following under leadership Oct 27

Throughout my time in the Kaleo program I have seen countless actions of leadership. Fortunately almost all of these examples are positive, however that doesn’t mean that they are easy to follow. It all depends on the scenario you are in and if you are willing to succumb to taking directions. The first thing that came to mind was our OT video project. This is an example of really good leadership; three students were designated as directors thus having control over the project. They all were all experienced in this field and had a passion for it. However due to everybody having their own idea of what they wanted the movie to look like and a time crunch at the end we were not all able to get exactly what we wanted. The directors had the final say in how each scene would be filmed and if any parts had to be cut out. This was at times was hard to follow because I felt like some parts could have gone better if we did them a different way but I am so thankful that the directors were who they were and did what they did because in the end it turned out to be a fantastic production!

A really good example of leadership which I believe all the students experienced was on our S.A.L.T.S trip. It was so easy to follow under the experienced crew of the ship and there are a few reasons why. One is because we had no idea what we were doing but were all willing to learn so at every opportunity we had to try something new there were people all over it wanting to listen to the directions of the crew. Another reason is how the crew lead, they didn’t boss us around or demand anything, they came down to our level and taught according to our skills. Most importantly they took the time to get to know us personally and build a real relationship. That is major importance to have when there is group working under you. I was thoroughly impressed of the leadership abilities the crew expressed.

One last example is from our worship team. I love being on the worship team but since we are still a new group and figuring out what works best for us, it can cause a bit of conflict. I would not have picked a different leader for our group; he is very talented and has a great taste of music. The problem here is that so many of the members, including myself, have played on worship teams before and we intrude on our leader’s position trying to make it our own. Often instead of listening to what our leader is suggesting we give a counter suggestion of what we want. This at times can be good but first we need to be able to work together as a team in our respected positions, once we have that established then we can start expressing personal opinions. A good example that I have seen come out of this are people stepping up into leadership. When conflict rises there are certain people that step in and become the “peace makers” trying to find a compromise to make everyone happy, it’s really easy to follow these people because they are obviously showing a concern for the group and attempting to do what is best for everyone.

Connecting with my church Oct 10

Now that I have been attending Warmland church for a month I feel a lot more connected than I did on that first sunday I showed up. Don't get me wrong, im not saying that the church wasn't accepting,  they are a very welcoming church, it just takes time to make it your home. I did have to take initiative on getting to know the other members. Unfortunatley this does'nt exactly come naturally to me so it was, and still is, a stretch for me. I found that I am able to get connected to the guys on the worship team because I know of a common interest between us to get conversation going, also I help with putting chairs away and my work hasnt gone unnoticed and relationships have been building up with the guys who usually take on that task.

Im getting more and more invovled with youth. Connections with the youth have been coming along really well, especially since road tour. Road tour is a big event that connects all the local youth groups in one big and fun worship night. Considering this was only my second event with the group I was able to make a solid connection. During this event I did try really hard to spend my time with my group and show them I was there to be with them not my other friends. Even though I was the "new guy" (actually one of three new leaders) I felt like they accepted me into their friend group. I first noticed this during a game that was played and each youth group had to designate one leader to particpate, I was the chosen one! When it came time for the bus ride home, I walk towards the bus and even before I get on there are kids yelling at me saying they had saved a seat for me. My intentions had paid off and my relationship witht the group is off to a great strart. I do wish there were more boys...it was a long bus ride with mostly 12 year old girls. Fortunatley last week we split off into small groups for a little while and I could get to know the few guys there a little better. A new friendship has also come out of my participation with the youth, Theres another guy working with the youth thats my age and we have been able to hit it off. I'm thankful to have a friend in the church thats outside of my school group. The main youth leaders do a great job about being intentional with us by having us over for lunch every sunday for fellowship and to discuss youth buisness.

The relationship with the pastor of Warmland is also going well. I will make a point of having a breif conversation with him every sunday but he was been doing more initiating than I have. Two weeks ago he had invited myself and the two other students (Evan and Rachel) for lunch after church. We all enjoyed the afternoon getting to know him on a personal level along with the rest of his family and another couple from the church.

I have an easy connection with the worship leader, Russ Smith. He just so happens to be my "link" (leader who watches out/prays for me) at camp Qwanoes. We get to see eachother all over the place, in fact we are meeting for coffee this friday morning, I think he will really be able to help me grow, especially with music.

I'm excited and very thankful for these connections that have been made. I know all these relationships are still at the beginning stages but I feel it's a really strong start and they will go a long way in the 7 months that I have left here.