4-H News

Anna Burgess

The past few weeks have been rather chaotic. I apologize for the lack of 4-H Updates. Week before last, I was at trainings and last week I was gone to Honduras on a mission trip. I had a wonderful time at both, especially the latter! It was amazing. We don't realize just how good we have it over here, even in the small town of Millen!

One of the main differences I found when visiting was the sheer joy of the people. That may come as a surprise to many of you, it did me. Yes, the poverty is horrible and does not compare to our type of poverty. There are diseases, people sleeping on dirt floors under a roof made of scrap wood and metal they found, with walls made of tree limbs that are falling down. But when you visit somewhere like that, you know that there's poverty and to an extent it's expected.

But what you don't expect to find is the joy of the people. They have nothing. Literally nothing. I taught Vacation Bible School while there and most of my kids came barefoot and wore the same clothes every day. It was probably the only outfit they had, that's what I mean by nothing. Yet, despite all of that, somehow they were happy. They don't have the Jones' to compare themselves too. They have each other and that's all they need. Our children could really learn a lot from them.

They value education so much that many of my 5 to 7 yearolds walked barefooted up to 2 ½ hours one way to get to school. They were so thankful for the opportunity to go to school. They wouldn't dare miss it, much less be rude or misbehave while there and risk not being able to go back. It was quite an adventure and something I wish everyone could experience.

Now to 4-H News… if you have not paid your camp balance, it is due NOW! As many of you know, our summer program schedule is out. We have all kinds of activities planned for just about every Thursday the rest of May and June, plus a few others every now and then. Children who completed 4th grade and up are welcome to attend any of them. Parents, we are sending home a schedule of activities with your child; please ask for it so you can keep informed. If they have lost it, we have several here at the 4-H Office.

The first activity we have scheduled is Bring A Friend Day. It is going to be May 24th from 3:15 to 5:00. Bring A Friend Day is when a 5th grade 4-H'er brings a friend from the 4th grade to introduce them to the fun 4- H has to offer. They may also bring a friend from the 5th grade who has not participated in 4-H. There will be games and snacks so come and be a part of the excitement, and remember… bring a friend!