Creativity is Intelligence Having Fun

The focus of my DTS is children at risk. Before arriving in Madison, I thought that everyone in the school was doing this as well, but found out that half the school was focusing on community development instead. With this, we have separate focus nights on Thursdays and project days on Fridays.

This last week we focused on the impact of art when working with kids.

One of our staff members is an artist and an art teacher, so she was able to give us a great perspective on how we can partner with God creatively, especially when working with kids.

Talking about using art to connect with kids reminded me of when I studied in Copenhagen. A lot of what we studied there was alternative forms of therapy with kids with special needs to provide an inclusive learning environment. We looked at play therapy, art therapy, sensory gardens, and many other things. I love the idea of allowing kids to share their stories in the best way possible for them. For many kids, if they have through trauma, it is difficult to articulate what happened to them. But if they are given a medium through which they can express themselves, whether that is through drawing pictures, or making a story book, or playing with dolls, they are given the power to overcome their trials. 

Also, when children are given the ability to express themselves, it gives them a sense of worth. When a child is invested in, and is allowed to be themselves, they can find that they hold value, and that they are not defined by their past. One of the biggest goals in working with children is to help them find their identity in Christ, which can take time and healing. Art is just one of the many ways that can be used to help children open up to this idea. 

Albert Einstein said that "creativity is intelligence having fun." The simple joy of using your hands with your mind to create is something that everyone can do. Some to a large extent, and some less, but it is a simple way to connect with people and provide a means of expression.  

A fun way that we will be applying this concept is on outreach. In Juarez, we will be working at Ranchos Amigos, a children's home attached to the YWAM base. Each of the children at risk students will be leading a small group, and will be helping the kids complete a special project during the month we are there. We have been encouraged to explore the ways in which we can partner with God creatively to come up with an idea for a project. This can be anything from photography, to dance, to music, to crochet, or any talent or passion you have. Currently I am planning to do something with recycled art, helping the kids turn trash into treasure, although I am not sure yet exactly what that will look like. 

It should be interesting as we continue to explore how to work with children at risk and how we can use our unique gifts and talents in bringing God's hope and restoration.