The Honeybee's Lifestyle

Tag: Bridge Builders

  • Open Mosque Day

    Hello Honeybees,

    It’s always a good idea to expand your knowledge about things that are different. I’m talking about people, places and things.  I’m so glad that I learned to not only seek diversity but to embrace it. I’m also glad that my children are able to do the same.

    As part of his Bridge Builder experience my son choose to spend part of a Saturday morning learning about the Muslim faith and I was happy to accompany him.  This was the first time that I was able to share his Bridge Builder experience with him.

    I am a Christian and have experienced several different forms of religious expression. My first church experience was as a member of the First Corinthian Baptist Church in Chicago, then the Catholic Church which is where I practiced most of my religion, in college I went back to the Baptist church then back to the Catholic Church where I was married.  I am now a member of the Disciples of Christ.

    Having the chance to visit a Mosque was a learning experience for both of us. On the way home he said it best: we all believe in God but we just express it in different ways. I was so proud that he received that message. Spending the day learning about the Muslim faith, culture and customs was an experience that I will always remember.

    Before our tour we put on shoe covers or you had the option to go without shoes

    Wearing a Hijab, for modesty, was a new experience

    This is where the men wash before prayer, the ladies had a separate area upstairs

    Having the chance to ask questions was part of the activities

    There was also food and drink.  I must say the tea was delicious

    This year is the 15th Annual Muslims in Memphis Celebration.  There are planned activities & events all month.  To learn more you can visit www.MuslimsInMemphis.org .

    I encourage you to get to know your neighbors. We all share this earth together.

    Belinda 

    Beewisdom- There is unity in diversity

  • Bridge Builder For A Day

    Hello Honeybees,

    This past weekend I had a chance to experience what it feels like to be a Bridge Builder. 

    What is a Bridge Builder?   Well I’m glad you asked.

    Bridge Builders is one of the many programs offered at Bridges.  Bridges is a nonprofit that brings together diverse youth from all backgrounds across the Greater Memphis area and transform them into confident and courageous leaders.

    Bridges Logo

    The Bridge Builder program allows students to attend a week-long summer conference followed by monthly events throughout the school year.  As a Bridge Builder, students are empowered to apply what they have learned to improve their neighborhoods, schools and communities.

    Group Pic

    My son has been a Bridge Builder for 5 years.  I had a vague understanding of what the summer conference was like. But the time spent at Bridges was eye opening. During his junior & senior year he spent a week away from home for each conference.  On Saturday I spent 3 hours doing only a fraction of what happens during conference. One of the best parts of the day was meeting and working with other parents.

    Mothers Pic

    We performed team building activities and after each activity we had a “debrief”.  The debrief was very telling. We explained what we did, what we learned and how can we take those lessons back to our community or work.  I can only imagine how teenagers express what they learned.  Our group leaders were super cool.  They just spent the summer working with young people & now they had to switch to adults. They handled it like the professionals that they are.

    The Maze

     

    Little Tea Pot

    This is me leading our group in “I’m A Little Tea Pot”.  I can’t believe that I actually remembered the song AND the moves.

    I REALLY wanted to climb the rock wall but unfortunately the rock wall was not one of our activities.  But Bridges does have open rock climbing days and they also have an outdoor wall.  So NO EXCUSES!!! 

    Rock Wall

    If you ever need a place for team building Bridges is the place.  If you have a student in grades 6-12 this is a great live changing opportunity for them.                                             For more information visit http://bridgesusa.org/

    Who wants to climb the rock wall with me?  Let me know?

    Belinda Bee pic

    Beewisdom- You must be the change you wish to see in the world-Mahatma Gandhi

  • Summer 2016

    Hello Honeybees,

    As we get ready to kick off the 2016-2017 school year I wanted to give you a glimpse into my summer. Some of the plans that I had didn’t happen because the 8 weeks of summer flew by so quick.  Between my activities and the boys activities two months just wasn’t enough time.  I hope to still accomplish some of our plans before winter.

    My oldest son will start his senior year of high school. I’m both excited and scared.  This milestone really hit me when he took his senior pictures. Ironically he took his picture at the same place that I took mine.

    Rob cap & gown

    This was also his last summer conference with Bridge Builders.  He started Bridge Builders as a rising 9th grader. To say that we love and have enjoyed the Bridge Builder experience is an understatement.  This week gave us a preview of what will happen when he leaves for college. http://www.bridgesusa.org

    Rob cabin

    After Robert’s week away from home my youngest spent the next week at Honors Camp at the University of Memphis.  He had the chance to interact with students and teachers from around the city. One of the things he liked most was seeing the different and innovative teaching styles of other teachers.   http://www.scsk12.org
    Honors Camp

    The boys had the month of June but July belonged to momma.  I was able to attend the 67th Boule’ of my beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. in Atlanta.  This was such an amazing experience. Can you imagine 22,000 beautiful women in all their pink & green glory? Well I didn’t have to imagine it, I lived it. http://www.aka1908.com

    AKA Rose wall (1) Boule sign with me Boule signage AKA Toyota

    After Boule’ I celebrated birthday 49. I had a nice quiet birthday at home but watch out for the big 5-0.  There will be nothing quiet about it.  I’m thinking Vegas baby!!

    Happy Bday Heart

    Summertime at work was busy too.  I had 5 of the world’s best interns.  They came ready to slay and slay they did.  I will miss them when they leave me but Memphis is so lucky to have them. They represented University of Memphis, LeMoyne-Owen College & Rhodes College. http://www.astepaheadfoundation.org

    Interns 1 ASAF Ballons

    I am so ready for Fall, my favorite season, and hopefully some cooler temps in the Mtown. 

    Belinda Bee pic

    How was your Summer 2016?

    Beewisdom- Summer should get a speeding ticket- Unknown