I'm delighted to say every time we meet, it gets better, easier and more fun! We went totally chocolate today with Rocky Road (main recipe) and, along with a seasonal quiz (about halloween and All saints day), we made chocolate apples (instead of toffee apples as those are far too complicated!) decorated with chocolate button eyes and marshmallow noses etc. We're certainly scoring high on the old fun factor! We even had 4 rounds of "In the jungle, the mighty jungle..." while we did the washing up...
Not so sure about the low-maintenance factor. It feels just about manageable for one person in a "bit more than spare time" role (me). I was more aware of the two tasks I juggle in this project, preparing for this session. The recipe planning and shopping is one task (one I find quite easy though still needing time and effort). The other task is the planning for the festival/reflective input and the overall responsibility for the relational aspects of the project. They are quite different tasks using different skills. Ideally, you could do with two people planning it together. And it does make me think the key to low-maintenance is good team work, which is an additional challenge for someone being asked to begin a project on their own.
Aside from the challenges of planning and preparing, my team are fab and so much more than I expected. Adele just instinctively gets on and clears up. Abi is both fab at practical and relational stuff and slotting in where needed (her support has been invaluable) and Jamie's just cool (she's 15 so like a big sister to the kids). One of the mum's stayed this time too which was great. So in terms of the actual meetings, it works really well.
So bring on next session. Nov 5th so the theme will be Bonfire night, of course. Not sure yet what to make...how do you top bowls of melted chocolate? I'm thinking about gingerbread or parkin. I just hope the kids like ginger unlike my fussy four year old. Also got to read up on Guy Fawkes so I sound like I know what I'm talking about in the reflection time...
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Sounds such fun. Youngest son Simon (aged 6) was such a toe-rag in church yesterday, perhaps he needs one like yours.
ReplyDeleteI note that you are consciously intending to add something reflective in each session - is that in order to make it church from the start or is it just time to quieten down after having lots of fun? Or both?
ReplyDeleteNot sure I'm comfortable with the label "church" just yet but yes, it's trying to build in instincts from the start that ask deeper questions. I hope it communicates to all involved that this isn't just an activity session. That said, I've only had one reflection time that's worked really well so I have along way to go!
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