Monday, February 16, 2009

Adventure in Mentoring

Good Picture of Erin--not so good of me!

Our church has recently started a program called the "Titus Project". It is based on Titus 2: 4-8 where older men and women are encouraged to teach the younger.

I decided I would like to get involved in this, though I haven't been around teen-agers for a long time. Since this is a one-on-one project, the youth leaders paired up adults with the teens that wanted to participate. This is Erin Gruber and I, taken at a sort of "kick-off" luncheon and game time.

I have really enjoyed getting to know Erin. She is definitely not a "crowd-follower". She's sort of quiet but seems to know her own mind. She is in FFA and is raising Alpaca's. I think it is kind of a family project or business. They live on a farm. She is on the Bible Quiz team at church. This was one thing that helped us bond a little, as I did Bible Quizzing as a teen. She is doing really well in it, and I plan to be at their next quiz meet. Erin is a junior in high school. She's taking a photography class, learning to develop pictures and is real excited about that.

A week ago Saturday I took Erin out for lunch. We went to Applebee's and both had delicious salads--she had the chicken Caesar and I had the oriental chicken. We talked the whole way there, and all during lunch and had a really good time. (Both of her parents told me on separate occassions that Erin really had a good time going out with me).

Tonight there is a ladies get-together at church. They are making fleece blankets for babies of un-wed mothers at the Hope Center. Erin and I are going to attend. They have assured me that you don't have to know how to sew or be a seamstress to do this. So it should be interesting. But it will give us an opportunity to work on a project together.

I am not convinced that I am going to be a very good mentor. But sometimes I think teens just need an adult other than a parent to talk to. Hopefully we can develop a good relationship. For now it's been really fun just getting to know her.

4 comments:

Blu-I'd-Blonde said...

I think you'll be truly blessed being a mentor. Our Mom2Mom is practicing the Titus 2 ministry with older women mentoring the younger women and mothers. I'm a susbstitue and will fill in for the first time in April at a Mom2Mom meeting. Like you said, having someone other than their parents to talk to, and having an experienced adult to be friends with can be really helpful to young people.

Kristen said...

I am convinced you will be a good mentor... God has placed you in a wonderful place! Your heart... I just love it!!!

I think the photo is lovely! I can't wait to hear more about your's and Erin's adventures!

PS: I love Applebees Oriental Chicken Salad!

Joan said...

What a wonderful opportunity for both of you. I'm sure you will be a blessing to that young girl. Please keep us posted.
Blessings

Cindy said...

What a blessing you are to Erin. I think you are a great mentor.