State Exec Meeting

One of the now past perks of FFA was the opportunity to travel and see new sites with new people. This broadens your horizons, stretches your ability to get along and be independent for short periods of time, and allows for some very enjoyable memories. Addie was able to travel to state exec with two other advisors from our local area. She also invited a friend to share the experience. One of the stops was Crater Lake. It is truly beautiful. 

She and travel buddy Trent in Roseburg Oregon another not often seen part of Oregon. 

Before the long meetings of the day Addie was introduced to go cart racing. This was in the beginning ramp up of all the changes in Addie's FFA experience and I can't say how delighted I was for this very thoughtful advisor to offer time to relax and do new things. I appreciate his kindness whether he meant to or not this was such a break from the heavy responsibility she is shouldering this year. Even though she shrugs it off the disappointments and confusion and every looming question of Why is this happening this way? What is really going on or the real point? 

We have some truly beautiful sites in our state. It is terrible that so many seek to control and thwart other peoples work, dreams, ambition, and lifestyles. I am disheartened, sad, and mad at all that is traspiring. And the repeated dodging responsibility, dishonesty, and general authoritarian stance is very challenging. 

But for these days and moments this was what we expected FFA to be. Good memories, seeing new places, trying new things. Long meetings and trainings which were helpful to know the why and where the organization is going. Connecting with others and making friendships. That's why we encourage participation so much. Those things are being squashed in the name of ignorance and just do less. The great American mantra lately just do less, someone else will do it, it doesn't matter. Growth and success take work and extra effort. Being ok and mediocre are not acceptable. 

But for then the trip was fun a lot was learned that was needed for the next challenges and life changed a whole lot including the travel buddy leaving our school district for another. Life changes quickly. The advice from a recently departed friend Dan Johnson was famous for counseling "One must want the consequences of what one must want." Are screaming in my head. If only we weren't such a short sighted people. Consequences come good and bad, we don't control those only the choice is ours to make.