Just recently I had my first OJT placement (On the Job Training) at an early learning centre here in Charlottetown.  Even though I have some experience working at a daycare I still felt nervous. It was a different environment with different staff and children, a different routine, etc. Also, I haven't had very much experience working with 3 and 4-year olds. 

I almost felt that awkwardness one feels on their first day of a new job. But it was only a short time before I felt right at home. The staff was very helpful and supportive and the children seemed to accept me in right away

It was only a 2-week placement but I feel that I learned so much just in that short time. The space in the centre is beautiful and the children can flow to different areas like studio, science, daily living, dramatic play, etc. The teachers were excellent examples of dedication and intentionality. I saw first-hand that children can be spoken to firmly and be made aware of expectations in a way that is still gentle and respectful. I saw that children are capable and can learn to practice self-care and can do things for themselves. I learned that we could guide children in communicating their feelings to each other and resolving their own conflicts, without us stepping in and speaking for them. I saw how children are more eager to learn when they have chosen the activity and are interested in it.

I had the opportunity to do some pretty cool things as well. I read a story to the whole group of children, and lead a few circle times (the Moose Song was definitely included!). I created an ‘invitation to play’ which involved a wicker goose in the centre of a table with baskets of seeds, lentils, feathers, and leaves arranged around it. I set out some paper and glue, inviting the children to come and create. It was fascinating to see what the children did with the materials and how they reflected their real life experiences through their play and their art work.

When setting up the play scene I had considered sticking all of the feathers into the weavings of the wicker bird so that the children would have to pull the feathers out in order to use them (I was trying to be creative!). But then the thought of the children ‘plucking’ the feathers from the bird to use for their art work, made me wonder what kind of message I’d be sending to the children through this. Is it ok to just take and use what belongs to an animal for our own interest? I decided against putting the feathers in the bird, and spread them out in a long wooden tray.

To my delight, as the children were playing, a little girl picked up a pile of feathers and set them on the bird, declaring “Now he’s cozy!”  Now that’s the kind of message that I want to promote. How can we not just take from animals with our own desires in mind, but how do we act compassionately and care for them? 

As I observed the children using the materials to play and create, I snapped some photos and jotted down some notes about the learning that was taking place. I arranged the notes and photos on large sheets of paper so that the parents could have some documentation about their children’s learning through the activity.

I was honoured when the director of the centre invited me to put my documentation along with samples of the children’s art work  in the display case. Some of the children’s artwork hung up, and some of it had to stay flat as there were heaps of lentils and seeds partially glued onto paper- but it was all artwork indeed!

And now it's back to the classroom to learn more!

It was on the way home from Double H, that I watched a PETA video. I had actually never heard of PETA before, but just stumbled on their site while Googling ‘vegetarian’. Josh and I challenged ourselves to go a week without eating meat at camp (which isn’t quite so hard considering that the cook at camp is vegan and so there were some pretty good meatless options there) and since there was Wifi on the bus I thought I’d just look at some information about vegetarianism just for fun. Well, the fun ended once I started watching a video by PETA where it showed farm animals being badly mistreated and abused. To be honest, I didn’t consider before about how animals were treated prior to ending up on my plate. I just thought animals were raised up and kinda just killed instantly and that was it. I didn’t realize all of the cruelty and neglect involved in the whole industry. And I know those PETA videos are designed to shock people, but as I began researching and looking to different sources, the information about the treatment of animals didn’t become any lighter. It was during that video that I decided that I couldn’t eat meat anymore. Now that I had a glimpse of the way the animals were being treated, I felt that I couldn’t buy meat and eat it with a clean conscience.

Just recently Josh and I made the switch to veganism. I thought from the start that veganism would be ideal, since cruelty and exploitation isn’t only reserved for the animals being killed, but also to the ones producing what we’ve come to know as essentials like milk and eggs. A meatless diet was a nice way for us to ease into veganism, since we had already become familiarized with meat alternatives and some delicious vegetarian recipes, now it was just the matter of removing those extras like milk, cheese, eggs and honey (to name a few! I didn’t realize whey was a form of dairy!)

