สุขสันต์วันเกิด Justin!

Happy Birthday Justin!

The weekend was over, and it was back to work for our boys. Flynn, Liam and Sally had an earlier start to the day as they hopped on the bus to collect the children for school.

Meanwhile, back at the house Justin was a year older! He was surprised by gifts and cards from home, as well as a Solomon jersey from St Bedes (Go Solomon!) Ethan E attempted to take on the “undefeated” Connect Four Champion, Mark only to be outplayed within seconds.

As we made our way to the work site, we stopped to watch the children who were performing in a marching band. We were all extremely impressed with their talent and discipline.

On the work site, the sun beat down and we were soon wishing for last week’s rain as we began the process of laying cement. We quickly began spreading the first truck load of cement with the boys having to work around Billy who had accepted a dare to create a “cement angel”. He quickly regretted this decision. The group also began working on the challenge set by Sherine the night before: they’d each randomly picked a team member the night before. Their job was to look out for this person, encourage them and report back at the evening reflection with something positive regarding their efforts on site.

Despite the hot sun, the week’s rain had turned the work site into a muddy mess, making it impossible for the second truck to get up to the top of the driveway to drop of the next load of cement. Even with the boys’ cheering the driver on, the truck just couldn’t get up the hill. Brother Mario dismissed us to lunch while he sent for reinforcements. After a delicious lunch, we returned to the work site and soon the truck (with some help from the neighbour’s tractor) was able to join us and we could recommence spreading the cement.

Later on, the unbeatable Mark finally met his match. Three times. Flynn, Liam and Rohan all managed to defeat the undefeated and are now owed an ice-cream. Mark claims their victory is only as a result of his fatigue (although we are sceptical).

Mark recovered from his loss just in time for Monday mass. After mass, we made our way to dinner, with another surprise for Justin as the girls had decorated the dinner area with balloons. A cake was also brought out, complete with trick candles. Many of us thought that Justin may have been there till his 18th Birthday trying to get them to go out.

After dinner, we all helped the girls with their homework, eager to spend as much time as possible with them as we became painfully aware that the time was flying by. Sally’s knitting class was a huge hit, and several of the girls were quick to learn the new skill.

At reflection, we all shared what we had learnt about one of our team members. Lots of positive observations were made about each other’s contributions to the days work. It is abundantly clear that the group has become extremely close, with lots of new friendships forged or made stronger.

With only three full days left at the Blue Sky Home we are all looking to make the most of our final days with the girls. Despite some minor injuries, fatigue and lack of clean clothes, spirits remain high and the boys have been wonderful and eager to ensure they finish their time here strong.

Teacher Shae