We [read Sheila] were getting a bit worried since this was the first lesson that we will have taught in a church setting relying solely on our own brains and experience. What can I say . . . not too much on job search techniques and spouse survival of unemployment in the doctrinal sense.
And it seemed to be just what many of them needed. We asked them to fill out a survey at the end evaluating the session and telling us what more they wanted to learn about. (we'll change congregations in a few weeks because we are moving, but maybe we can do one more thing).
One of the surprising results is that one of the most desired "checked" boxes was more information on how to become an effective job coach for someone else. For a congregation that is facing some pretty serious employment issues, it was so neat to see how many were interested in helping others.
In the next few days, we'll send out the handouts to those of you who have asked for them.
On a highly related note . . . I have the best family ever! Aunt Debbie, Uncle Apple, Gramma and Poppa ALL came to support us and provide help with the kids. (Merritt skipped all naps today . . . something about hitting milestones and teething.) We needed them to be on hand in case Everett was scared in nursery again.
Not only did they provide moral support and take care of Merritt, they helped with chairs, handouts, letting me use a fan, and telling us how wonderful we are at the end. So NICE! I love being near family. THANK YOU!
Just for our own reflections when we look back on this in five years:
- Erik and the apron hating the Kitchen skit, but not because of the apron
- Sheila tripping (yes, we put on quite a show)
- Erik: "We have two minutes left." [Wordlessly, we both look at our notes to see what more we need to say.] "I guess we'll spend it in silence."
- Sheila's "less than attractive" graphic of roles
- How Sheila ended up with the "bad" roles in all the scenarios
- "AND scene!"
