still love the Asian image of Our Mother, but I also think it's weird to have a 'favorite' apparition.
On Wednesday Justin's Mom's cousin stopped by on her way from St. Louis to San Antonio. She brought her 5 two year olds- Quintuplets!! They were adorable and they all looked different. By the time I got home from work they were starting to tire out so they weren't as crazy. But they ran around the house for a few hours!
Today I went to a training session for Quinceañeras. There are 1-2 a year at my church and they fall under my domain! I was excited to learn about them and I think it will be fun to meet with the girl making hers in November.
The commute is still as annoying as ever. If anyone wants to send me a CD or call me between 5 and 6pm Central (6-7pm Eastern) that would be awesome.
I feel bad I won't be home for Father's Day tomorrow but I want to give a big shout-out to Papa Scheuch! Happy Father's day to dads everywhere. And don't forget to thank Our Father (who art in Heaven) for being so awesome.
Reflection: During the Quince Años training class the instructor asked us what our favorite Marian Apparition was. I normally would say Our Lady of La Vang, when Mary appeared to a Catholic Community in Vietnam (everyone knows how much I love Asians.) But for some reason I blurted out Our Lady of La Leche- the image of Mary breastfeeding Jesus. I'm not really sure where that came from, maybe babies were still on my mind from the Quints! I definitely still love the Asian image of Our Mother, but I also think it's weird to have a 'favorite' apparition.
Lesson Learned: Our closing prayer for the Quince class was singing a song. I'm still just as bad a singer in Spanish as I am in English. It's pretty bad.
These are the Quints with their cousins! Kind of a crazy shot from Mrs. Buschow's phone.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Debby Shoe
I finished up my first week of work! It's great being in the office and meeting teens but the drive is still annoying since it's so long!
I've obviously been meeting a lot of new people and today I made an announcement at 3 Masses introducing myself. I thought it was fitting that I went to Mass three times on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ! Both priests had amazing homilies. One was about sharing the Eucharist and what it meant to give. The visiting priest talked about how most people think the "climax" of Mass is when the priest holds the host up and it becomes the Body of Christ. However, he said the best part of Mass is when we all receive Communion and bring it out to BE the Body of Christ to all people. I thought that was amazing.
They had coffee and donuts after Mass for me to stand and meet people. It was so nice but I feel bad because I know I won't remember half of people's names. But there were some patterns to responses that I would get when introducing myself:
1. How do you say your name? What is your name? Debby Shoe? What nationality is that?
2. You're from Atlanta? You don't sound like you're from Georgia. (And most people who said that didn't "sound" like they were from Texas...)
3. We're glad you're here! Be warned, your biggest competition is going to be with the United Methodist Church. That youth minister keeps coaxing kids over to his church. (I'm sorry, since when was being Christian a competition?)
4. Are you replacing someone? Who are you replacing? (I see these are people who REALLY keep up with what's happening at the church. The previous youth minister is becoming a nun. Epic!)
And apparently when I was meeting all of these people they would say hi to me and then go and ask a co-worker who was standing nearby what I was really like and if I was doing a good job. haha The pressure is on! But I'm so excited to be at the church and seriously every person I have met has been so nice and have gone out of their way to welcome me. It has been amazing.
Reflection: Justin lives near the DFW airport. Every time I would visit planes would fly overhead and they would be a constant reminder that I was leaving and that our time together was temporary. Now the planes are a reminder that I'm not leaving. When I'm driving to work I hit most of my traffic right by the airport. I get to sit and watch planes land as they fly directly over my car with their landing gear down. It is so entertaining to watch and each time I get to remember that when I drive home from work, Justin will be there.
Lesson Learned: Carter Buschow is the most holy 9 year old I know. We had a lemonade stand and he donated all $20 that we made to the poor. Also, the other morning he stayed in his room a couple hours later than he normally sleeps in. His brother asked him why he had stayed in bed so late and he said it was because the priest said in his homily that we should all take time and think about God's Love. So that's what he did. How adorable is that?!