So far I feel really good eating a vegan diet. It has pushed me to be creative in my cooking and try new things. I find that instead of being meat-centered in my meal planning, my focus is now on fruits and vegetables and whole grains. There are definitely foods that I miss (omelets, milk chocolate, ice cream, cheese, Starbucks oat bars, muffins...)but  I feel happy knowing that my meals don’t involve or depend on animals. 


Learning more about animal welfare is causing me to think differently. Perhaps, when God gave us dominance over the animals in the book of Genesis that didn't mean that we could do whatever we want with animals, but rather it's more of a stewardship where it's our responsibility to care for animals. In Genesis 1:29-30, didn't God say that He had given plants to both us and animals to eat? So is our consumption of animals  not really what God intended? I'm not really sure how to account for all the animal sacrifices and that time when Jesus sent the demons into the pigs, only for the pigs to run into the water and drown. Those are pretty big things and I'm not sure what to think of them, but I am quite interested and enjoying the study of animal welfare from a Biblical perspective.

In other News: I am still loving school, and for the next weeks I am going to be on an OJT (On the Job Training) placement at the daycare in Holland College. I am so looking forward to seeing Emergent Curriculum, and mixed family groups and just learning all that I can. Pablo the bunny (he's in the picture with me in the post before this one) from the Humane Society finally got adopted and it sounds like his new family is just thrilled to have him. Our mouse Charlie who also came from the Humane Society is looking a lot healthier. When he came to us he was rather ragged and greasy looking. He had a scab on his nose that was taking a while to heal because he was scratching so much. I did some research online, and found out that there are quite a few things that domestic mice could be allergic to which causes skin irritation. I found a recipe online for homemade mouse food, so I started making that and it really just involved some seeds and rolled oats from the Bulk Barn and molasses. Since being on the new food for a couple of weeks Charlie's coat is beautiful, he hasn't been scratching as much and his nose is all healed up. It just goes to show what a healthy diet can do!

I'm taking a break from my researching and studying to blog, since it's been too long since my last post. I'm loving school. I'm so glad that I chose to go into the Early Childhood Care program, as I see that everything that I've been learning as very relevant and useful for working with children overseas. It feels very satisfying to be back in the academic world of researching, studying and writing essays and exams. Knowing that this time of school is in preparation for possibly working in an orphanage or a slum with children, makes it all the more meaningful. School is also an awesome place to talk about Jesus, be real and straight forward about my relationship with God, and in other words: shake things up.

I've been working part-time at Value Village which has been fun since I myself am such a thrift shopper. I actually don't mind spending hours straightening up the store. There's something about organizing and hanging up clothes, and straightening items on shelves that's kind of relaxing. I know I'm strange. This is also coming from the same girl who finds cleaning out rodent cages to be therapeutic.

Speaking of rodents- we have a new member of the Duffy family: a little mouse named Charlie. Josh and I met Charlie while volunteering in the Tiny Paws room at the Humane Society. A shelter attendant told us how Charlie's previous owners had actually bought him as a baby and raised him to feed to their pet snake. In turns out that when they put Charlie into the snakes cage, the snake didn't touch him for 3 days. The people then decided to take Charlie away from the snake and to keep him as a pet. Then for whatever reason, they actually couldn't keep Charlie and so they brought him to the shelter. I laughed when I first saw Charlie because he has a rather crooked snout, but he is as cute as ever. It didn't take Josh and I long to decide on adopting him. He doesn't seem to be in the best of health (for this reason the Humane Society gave him to us for free) so we're trying to get him healthy and just give him the best life we can.

Already as I’ve been sitting in the Early Childhood Care classroom in Holland College, I’ve been getting that gleeful feeling of ‘I am in the right place!’ I think what I learn from this program is going to help me make such a greater impact on the children I work with, and the knowledge is going to help me to be so much more intentional in what I do. And if there is anything I could do to become more useful and effective for making lasting changes overseas, I want to take full advantage of that opportunity.

