by Intern on February 28, 2010
A Merger of Two Families Brings a Spiritual Awakening
By Nicole K.
For the majority of my stay at The Family Foundation School I found myself clicking up with like-minded girls, sliding under the radar, and lying to anyone around me. Although many people called me out on my ridiculous behavior, I did not make a change until I was here ten months. I did talk to my sponsor, though most of the time she could only warn me that if I did not take my recovery seriously, I was bound to leave the school just as miserable as I had been before arriving.
Of course I did not believe her, thinking that the effort I was putting in to please my parents would be enough to please me as well. I was dead wrong. My prayer life was wavering constantly and yet I wondered why I was not moving along as smoothly as I wanted to. My half-measures were giving me half-results, and I was not happy.
Before December graduation I was very comfortable sitting in my self-pity. I was holding onto one of my best friends, who happened to be graduating, and not facing the fact that I would not have her to rely on for much longer. I then found out that my family, Smith House, was going to merge with Lake House, full of kids I didn’t know or even interact with. I felt a powerful urge to pray that my world would not come crashing down when our two families combined; that I would find the strength to make it through.
The first day was miserable, trekking my belongings back and forth in the snow from one trailer to another at least ten times. We all got new juniors and some, new sponsors. The family was cramped to say the least, and louder than it had ever been before, but for some reason, I was not sitting in self-pity like I usually would be. I was excited about what was going to happen next. Every chance I got, I prayed. I experienced a feeling that I had never had before, that God was going to carry me through and not let me down. Although I was no longer comfortable, I knew that the merging would be a chance for me to finally step up and set an example for the kids who were not doing as well.
Graduations are always hard to deal with because we rely on senior members so heavily. They, however, present tremendous opportunities for others too. Although it is hard for me to confront someone when I know they will not like it, I know now that I am doing the right thing, which means more to me than anything else. I have to remember that if it wasn’t for people bringing things to my attention, then I would not have seen the truth about myself.
I urge anyone who is sliding under the radar to wake up and start looking at his true colors. I can hardly express in words how amazing the feeling is of being free and of knowing that whatever is put in front of me, I can handle. Although sometimes I do feel unsteady in the new Lake House, I know that each day, each minute, and each second, is a new opportunity to have a positive attitude and to help out someone in need. In the end we are all much more fortunate than we think, and if we learn to trust, God will provide.
by Intern on February 28, 2010
History Teacher and Eagle Scout, Scott Cole, Takes the FFS Boy Scouts Under His Wing
By Max Z.
After the departure of Bruce Hutchison, The Family Foundation School scoutmaster for many years, Troop #174 has been in search of a new leader. Fortunately, Scott Cole, FFS history teacher, has decided to take over as leader of the scouts.
Cole started his scouting career as a Cub Scout in first grade. After four years in the Boy Scouts, he received his Eagle Scout award. Now, after many years, he is bringing his scouting experience, strength and hope to the scouts at The Family School.
Cole has a positive mindset for this spring’s scouts. He has many goals and visions for the troop, and is excited to incorporate his knowledge of the principles and the 12 steps into the troop’s routines. Community service, cleaning up the environment, learning about heritages, and many other activities and good deeds are on the agenda this spring, all based on spiritual aspects and principles. Cole emphasized, “The scout’s main purpose is to give back.”
“Scott Cole becoming our scoutmaster has got to be the best thing that has happened to our troop,” said scout Jimmy S. The scouts are off to a good start now, and joining can be a great opportunity to get involved with the school’s community as well as the community of Hancock. Jakub K. says, “I have never been in the Boy Scouts before, and it looks cool. I’m up for the challenge.”
by Intern on February 27, 2010
Richard O’Barry Documents His Controversial Fight Against the Slaughter of Wild Dolphins
By Nicole K.
The seafood business is one of the most profitable industries in Japan, but around the world the business of trained dolphins is also huge money maker. Television shows like “Flipper” have helped this business boom, and it seems like there is no stopping it.
Each September starts the slaughter of up to 23,000 dolphins in Taiji, Japan where fishermen capture dozens of dolphins each day by banging on metal rods, scaring them into nets, and selling the “good” dolphins for as much as 150,000 each to companies looking to train and show them. The not-so-good dolphins are taken to a secret cove where they are slaughter and sold to companies who disguise their high mercury meat as tuna.
Richard O’Barry, a dolphin activist for most of his life, decided to try and stop the slaughter by any means possible and filmed his experience. “The Cove” was the controversial film that tracked O’Barry’s experience and one that left many people asking “How is this happening?”
After training and caring for the famous dolphin Kathy, who starred as Flipper in the hit television show, O’Barry soon realized dolphins should not be kept as pets or show animals. He made it his life goal after his beloved dolphin died to rescue dolphins in captivity all over the world and set them back into the wild. He was horrified when he heard of the slaughter going on in Taiji.
O’Barry has a reputation with many marine life organizations that keeps him out of very important meetings.
Although he has this reputation, O’Barry never stops fighting for his cause. It is moving to see the emotions behind the cause which is shared by all of the activists in the movie. After watching it, it’s hard to not be angry or upset. There is a strong feeling of powerlessness because there is not much we can do. The average civilian in Japan has no idea that these atrocities are going on and the Japanese government doesn’t seem to care either.
The movie ended with “We Can Help Stop This” running across the screen. As of now, the slaughter still goes on every September and until the people of this world stand up, the horror will continue.
by Intern on February 27, 2010
January’s Student of the Month is Chris B.
By Lee D.
Chris B. was voted January student of the month, after being at The Family Foundation School for a little over a year. Chris, who is scheduled to graduate in June 2010, said, “The contrast between the way I was living at home and the way I am living now, shows what can happen if you give it a try.”
As an anchor and an intern Chris has many responsibilities that make life hectic at times, but he manages by working with spiritual parts of the 12 step program.
Spirituality hasn’t been a problem for Chris since arriving at FFS. He was fine with having a higher power and having a spiritual life. He said, “No way was I gonna think about sobriety, but I was okay with a higher power.” Chris said his first real experience with spirituality was when he was at FFS for a short time and had a court date approaching. He had pled guilty to charges he had incurred while at home. When the judge read the punishment for his crimes, the reality of his situation finally hit home.
With all the work since, searching for a higher power, Chris now has a new outlook on life. “As my spirituality grew enough it made me want sobriety,” he said. All it took was prayer and a little persistence and he is beginning to live the life he always wanted, without involving drugs and alcohol in the equation.
Chris now understands what it means to truly love others, and how great life can be. He has learned much at the school and hopes to take it with him after he leaves in June.
Opening Spiritual Doors
FFS Madness
BBC Visits the Family Foundation School
