week 13
1096 words by bee0702
I think that I am helping to improve the world through my project because I am reaching out to our youth. My weekly tutoring session gives the children in the neighborhood something positive to do for an evening. These kids are part of a generation totally different from those in the past. For the most part, sit in front of televisions and computers and gaming systems all day. I am trying to help kids get out and be active, especially in their communities. I am trying to change the world one kid at a time. And I know I may sound cliché but is not true that the youth are our future? We must instill a sense of service and activity in their minds before they are influenced by negative things.
On Sunday, April 15, I took the nine kids to the annual Strawberry Festival in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Now, for those who are not familiar with this festival, I will give a brief history, courtesy of the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival Official Website.
The city of Ponchatoula is known as the “strawberry capital of the world.” The city received this name after a local politician realized that the city of Hammond, Louisiana was taking all the credit for selling strawberries that were shipped from Ponchatoula. Dr. Charles Gideon demanded that the city of Hammond remove all signs and memorabilia referring to them as the strawberry capital so that his city could rightfully hold that title. The Ponchatoula Strawberry was first organized in 1971 and the first festival occurred in April of 1972. Since its beginnings, it has grown to a magnitude that is said to be only second to Mardi Gras. For over three decades, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival has been a place for non-profit and charitable organizations to have fundraisers to support their cause. The festival is one of only a few festivals in which non-profit organizations are the only vendors on the official festival grounds.
Since we were going on a Sunday, I instructed those kids who were members of our sponsor church to plan to leave for the festival after the church service had ended, which is normally around 9:30 and to bring a change of clothes if they wished to do so. For the other children, I instructed them to meet at the church for 9:45 so that we could depart from the church around 10:15. It would take about one hour and fifteen minutes to reach Ponchatoula, so I wanted to leave on time. The leaders, which included me and three other helpers including the driver, had snacks for the kids, such as juices, fruit snacks, and chips. We also told the children that they could bring money and informed that parents that we would hold money those kids who were not as responsible yet. We used a large Econline van, which was supplied by the church, as our transportation. We finally left the church around 10:30, after two of the children arrived late. We planned to arrive around noon and stay until three and then head back to the church, where the parents could pick up their children.
Our van was equipped with a video system so we put the movie “Mulan” on for the children to watch. We had children ranging from age seven to age thirteen participating in this activity. They all seemed very excited to attend the festival and many of them had never been before. On the way, I told them a brief history of the festival. One kid asked if the festival had anything besides strawberries, because he assured us he would have a stomach ache from eating strawberries all of the time. Luckily, the festival showcases food that is a part of our Louisiana culture, the newest feature being fried strawberries, which were absolutely delicious. While we were at the festival, I brought the kids to a booth that sold everything from fried frog legs to alligator meat and boudin. I offered to buy each of them a dish that they had never heard of or had tried, but not one of them took me up on my offer.
We arrived at the festival and the first thing we did as a group was make the kids understand that they were responsible for each other and that we were not leaving anyone behind. At one point, I was inclined to assign buddies for the older kids who were twelve and thirteen but I felt it would be better if we moved as a group. There were a lot of people out there and I did not want to lose anyone. They were pretty cooperative for the most part. I was actually shocked when one of the older children actually assisted me in rounding up the younger children as we left the play area. As we walked around, I informed the group that only non-profit organizations participate as vendors at the festival. I let them know that they can become involved in those types of organizations so that they can participate in the festival each year. Some of the older kids seemed interested and asked if our group could participate. I told them I would look into it, and I honestly will but I do not know what we would sell.
When we left the festival, the kids told me that they had a great time. I tried to teach them as much as I could about the festival and how it is a fixture in Louisiana culture. But just the fact the kids, many of whom had never been past Baton Rouge before the storm, were able to participate in the event was enough for me. We walked around, played games and ate good food. I enjoyed taking them and being their group leader. Hopefully, we will be able to go next year.
Jesus was crucified because his beliefs contradicted those that were present at the time and those in power did not like dissension. Jesus claimed to be the Son of God and criticized the people for their sinful ways. He told them to give up their worldly things and to live a life pleasing to God. As many know, we that did not sit well with the pagan society. And besides, I can not think of anyone in power who would tolerate someone else saying he is a god. Jesus was persecuted because he went against the culture of the time and he challenged the religious practices and the people’s way of life.