This week has been all orientation and then this coming week is the start of classes. I’m trying to ease myself into the balancing act of school, work, relationships and everything else in my life. I was hired very quickly by Value Village, which has been my favourite store and main source for clothes for years. I’ve always wanted to work there so it feels kind of surreal for that to actually have happened. It’s a job that is full of temptations though. My employee discount is a very generous one and I see clothes every shift that I like, but God has helped me to use self-control since in reality we don’t have the extra money to fund any clothes collecting, especially when I don’t need any more. I think this job is going to be good for the flesh. I wish that I could just erase my constant wanting of these clothes. It’s unsettling to realize just how much I want stuff and how I never seem to be satisfied because there's always more stuff out there that I like. I think this job is already making me realize even more how much I like clothes and how easily I can get caught up in materialism. It’s easy to forget about the poor here in Canada. Materialism is just the norm here. I think I need to go to Africa for a little bit so I could get a reality check of how 80% of the world lives, and so that I may become envious of the poor.

I miss the foreign mission field and would jump on a plane tomorrow if I could, but I know this schooling will be all worthwhile and will help me to be fruitful in advancing God's kingdom. In the meantime, I'm excited about how Jesus can use me right where I am, and how I can grow closer to Him and fall more in love with Him, at school, at work and on Prince Edward Island.

Yesterday may have been one of the most fun days that I’ve had on Prince Edward Island, which is saying a lot because I do enjoy the island. It was Josh’s birthday, and he wasn’t awake for more than 10 minutes when he asked me about his presents. I got him some small things: a projection alarm clock, photography magazine and a dark chocolate orange, and at some point this month he’s going to purchase a lens for his Nikon as a birthday gift as well.

Josh had announced to me earlier that we would also be doing something to celebrate our anniversary (3 years of marriage on Sept 9!), so as a surprise he took me to see the Anne of Green Gables Musical which I've wanted to see ever since hearing of its existence. The play was very well done and the girl who played Anne was full of spunk and energy just the way I'd picture Anne to be. They did a great job adapting the story into a musical, and I’m glad that I finally got to see it on its last showing of the summer.

After Anne, we had dinner at Hunter’s Ale House where we tried out the potato burger with Caesar salad (forgot that Caesar salad has bacon in it! Oops!). It was good but nothing too spectacular. I’m looking forward to trying to create my own veggie burgers at home. I’ve been looking up lots of vegetarian recipes so we’ll see how it goes. Switching over to vegetarianism has been an adjustment but for the sake of the animals, health and the environment, it is one that I’m glad to make.

In the evening we went over to Brackley Beach where Josh took some photos and then we went to a ceilidh (pronounced ‘kay-lee’) where local fiddle player Cynthia Macleod was performing. It was such a great show. I really enjoy Cynthia’s music and I love the local ‘down-home’ feel of her performances.  Josh makes sure to remind me that I’ll never be an Islander and that I’ll always be ‘from away’, which I’m perfectly fine with- doesn’t mean I can’t still get into it! Fiddle music to me, is like the soundtrack of fall and I love the fall! We’re hoping to make it back for another Ceilidh in the next couple of weeks before they finish up for the summer.

Next week I start school at Holland College for Early Childhood Care Education, and a new job at Value Village (I’ve always wanted to work there!). So I’m both excited and nervous. Since apartment hunting hasn’t been successful we’re going to stay in the bachelor apartment in Aunt Alexandra’s basement for now. It's cozy and will be much easier on our wallets than the places we've checked out so that's a good feeling! It's also starting to look really great thanks mostly to the hard work of Josh...hey, someone's gotta cook the food while all the work is being done!

Yesterday was last day of camp. Our Alumni Session (for 17-21 year old campers who have aged out of our summer camp) certainly did live up to its reputation as being laid-back, refreshing and inspiring. In the Muskrat cabin we had 8 girls aged 17-19 years old, and 4 full days of free choice, social events and even an evening trip to Great Escape. It was a joy to reunite and visit with some campers who I had in the Bear Cabin during my first summer of ’08, and then in the Fox Cabin in ‘09. Lucky for me, lots of my former Foxy and Bear campers were fans of the barn so I got to spend a lot of time with them. Also, in the compound was Josh with his Chipmunk cabin who were all girls this session. It was amusing but also touching to see Josh’s interactions with his girl campers. I know that if we ever have a daughter, she’s gonna get spoiled!

