Feeling Inspired

This week Dave Swann has been teaching us about Project Planning. It’s been super practical information, and not a depressing topic. The combination of those two make me extra happy. Instead of learning about all the problems in the world, we talked about dreams and vision, and of course, planning.

Some of what Dave said this week built on our lectures on “Citywide Strategies.” We need to do research, figure out what work is already going on, and work with them to multiply the effort rather than duplicate an existing project.

We talked more about doing research, asking question to find out what the needs are in the community in order to determine how we can best serve them. We role played with Rachel, Renate, and Scott answering our questions about Jaco, but pretending to be the mayor, bar-tender, pastor, or tourist.

Then we split into 2 groups to plan a project for Jaco. The one group is the 5 students who plan to spend 6 months working in Jaco, and may actually do the project they plan. My group is the 4 of us who are going to Mexico, India, or back home after school phase. Even though we are not going to Jaco, we're still planing a project as if we were going there.

One of the big needs in Jaco is for the youth to have a safe place to hang out, for them to continue/finish their education, and get job training. So our group is planning a Café project…possibly inspired by “Open Hand” in India, and “After the Grind” In Canada.

Our plan is to incorporate the local followers of Christ (as adult volunteers to be managers and mentors to the youth), and existing ministries such as “Bridge of Hope” to be able to sell their products on consignment. The adult volunteers can train the youth volunteers to make coffee, bake goodies, and make crafts to sell. The goal is for the youth to be discipled, but also for them to be able to get jobs using their new skills.

Once we had this great idea, we had to start a proposal with our goals, objectives, activities, and budget for our Café project. It made me realize how much work it is to start something like this and just how much planning it takes, and then the time, money, and people to get it started. No wonder so many people have great ideas, but don't do anything.

In theory I am super excited about this project, and would be more excited to see it carried out. We should defiantly start a Café in India...not that I even drink coffee, but that can change t00.