Junior Volunteer

Her dreams are coming true!

Jersey #1 is going to be able to spend this summer working out at Galloping Grace Youth Ranch, as a Junior Volunteer.

Considering her age, and how far we must drive to get to the Ranch, her Mom and siblings will be joining the volunteer team as well.  We are signed up to help with any odd jobs that I can do while also keeping an eye on my youngin's.

We love GGYR.  This summer of service will also be a summer of fun.

We took Jersey #1 for the volunteer training.  She spent 3 hours learning about the ranch, and what is expected of her.  She also learned how to catch a horse in the corral, and how to harness it.  She thought those skills qualified the day as "awesome!"

Jersey #1 loves horses and loves Galloping Grace Youth Ranch.

For a couple years now, she has been telling folks that she is going to work at GGYR when she grows up.  (Some folks like to tease her that GGYR is a volunteer place, so she won't make any money at that career).  Last summer, she inquired as to how to become a Junior Volunteer.  The Junior Volunteers are youth who work along side the adults, to help make the GGYR program run when the kids visit.  

Last summer, she realized she would meet the requirements by this summer, so she set her sights on becoming a Junior Volunteer this summer.  I had told her that she had to work on her attitude.  No complaining about the dirt, smell of horse poop, sweat, or heat.  She had to learn to work with younger kids patiently, with the heart of a servant, and not express frustration.  Much to my surprise, she has been working very hard on her attitude.  I am most impressed by the way she has stopped complaining, and is willing to pitch in and help around the house and yard.  I am pleased that she has met my requirements fully.  She has also shown me that she can really accomplish a goal when she sets her mind to it.

In addition to meeting my attitude requirements, Jersey #1 wanted to have the right outfit for the job.  Dressing the part is important to her too.  She asked for a new pair of cowboy boots for her birthday.  I also managed to get her a cowboy hat and a T-shirt that had a horse on it.  With her birthday money from grandparents, she bought herself a new pair of bootcut jeans. 

Let the summer of fun and service begin!