Our oldest and most cuddly rabbit Jeter was a popular guy this session, just as I thought he would be. Coming to the barn and holding Jeter has become a special tradition for a lot of the campers, as they’ve held him every summer since they were little kids. Jeter especially came through this week for some special campers who I believe were really in need of the extra loving and therapy that sometimes only a furry friend can give.

As the longest talent show in Double H history preceded, I slipped out of the stage area to bring our wishboat (a boat that each cabin makes completely out of things from nature which carries each camper’s wishes written on birch bark and then is lit on fire in the water during our wishboat ceremony following the Talent Show) down to the waterfront where our wishboat ceremony would be taking place. It was dark out and I had forgotten to bring a flashlight but I carefully made it down the hill, and found our Muskrat post along the water. As I set down our little wooden boat full of wishes, and kneeled down under the starry sky, I was filled with such an appreciation for having been able to spend another summer at camp. It was an awesome summer that I feel God has used to challenge and change me. Camp has been a place where I can give, grow and receive, and do the little that I can to try and live out my love for God. Camp has also been a place of challenges, laughs and little misadventures that could only take place at summer camp.

Usually I don’t get emotional at our final staff meeting, but I did cry a little bit as I hugged the barn girls goodbye. We had become pretty close and worked so well together, that it didn’t seem like it should ever end. I’m going to miss serene mornings spent in the barn doing chores. It was all so therapeutic for me, and I’m going to miss the animals so much. I felt like the guinea pigs and bunnies were all my pets for the summer.

Now Josh and I return to Canada. As I type this we’re passing through some part of Canada. Not sure which part at the moment, but it is really pretty. I’m excited for the fall season and to start school. In these next days to come we’ll be setting up our life on Prince Edward Island as we look for an apartment, and textbooks, and do all those practical things to get ready for an exciting new season.

For me, Session 7 didn't feel like Session 7. It felt like Session 3 or maybe even Session 5...but it sure didn't feel like the last week of regular camp. I don't know if a summer of mine has ever gone by as fast as this one has. I feel like I'm ready for the fall and to start school and be with family and friends at home, and see our hamster.
 But I'm not sure I'm ready to stop cleaning 11 bunny cages, hanging out and working hard with my barn girls, banging plates and silverware obnoxiously at the dinner table with my crazy and amazing Bear cabin, and all the other fun and crazy normal every day stuff that occurs here at Double H Ranch. But ready or not, the summer is coming to an end pretty fast- gotta embrace it!

We had our semi formal staff party during this intercession at a beautiful country club. It was so fun to see everyone dressed up and the food was outstanding!
Yesterday I had the pleasure of travelling to New Hampshire as a volunteer in our hospital outreach program. I really enjoyed hanging out and playing with kids in the hospital setting, and that experience just further confirmed how much I enjoy doing outreach.
 Tomorrow begins our Alumni Session which is special 5 day session for kids 17-21yrs old who have aged out of the summer camp. I've officially left my beloved Bear Cabin (where I had so much fun!) and I'm now with a new team in the Muskrat cabin where I will continue to care for older girls.

Today Josh, Don and I get to go to Melrose to go visit a very special camper and his family! The fun just never stops! Happy Summer '11!

In case you haven't already met him or have just seen his adorable pictures online- allow me to introduce Jeter. 

Jeter is our chocolate coloured velveteen (aka Rex) rabbit, who I recently learned is at least 9 years old. He is also the biggest rabbit we have.

Jeter's past times include lounging in his cardboard box, grooming and cuddling his stuffed teddy bear, hopping around outside in the garden pen, and sticking his face in plants (apparently he likes the smell).

He doesn't like carrots but he loves apples, oranges and bananas. When I hold a banana out to the other rabbits, they take neat little nibbles off of it. Not Jeter. He takes the biggest bite he possibly can, or tries to rip off half of it. 

