This week was our first week working with the high school street leaders- the six students who have been paired with college interns to be assisted in their money-making ventures. There are nine college interns, so three of us (Alecia, Aaron Thomeer, and myself) are kind of "floaters." We cook breakfast and lunch three days a week for the other interns and street leaders, and are basically there for whatever random needs pop up. So far we've passed out forms for summer camp, helped a family move, supervised a weekday activity for the younger children, continued to nail details for VBS next week, practiced for worship on Sunday, and held a cooking class for seven children Thursday night. Every day brings something new. Tomorrow we're going to help paint a couple's house who are moving into the neighborhood soon. I love to cook and work in the kitchen, so I've really enjoyed being able to help in those behind-the-scenes kind of ways.
It might sound funny, but passing out and collecting forms has been a highlight of my week. I love walking around the neighborhood, saying hi, and stopping to talk to all the CHAT kids playing outside. Plus, the gorgeous weather we've been having only makes a walk more enjoyable. Going to each child's house is an excellent opportunity to meet the family and see the kid's favorite bike or dog. Often times the parent/grandmother/guardian is kind of suspicious of me-this random white woman they've never met- but I think it helps to see that their children trust me. Being able to walk around the neighborhood and greet people I know makes me feel a part of this community, even though I've only been here a short three weeks.
