|
|
|
Get Involved
|
and follow us on Facebook!
|
|
|
Upcoming Clowning Events
|
- May 5th at 12:00: Senior Luncheon at Salvation Army on 16th Ave, Yakima
- May 10th at 6:00 PM: Lions Club in Ritzville
- May 18th at 12:00: Luncheon Fundraiser at Convention Ctr. in Yakima
- May 22nd at 10:45: Youth Sunday Program at Salvation Army on 16th Ave, Yakima
- May 22nd at 4:30 PM: Relay for Life Fundraiser at Central Lutheran Church, 16th & Yakima Ave, Yakima
- June 11 in Richland: "Walk with Christ" Men's Retreat
- June 13-June 17: Orcas Island Encampment for Trailseekers
- June 25th in Tri-Cities: Youth and Women's Retreats
|
|
|
Dear Danielle,
Life seems to be all about connections...do you agree? A baby thrives when connected to a primary caregiver, feeling safe and emotionally secure. Children
learn and build a foundation to achieve their potential when they
are connected to caring teachers and accepting peers. Young adults
make appropriate choices for their lives when they are connected
to loving family members friends and co-workers. Seniors who are connected to loving and caring caregivers have a higher quality of life as they near their end. I've
found that communication can make or break connectivity in
relationships. And communication is not always easy, especially
when we are angry or trying to set boundaries. Here's the formula I teach: After
taking three deep breaths and slowly counting backwards from five,
think of something that brings you joy and/or peace. Then reflect on how you will verbally respond and sincerely use your words. But how? It's especially hard when you're boiling up inside and wanting to attack either verbally or physically. Here's the process: 1. "When you..." Describe the behavior or action exactly, without judgment 2. "I feel..." Honestly share how the behavior affects you or makes you feel. 3. "I want..." State how the other person could change their behavior to make the situation better.
One of the hardest pieces is using feeling words since we are not taught to really talk about our feelings. So I'm sharing here a feelings word list that I picked up many years ago. I don't know its origin, but it has been very helpful for many. Try picking one word out of each category and practice using them over a 21-day period until they become natural and easy to say. I hope this tool will enhance your communications with others and keep you connected so you can stay fully alive!
Blessings,
Maureen Mould
|
|
Rebirth, Renewal, Rejuvenation
How KK is welcoming spring:
With
research, input from other educators and feedback from friends, family
and children, several of our programs have been rejuvenated, not only to
keep us with current issues, but to re-energize the children and adults
we serve.
- Our
"Bloomin' Buddies" bully, gang and drug prevention clown program, is
now more engaging than ever. Besides the addition of a male clown, it
incorporates several interactive raps on teaching kids to stay away from
gangs; how to use their words during a confrontation and what to do
when they see someone being harassed and/or bullied. The re-awakening of
the concept that we all can make a positive difference in another's
life is emphasized amidst a program designed to build character.***
- In
addition to teaching children how to make and be a friend,
our "Making Friends" clown presentation incorporates the importance
of reading with friends and family.
- Our newest
Christmas program, "Harold's Straw Makes Friends," is filled with songs
and a message of acceptance, kindness and love for one another.
- Our newest summer presentation called "God's Circus" is ready for Vacation Bible Schools and other summer events.
***At
a recent assembly, a principal I'd been trying for years to reach out
to, said: "This show reinforced numerous concepts that we teach our
children. Thanks for being so persistent; I'm so glad we had you come."
|
Looking Forward
A Fall Trip to Alaska 
This September, eight clowns and support group
will embark on another clown outreach trip. We're heading north to remote Siberian Yupik Eskimo villages in Alaska. Due to extreme weather and isolation the clowns will be bringing "Bloomin' Buddies" to Gambell and Savoonga on the St. Lawrence Island-40 miles from Siberia Russia-by way of Anchorage and Nome. Community and after-school programs are planned, as well as visits to several hospitals. Our mission is to give hope to those who feel hopeless, especially those vulnerable to alcohol, abuse and unkindness.
|
|
|
How You Can Help Kaleidoscope Konnections:
- Donate 25,000 Alaska Airlines air miles for one round-trip ticket from Yakima to Nome. Contact Maureen at 509.452.2296 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 509.452.2296 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or inspire@maureenmould.org.
- Make a donation to cover bush plane travel from Nome to St. Lawrence Island.
- Help cover the cost of clown supplies, e.g. spinning plates, face paints, balloons and pumps and of course, red sponge noses.
- Continue to pray for health, safety and open hearts to hear our message in Alaska.
- Join our Board of Directors. Meetings are the 1st Tuesday of the month; 5:30-7:00 PM in Yakima.
- Sponsor a school for the Bloomin' Buddies program.
- Sponsor a church for a Vacation Bible School Clown Program.
|
|
|