Jeter is very popular among both the staff and the campers here. I especially enjoy when the kids from the oldest cabins (15-16 yr olds), come to barn and ask excitedly if Jeter is still here and if they could hold him. I feel that since Jeter has been at Double H Ranch for so long, he's become a part of that magical camp experience. He's like that cherished childhood toy, especially since he was around when many of our oldest campers were just little and new at camp. I can't even count how many times I've already been asked by campers if they could take Jeter home, and if he's ready to retire.
I love Jeter. He'll sit on your lap just like a dog and hardly move. He's a sweet and loving rabbit, and I have to confess that I do give him special treatment. But he's been serving here for a long time and has made a lot of kids really happy, so he deserves it.

Ok, let’s talk about some of my camp highlights. Since food is always a highlight for me let’s get that over with as I tell you quickly about the  grilled hummus and tomato sandwiches (which I really should start making at home!), the couscous with lentil stew and pesto sauce, the constant supply of Nature Valley bars, and the Paul Newman vanilla almond cereal with rice flakes. Ok, that's all I'm going to say for now about the awesome food here. We’ve got it good here at camp.

Ok, let's talk about the barn now. Children, horses, cute fuzzy little animals and a great, fun and quirky barn team- what else can a girl ask for (besides maybe some dark chocolate)? It’s a sweet job, and it’s hard to imagine coming to camp and not working in the barn. I love the animals, and I’m becoming more and more convinced that I need to have my very own pet bunny someday, and keep volunteering with animals.

And of course, a big highlight is working with a diverse and fun mix of people in the Bear Cabin to take care of and make camp happen each week for 15-16 year old girls. It can definitely be challenging. That is not an easy age. I’m sure anyone who has once been a teenage girl or who has just been around one would agree. Some of the girls love camp with a passion and look forward to singing their favourite camp cheers that they've been singing ever since they were 6-years old. Some girls feel a little bit uneasy and overwhelmed in the camp environment especially if they're new to it all. No matter what the situation of the camper is, we try to meet her where she's at to try and give her the best week possible. Adaptability and flexibility is really important here.

So Session 6 starts tomorrow as a new group of kids arrive. The summer is starting to go by really fast, as we have less than a month left! Coming up this month we also have our staff party, and I'm going to be going on a hospital outreach in a couple of weeks.

The big excitement on Thursday was during the all-staff meeting when they announced which cabin everyone would be switching to. For the first 3 weeks I had been with the 15-16 year old girls in the Bear Cabin, and on my request form I actually put 'Bear' as my top choice of cabins. I was really happy when the time came and I was called up on stage surrounded by a new team, and it was announced that we would be the Bear Cabin. I reallyenjoy being with the oldest girls so I'm glad to continue on as a Bear counselor.

The next exciting thing for me was that Lauren, Donelda and Alex invited Josh and I to go with them to Boston, Massachusetts during 2-day intercession. We jumped on that invite really quick since Josh and I share a love for traveling, especially to cities.

So we split on a hotel room and we spent a day and a half just walking around Boston and seeing the sights. None of us had spent much time in Boston before so it was all new. With a little help from a guide book and the hotel clerk, we didn't have much problem at all finding our way to some pretty cool stuff.

Surprising to me, one of my favourite activities was going to the top of the Prudential Building and taking in the scenery of historic Boston. Usually the cityscape doesn't interest me a whole lot, but with it's little buildings and sailboats, the scenery of Boston captured my attention more than any other city that I've been in so far.

We also ate at a fabulous Mexican place, and explored the Boston Common (which I found out is actually the oldest park in America). Things started getting funny and a little awkward when we sat down in the grass and and suddenly a bride and groom arrived with their photographer and party, and began posing around us to take pictures but insisted that we stay.

In the evening we went to the Quincy Market and we all bought Boston t-shirts. We had an early night and spent the next morning at the water front. Since we all had a meeting that evening, and the kids would be coming the next day, we left in the early afternoon.

I would certainly go back to Boston. It is such a pretty city. And I'd certainly like to explore some more cities that I've never been to before.