I have moved around 6 times in my life, but this summer is the first time I have moved without my family. Coming into this internship I knew very little. When my friend Becky first told me about CHAT I thought it sounded like a wonderful opportunity. Living in a new place, with new people, building new friendships and having crazy adventures, life doesn't get much better than that. I arrived mid afternoon last Sunday ready for anything. What I didn't realize was that all the moves I had been through would no way prepare me for moving to Richmond. I have always moved from suburb to suburb, this time I moved into a city; and boy do I LOVE IT! Good bye to same-old same-old! The atmosphere in the neighborhood of Church Hill is very welcoming, everyone says hi to anyone who walks by, whether they know them or not. Back home, that was not done (unless you were my father). Its very easy to strike up a friendly conversation with your neighbor sitting on the porch next to you enjoying the warm evening and an ice cold glass of water. We were able to dive right into the community and start meeting people as soon as we got here, starting last Sunday we became members of East End Fellowship (EEF) where we will worship for the summer. Monday and Tuesday we had the opportunity to get to kids through tutoring. Many of the kids are just supersonic balls of energy after school, extremely excited to work with a tutor one on one to work on reading. I will be working with the lil' tykes (4-7 year olds) for the next few weeks before the day camp starts. They are unbelievable. I love them all to pieces already. They are a challenge but I have really enjoyed it and wouldn't trade it for anything. Wednesday we toured around Church Hill by foot on a 10 mile scavenger hunt to introduce us to our new home. It was quite a trek but we all enjoyed it... for the most part. As you can tell we are getting to know this area quite well, I do not think I would be possible for me to get lost (but I am not holding my breath). I feel very at home here. I am very blessed to have this opportunity and I want to thank you for taking time to support me through financial support, prayer or just by reading my blog. The fact that you are interested in this ministry means a lot to me. These kids have been through a lot and deserve all the love and support the CHAT staff and interns can offer. I feel that this is where I am supposed to be and cannot wait for the many new adventures that will come this summer!
