Ropes Course Opportunity

Our Ropes Course Fundraiser for Ishmael Beah (author of A Long Way Gone A Memoir of a Child Soldier) & Schools for Salone was an amazing experience! The theme was transition and we explored how to handle our transitions effectively. Each student was transitioning into a new grade level, many adults were transitioning into new positions, and we all considered transitions in our personal lives. We also considered Ishmael Beah's transitions in his live. His new phase of life includes building schools in Sierra Leone, through Schools for Salone, so education can thrive where war once did.

(Note: Students were asked to pay $30. This event was sponsored, so all of the money went to support Schools for Salone. That morning we sent $390 to help!)



And...it was really fun!




We relaxed in the sun...




And explored challenges and how they work to overcome them. We shared with one another using Restorative Justice practices. Why Restorative Justice? Because in Sierra Leone and many other African countries, Restoriative Justice practices are being use to forward peace. Restorative Justice is being used around the world.




Martha from Restorative Justice in Jackson Hole.

Students participated in Team Building activities that showed how communication and trust helps to solve problems. We realized that the answer to every problem is TEAMWORK.







Students experienced a solo and group ropes experience.


Tenzing goes for it!



Schuyler is focused!


Sawyer lets go and reaches for the next trapeze...parts of this reading served as our guiding theme for the day.

I soar across the dark void
of "the past is gone;
the future is not yet here."

"Sometimes with new opportunities, you have to let them hang in the air." ~Fuller

Some of us conquered our fear of heights!


And...we made sure we all felt supported and safe!





The executive director of Schools for Salone participated in the day and shared stories of her challenges and how she has overcome.


Cindy, Executive Director from Schools for Salone


We were also lucky enough to have Doug Walker's parents, the people who created the ropes course in honor of their son for whom the course is named, join us. The day was more powerful because they got a glimpse at the depth of thought and interaction the ropes course, their son's vision, creates.



So...what did we learn?

Togetherness.
Leadership skills are essential AND
Followership skills are a necessity.
Coming together, working together as one...
Oneness.
You need effective communication.
Teamwork solves all problems.
But equally important is being there, being aware, and listening to others.
Total participation is a must.
One must always have a strategy...
and be persistent.
Don't give up half way through.
All it takes is a plan, focus, and rhythm...
It's all about the pattern.
Have Fun.
It's easy.
Trust is essential.
Don't worry about speed, because what's important is,
"I feel safe with you guys."

And...we set our new JHMS POP goal. We will raise $40,000, enough to build a school in Sierra Leone sponsored entirely by JHMS!!! Watch for ways to help.

Dinner with Ishmael

Dinner with Ishmael:
Have you ever wondered what a meal is in Sierra Leone tastes like? We found out!
Sunday, August 2, POP Club members learned to cook an authentic African meal. (See recipes below.) We cooked from 3:30 - 5:00. Mary Woolens and her daughter Jamison taught us how to cook.
Ishmael authenticates our meal:


Meraldi and her sister:
Alex working hard...
Annabelle learns to use a knife.

Annette and Valeria don't need to use a knife!

Yolanda and Yesenia peel mango:

Sarah, Annabelle's guest from CA:


In the kitchen:

While dinner was cooking, we painted still life pictures of the ingredients we used.



Finally, we ate with Ishmael. During dinner, Ishmael shared stories of his past life and passions of his current life.

This event was sponsored, so all of the money paid by students went to support Schools for Salone.

RECIPES:

West African Peanut Soup with Chicken
Ingredients:
3/4 cup roasted and shelled peanuts
2 T peanut or neutral oil, like grapeseed or corn
1 med red or white onion, chopped
1 T minced fresh ginger
1 T minced garlic
1/2 pound skinless, boneless chicken (2 thighs or breasts) cut into chunks
Pinch of cayenne
Salt and Pepper
6 Cups stock or water
2 sweet potatoes or yams (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into thick slices
8 plum tomatoes, cored and halved (canned are fine, drain and reserve liquid for a different use)
1/2 pound collards or kale, washed and cut into wide ribbons
1/4 - 1/2 cup peanut butter, chunky or smooth

Directions:
1. Chop peanuts, or crush them with the side of a knife, or pulse them in a food processor to chop roughly.
2. Put oil in a deep skillet or medium saucepan over med heat; a minute later, add onion, ginger and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft, 3-5 minutes. Add chicken and continue cooking for another 3-4 mintes, until just coloring. Add 1/2 cup peanuts and the cayenne and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Stir in the stock and the sweet potatoes, bring to a boil, and turn heat down to med-low so the soup bubbled gently. Stir in tomatoes and collards, then cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes.
4. Stir in 1/4 cup peanut butter. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve, garnishing with remaining peanuts.

Yield: 4-6 servings.

Spicy Okra and Turnip Greens
Ingredients:
6 1/2 cups turnip or collard greens
12 okra
1 med onion, chopped
3-4 T pine nuts, toasted
2 T vegetable oil
3 red scotch bonnet chilies, seeded and finely chopped
1/4 cup water
1/4 tsp salt

Directions:
1. Remove the stems from the greens and cut into approximately 2" slices.
2. Remove the ends from the okra and cut crosswise into halves.
3. In a large metal casserole, cook the onions and pine nuts in oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
4. Add the greens and okra along with all the remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer until the greens are tender (about 15 minutes). Squeeze some fresh lemon juice on prior to serving if desired.

Banana Pancakes ~ **** very good!
Ingredients:
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1 1/3 cup rice flour
2 T sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp groundnut oil
1 med egg, beaten with water

Directions:
1. Mix the banana with all the dry ingredients in a bowl.
2. Add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly.
3. Add enough water to make a thick batter.
4. Add a little butter to a hot frying pan and add a ladle of the batter. Tip the pan to cover the pancake mix and fry until the pancake sets on on side.
5. Turn over and cook on the other side. Set aside in a warm oven and continue until al lthe batter has been cooked. Then, serve. Powdered sugar and fresh fruit (mango) are nice accompaniments.

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