I've obviously been meeting a lot of new people and today I made an announcement at 3 Masses introducing myself. I thought it was fitting that I went to Mass three times on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ! Both priests had amazing homilies. One was about sharing the Eucharist and what it meant to give. The visiting priest talked about how most people think the "climax" of Mass is when the priest holds the host up and it becomes the Body of Christ. However, he said the best part of Mass is when we all receive Communion and bring it out to BE the Body of Christ to all people. I thought that was amazing.
They had coffee and donuts after Mass for me to stand and meet people. It was so nice but I feel bad because I know I won't remember half of people's names. But there were some patterns to responses that I would get when introducing myself:
1. How do you say your name? What is your name? Debby Shoe? What nationality is that?
2. You're from Atlanta? You don't sound like you're from Georgia. (And most people who said that didn't "sound" like they were from Texas...)
3. We're glad you're here! Be warned, your biggest competition is going to be with the United Methodist Church. That youth minister keeps coaxing kids over to his church. (I'm sorry, since when was being Christian a competition?)
4. Are you replacing someone? Who are you replacing? (I see these are people who REALLY keep up with what's happening at the church. The previous youth minister is becoming a nun. Epic!)
And apparently when I was meeting all of these people they would say hi to me and then go and ask a co-worker who was standing nearby what I was really like and if I was doing a good job. haha The pressure is on! But I'm so excited to be at the church and seriously every person I have met has been so nice and have gone out of their way to welcome me. It has been amazing.
Reflection: Justin lives near the DFW airport. Every time I would visit planes would fly overhead and they would be a constant reminder that I was leaving and that our time together was temporary. Now the planes are a reminder that I'm not leaving. When I'm driving to work I hit most of my traffic right by the airport. I get to sit and watch planes land as they fly directly over my car with their landing gear down. It is so entertaining to watch and each time I get to remember that when I drive home from work, Justin will be there.
Lesson Learned: Carter Buschow is the most holy 9 year old I know. We had a lemonade stand and he donated all $20 that we made to the poor. Also, the other morning he stayed in his room a couple hours later than he normally sleeps in. His brother asked him why he had stayed in bed so late and he said it was because the priest said in his homily that we should all take time and think about God's Love. So that's what he did. How adorable is that?!
The sign said "do it, it's for charity."
My nameplate!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
First days!
My first couple of days have been great! I went to Mass on Sunday and met some of the teens. I also got in front of the church and admitted to being a 49ers fan! I got a few laughs.
Yesterday was my first day of work and the whole staff went to an Asian buffet place to celebrate my first day and the anniversary of the ordinations of the two priests. I got my food and sat down with the rest of the 15 people and eventually noticed I was the only one using chopsticks. Both of the priests are Asian and Devyn Scheuch was the only one using chopsticks. Representing Johns Korea.
People keep saying that it has been humid, but it's so dry that my lips have been chapped. Texans obviously do not know anything about Georgia humidity.
Reflection: When I was meeting the teens on Sunday their faces lit up when I was introduced as the new youth minister. They were so excited to finally meet their new youth minister. It made me think about when the St. Ben's group was waiting for their new youth minister. Everyone was anxious and curious. We were so excited when someone finally got hired, even if that person didn't turn out to be the best choice. But I felt so good to be the person they were waiting for. I can't wait to work more closely with them and to get to know them more!
Lesson Learned: Tori's dance recitals last 4 hours. Next time I need to bring food.
Yesterday was my first day of work and the whole staff went to an Asian buffet place to celebrate my first day and the anniversary of the ordinations of the two priests. I got my food and sat down with the rest of the 15 people and eventually noticed I was the only one using chopsticks. Both of the priests are Asian and Devyn Scheuch was the only one using chopsticks. Representing Johns Korea.
