Do you ever read posts offering step by step instruction to build a healthy/happy/successful/connected/(fill in the blank) family or relationship? The insight can be a bit overwhelming. You start to believe you need to travel more, play more sports, visit more museums, go to the library, watch less tv, attend more church, do more chores, eat less junk food....like most self-help articles the lists can be endless. Recently however I noticed another recurring theme, one that I wholeheartedly embrace for strengthening families....community service. In my family we often function egocentrically, focused on performance, achievement, and personal fulfillment. Spiritually, I know the joy you give to others is the joy that comes back to you, but sometimes I get stuck in selfishness versus selflessness. We are weak with Summer Daze Syndrome; perhaps you recognize the symptoms of a bored, glazed expression; physically stuck to the game controller or IPAD; yearning for entertainment, slumber parties, and an uninterrupted tv marathon. Reading a book is infinitesimally "boring." Other symptoms include a reluctance to pitch in with household chores accompanied by heavy sighing at the prospect of folding laundry or cleaning a bathroom.
Fortunately, after weeks of missing church due to kids' sports (another blog entirely,) I made it to Kettlebrook Church this past Sunday and locked eyes with the LOCAL PARTNERS section of the bulletin. Two words appeared to me in seemingly neon colors: "PULL WEEDS!" This volunteer opportunity was a God-given chance to help my kids extend and stretch beyond their own wants and needs...and quite frankly a chance for me to do the same.
Fortunately, after weeks of missing church due to kids' sports (another blog entirely,) I made it to Kettlebrook Church this past Sunday and locked eyes with the LOCAL PARTNERS section of the bulletin. Two words appeared to me in seemingly neon colors: "PULL WEEDS!" This volunteer opportunity was a God-given chance to help my kids extend and stretch beyond their own wants and needs...and quite frankly a chance for me to do the same.
Trey helped to pull-up the garlic plants plus some additional weeds near the end of the planted rows. I know he had baseball on his mind even here at Raivu. Trey's (20-0) baseball team lost a tough, end of season game tonight, 6-5. to a team (19-1)they beat earlier in season. The final play of the night, a hard hit curving ball to right field...with tremendous sprint effort Trey was a step shy of an amazing catch to take us to extra innings. Instead we lost. There were tears, self-degradation, and mom's ice-cream sundae in effort the dull the pain. In spite of his coach's post-game reminders that a win/loss is never about 1 person but rather a team, he felt responsible. I look at this picture of his kind and willing spirit, and my heart melts.
I have shared about RAIVU the past couple of years, my Home Training clients have contributed to their program; however I have never actually visited RAIVU's homestead. Corey and Jody developed this not-for profit organization to be of specific aid to foster children and troubled youth. Their assistance is available for children of all ages including those who out-grow the foster-care system. They offer guidance, counsel, and housing to help these young adults navigate independent life without parental assistance. When I called Corey to tell him we wanted to pull some weeds in their rapidly growing CSA garden he told us to meet him at their Slinger property in the morning for a brief weed-pulling 101. His Tuesday mornings are typically dedicated to lesson planning for RAIVU School Tuesday evenings.
"Raivu, (pronounced 'ray-voo') is a Japanese word meaning "to live". Therefore, for us, Raivu for Kids means "to live for kids". We have dedicated our lives to serving.
Mission: Teaching youth to live with a purpose
Vision: Equipping today's youth with the skills they need to succeed,regardless of their challenging situations, and instilling in them a desire to live their lives to honor God.
We are excited that God is moving us forward with our vision, and invite you to join us anytime! Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in learning more. http://www.raivu.org/ "
"Raivu, (pronounced 'ray-voo') is a Japanese word meaning "to live". Therefore, for us, Raivu for Kids means "to live for kids". We have dedicated our lives to serving.
Mission: Teaching youth to live with a purpose
Vision: Equipping today's youth with the skills they need to succeed,regardless of their challenging situations, and instilling in them a desire to live their lives to honor God.
We are excited that God is moving us forward with our vision, and invite you to join us anytime! Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in learning more. http://www.raivu.org/ "
Upon our arrival Corey met us at the garden on a farm 4-wheeler. If you pass Corey on the street you might mistake him for a linebacker or a tattoo artist. He has a huge smile and is affable, earnest, and easy going. His stories flow with enthusiasm for RAIVU yet its development has not been easy. Approximately 5 years ago he and his wife, both unemployed, felt the unmistakable call to help youth. This calling to help others came at a time that they were struggling to provide for their own family. Nonetheless, trusting in God's guidance and provision plus labor-intensive hours toward its fulfillment, the idea of RAIVU for Kids became reality. At the expense of personal comfort and material possessions they have created eternal wealth.
 In this weed and grass bonanza are potato plants nearly ready for harvest. Auburn and I primarily focused on clearing out around the plants. |  We only worked an hour however with additional volunteer support Jody and Corey have extra time to spend on the true mission, teaching children to live with purpose, aligning their values with kingdom values. |
I would encourage you to learn more about RAIVU at their website. If you have the monetary means, a donation would always be appreciated. You can be assured it is an investment with maximum growth potential; a spiritual value-cap stock! Hands-on help is an option as well....Auburn and I were only there for an hour but I do think we saved a few potato plants from potential suffocation. I returned today with Trey and together we collected a substantial wagon-load of weeds and dug-up the garlic plants which were past their prime. This extensive garden has developed through endless hours of personal research. Jody shared she was impressed by Corey's early aptitude to study gardening methods, a foreign language to him a few years earlier. Their garden has provided sustenance for their family and gradual financial benefits for RAIVU goals. Their CSA (Community Supported Agriculture Shares) sold-out for the 14 week season. Currently they are directing efforts to compost and manufacture soil that regenerates with optimal nutrients each planting season. I couldn't get all the details, the weeds were calling, but this year they implemented "worm casting." Basically it is a method to increase the blooming, flowering, and growth of all your plants plus enhance the nutrient density of the soil. (Note the link below if you, like my son, are always curious about worms!) As a necessary supplement to their limited income, Jody also provides day-care services. We met her touring the garden with three young, energetic kids.
This was our weed bounty from two scant hours of work. There was a moment when I was knee high in saw-grass, pulling with a vengeance exceeding any TRX workout, that funny Trey mumbled, "When will the madness end?"
Please "Like" RAIVU for Kids on facebook to receive updates of on-going programs and needs. Financial support, educators, mentors, and volunteers are always appreciated. I have the feeling they can help you and yours find the antidote to Summer Syndrome as well! Thank you for reading.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Raivu-For-Kids-Raivuorg/143739399009347
http://www.tastefulgarden.com/store/pc/Worm-Castings-d114.htm
http://www.tastefulgarden.com/store/pc/Worm-Castings-d114.htm
Pastor Corey and Jodi Klepp
-President-Founders
In 2007, Raivu For Kids was founded to help make a positive impact in the lives of children. The ultimate purpose of the organization is to lead youth to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Corey is an ordained pastor and he and his wife Jodi have 3 children.
-President-Founders
In 2007, Raivu For Kids was founded to help make a positive impact in the lives of children. The ultimate purpose of the organization is to lead youth to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Corey is an ordained pastor and he and his wife Jodi have 3 children.
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