Acting 4 England October Newsletter - Kristin in the UK

Acting 4 England
Volume I Issue 2
October

Good Morning Act 4!
As I was on my way to work one day I was not in the best of moods. While stopped at a traffic light I heard a knock. I looked around and in the car next to me was this little girl in a red jumper with pigtails (about 5 years old) waving to me. Her brother saw me too, got really excited and started waving. I thought to myself "Have I seen these kids before?" In the drivers seat sat the mother who just smiled at me and then they went on their way. I realized later that the two children have seen me from an assembly at their school.
Since working with Act 4 in September, I have worked with over 4,000 children in 25 different schools doing assemblies and R Rights programs. When my supervisor warned me that children would start to recognize me in town I thought "Ha– yea right!" I did not take into account that every time I walk in Potters Bar on a Saturday a child normally says to me "Hey– you came to my school with Act 4!"
While things get really busy in the office and sometimes even a bit stressful, entering primary schools like Pope Paul, Cuffley and Little Heath remind me how exciting my job is– to share a message and spend time with children. When we welcome the children to assembly each day, the children always say in unison: "Good Morning Act 4, Good Morning Everyone!" Every time those words are spoken, it truly makes my day!

About Potters Bar
Potters Bar is located in the shire county of Hertfordshire, England. With a population of around 22,000, Potters Bar is located roughly 20 miles directly north of central London.
The first reference to Potters Bar was "Potterbare" in 1387. There are many different origins of the town name. Some believe the word "Potters" is taken from evidence of Roman pottery that was thought to have been located here. Others think the name came from the family Pottere who lived in South Mimms parish, a small neighborhood outside of Potters Bar.
The explanation for the "Bar" element is the gate into Enfield Chase, an area of London which was once covered by woodland and used as a royal deer park.

Meet Sam Frankel: Director of Act 4
Why did you start Act 4?
I always wanted to do something with children. I have done related work and the idea of using past experiences to teach Christian values was really exciting for me.
What is your favorite part of the job?
For me, it is such a privilege to work with so many children and see how it impacts their lives. It is really meaningful and powerful. I also enjoy the creative aspect of Act 4.
How do you see God working in your daily life?
God has placed on my heart a desire to share His message in a fun and enthusiastic way. He's opened up so many opportunities for us to do His work.
When you're not working, what do you enjoy doing?
Spending time with my wife Moria and son Ruari is really important to me. I also love being outside, away from others, doing something athletic and active.

Children's Rights and Responsibilities
Last year, Act 4 led 32 session of R Rights in three different schools. The Year 6 classes gain lots out of this program as it not only gives children a set of knowledge and skills but also helps them to bond as classes and year groups.
This term Act 4 is running R Rights at Cuffley Primary School. During these sessions, children campaign on heavy issues such as citizenship, child labor, poverty & hunger, violence & war, homes & refugees, education and health.
These interactive sessions allow children to create poems, write plays and hear real life stories about children in other countries who face these problems. Here is a poem written by a Year 6 Cuffley student about war and violence:
"Too much young blood going to waste
Too many wars for children to face
300 kids all holding a gun
When they should be having fun!
Taken from their families in a nasty way
Fighting in wars day after day
They need our help to get free
To return to their happy family."
Year 6 Cuffley Student

My Sense of England
I saw an amazing view of Edinburgh with my family and Anna B. Lucas from King Arthur's Seat in Scotland. I heard a square dance caller calling out the Virginia Reel at the Christ Church Barn Dance in Potters Bar. I smelled beautiful flowers at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, England. Chatsworth House represented Pemberley, Mr. Darcy's home, in the recent adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. I tasted a really good scone with homemade butter and jam at a bakery in London. I touched lovely tartan scarf's in shops on The Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Divided By A Common Language
New words that I learned this month:
Crisps: Chips
Chips: Fries
Lift: Elevator
Fortnight: Two weeks
Chemist: Pharmacist
Surgery: Doctor's Office
Lollipop Man: Crossing Man
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Cheers!
Kristin