People keep saying that it has been humid, but it's so dry that my lips have been chapped. Texans obviously do not know anything about Georgia humidity.
Reflection: When I was meeting the teens on Sunday their faces lit up when I was introduced as the new youth minister. They were so excited to finally meet their new youth minister. It made me think about when the St. Ben's group was waiting for their new youth minister. Everyone was anxious and curious. We were so excited when someone finally got hired, even if that person didn't turn out to be the best choice. But I felt so good to be the person they were waiting for. I can't wait to work more closely with them and to get to know them more!
Lesson Learned: Tori's dance recitals last 4 hours. Next time I need to bring food.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
S-U-N-N-Y S-U-M-M-E-R S-P-E-L-L-I-N-G
I've spent the last couple of days enjoying my last real feel of what Summer was like as a student. Sleeping late and doing nothing! I spent one day watching the Scripp's Spelling Bee on ESPN. That was epic and those kids are brilliant!
The school district had their last day of school on Thursday and when Mr. Buschow asked Carter (Justin's little brother) what he wanted for dinner that night he said he wanted something "Sun themed." Guessing this was because of summer we found the H- Mart and started getting creative. We were looking for Sole (the fish, since it sounded like 'sol' aka sun.) But since they didn't have any we got some other fish and a seafood medley thing. We ended up having Sunny-D, Sun Chips, Oranges and Japanese Melon (sun-colored and shaped) and some summer squash with the fish. It was quite colorful.
Walking into H-Mart definitely reminded me of Johns Creek. It's good to know there is one close by! I also bought some red bean ice cream there. That stuff is good.
I've been knitting some new things so be prepared to see some pictures up on 20 Year Old Grandma in the next few days!
Sunday I am going to the 6pm Teen Mass at Holy Spirit to meet people and to introduce myself to the church. I am so excited to start to meet the teens and their families! I am really tempted to say from the ambo that I am a 49ers fan. I mean, I should probably just get that out of the way, right?
Reflection: I have been looking forward to meeting my future youth group for so long. I've been praying for them for years. I can't believe that tomorrow I get to actually address my parish as their youth minister. It is unbelievable and I am so, so grateful that God has brought me here.
Lesson Learned: Never leave the house without sunglasses.The other day I went out without sunglasses and my eyes never adjusted, ever. I had to squint for the entire drive. Maybe because the sky is so big here? Whatever it is I need to have sunglasses permanently glued to my face.
The school district had their last day of school on Thursday and when Mr. Buschow asked Carter (Justin's little brother) what he wanted for dinner that night he said he wanted something "Sun themed." Guessing this was because of summer we found the H- Mart and started getting creative. We were looking for Sole (the fish, since it sounded like 'sol' aka sun.) But since they didn't have any we got some other fish and a seafood medley thing. We ended up having Sunny-D, Sun Chips, Oranges and Japanese Melon (sun-colored and shaped) and some summer squash with the fish. It was quite colorful.
Walking into H-Mart definitely reminded me of Johns Creek. It's good to know there is one close by! I also bought some red bean ice cream there. That stuff is good.
I've been knitting some new things so be prepared to see some pictures up on 20 Year Old Grandma in the next few days!
Sunday I am going to the 6pm Teen Mass at Holy Spirit to meet people and to introduce myself to the church. I am so excited to start to meet the teens and their families! I am really tempted to say from the ambo that I am a 49ers fan. I mean, I should probably just get that out of the way, right?
Reflection: I have been looking forward to meeting my future youth group for so long. I've been praying for them for years. I can't believe that tomorrow I get to actually address my parish as their youth minister. It is unbelievable and I am so, so grateful that God has brought me here.
Lesson Learned: Never leave the house without sunglasses.The other day I went out without sunglasses and my eyes never adjusted, ever. I had to squint for the entire drive. Maybe because the sky is so big here? Whatever it is I need to have sunglasses permanently glued to my face.
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