I got accused of overloading the church vans during the New Year’s lock-in. Just the opposite happened. The kids themselves think it’s ok to sit in each other’s laps during short distance drives. (I falsely assumed that teenaged girls have some degree of common sense when it comes to safety and comfort. This definitely is not the case). Before I left the church parking lot, I was asking for volunteers to ride in other vehicles. We eventually found volunteers and the world was made safe for humanity again.
Kids should know better than to ride in other people’s laps when there is room in other church vans. I guess this is one of the reason why I wouldn’t want to be a youth minister….having to take care of common sense approaches like this. Telling ignorant people where they need to go and what time they need to be there. “Ok, kids, these vans only hold 15 people….so if the van is full, try to find elsewhere to ride.”
I do realize that which van/bus to ride on on the way to church or school events could be a life altering experience for some people (according to today’s youth). It was a major decision when I was high school band. We had 3 school buses…each labeled 1, 2, or 3. Before events (away football games and band contests) a bus sign-up sheet was posted. Much of the time I stuck to bus #3 since it was the “cool” bus. The safe alternative was #2. However you’d want to stay away from bus #1 since it was filled with undesirables (yes, there was a pecking order in everything, even in band class where many of today’s non-popular kids hang out).
Once our band competed in a major contest in Johnson City, TN. We took chartered buses there (which our band director promised would have elaborate state of the art televisions and all the amenities anyone could ever want. The reality was much different than what was actually promised). Anyways they set out the bus sign-up lists during 4th period (Jazz band). The majority of band students have band during 6th period. So by the time I got to it, buses 2 and 3 were filled up and my friends and I were stuck on bus #1. It wasn’t that bad. My friends and I made the best of it. But its funny that I still remember the situation. Being forced to ride on the dreaded bus #1. Oh the humanity!
Some people think passenger vans are unsafe, however I haven’t totally decided about this. Corvairs are deadly. Ralph Nader taught me that. Ford trucks from the 1970s are bad because their gas tanks are right behind the seats. Suzuki Jeeps are bad because they tend to rollover. Geo Metros are bad because they’re too small. In fact, I could find something wrong with each and every vehicle on the road today.
I have decided to go to El Salvador. Its from April 11-19, 2003. Medical Mission trip. I figure you only live once. If at any time I would regret not going this year, then I should go. Now for the ethical question. I have enough money saved for the plane tickets, yet without a job, this money will not be replentished as rapidly. So is it ok to ask friends and churches for donations for this trip? I know I am not as in dire need of it as some other people. Once I ask, potential donators might ask “Why are you going if you don’t have a job to pay for it?”