Egg-cellent Innovation

Written by Kristen Maxwell, Bhutanese Kids Outreach Director

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines innovation as "a new idea, device or method."  At Mission Adelante innovation is even one of our core values:

Innovation: We believe that urban, multicultural ministry requires fresh ideas and new approaches.  We will promote a culture of innovation that encourages creative solutions for unique circumstances.

 It is only natural that we would encourage the kids we work with to innovate!  This past month the students who are a part of the Bhutanese Leaders in Training program have been studying physics.  We have been learning about how aerodynamics, wind-resistance and weight affect moving objects.  We wrapped up our study by building “egg-ships” designed to help a raw egg survive a drop from a truck boom raised to 30 feet! 

 The students were very innovative in their designs, we had everything from parachutes, to cotton ball cushioning, to helium balloons!  Of the 16 eggs dropped, all but 4 survived! 

 We pray that teaching kids to think critically and to devise creative solutions in academics will spill over in to the rest of their lives, and they will become better equipped to think creatively about the challenges that come their way as they grow! 

Special thanks to Adam Maxwell and his Time Warner Cable bucket truck for coming out to drop the “egg-ships”.

In other news:

• One of the Bhutanese English classes took a field trip to CVS last week. It was a great learning experience and a fun way for conversation partners to connect outside the classroom.

• Jason Schoff and a group of evangelical pastors from Kansas traveled to Washington, DC last week to join business, agricultural and technology leaders in advocating for immigration reform and they met with six different Congressional leaders.  You can read more here.

Prayer needs:

• Pray for Alberto, a member of our Latino church, who may need to have knee replacement surgery and is concerned about the implications.
• As we dream about the upcoming year, we're setting goals and reviewing budgets. Please join us in praying that God would meet our financial needs and make way for breakthrough in KCK and the lives of our friends.

Current needs:

• Our LIT students earn "Mission Adelante Money" for exemplary behavior and doing extra academic work, which they can spend at a Reward Store once each trimester. We're in need of items to stock that store! Ideas include sports equipment, craft supplies, room decorations, or any small item that would appeal to 8-14 year old students. If you would like to contribute, please contact Megan McDermott at meganm@missionadelante.org or Kristen Maxwell at kristenm@missionadelante.org.
• With the recent weather change, we are starting to collect men's,women's and children's winter coats. If you have coats to contribute, please contact Molly Merrick at mollym@missionadelante.org.

Important dates:

• Observation Days: Tuesday, November 12 (Bhutanese)/Thursdays, November 7 & 14 (Latino) 6:30-8:30  Have you wondered what all goes on around here on a typical evening of programming?  Here's your opportunity to come and see for yourself!
• Kansas Bhutanese Concert: Saturday, November 16th from 4pm-10pm at Wyandotte High School (2501 Minnesota Ave, Kansas City, KS 66102) Everyone is invited to come and celebrate Nepali Culture at this exciting event sponsored by Mission Adelante and coordinated by our dear friend Ram Rai. It will feature comedians, cultural dances, and ethnic food. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the RG Asian Store (101 S 18th St, Kansas City, KS 66102). Don’t miss this chance to learn about and celebrate the rich culture of the Bhutanese Refugee community!
• Fall Break: No Programs Tuesday, November 26-Saturday, November 30.