I have cause to celebrate for two reasons (well, much more than two reasons, but these are two big ones): VBS is over and all the forms for SB2dub camp have been mailed in. The past week has consisted of picking up kids for VBS, teaching VBS, getting them all home, and then going door to door collecting forms, hunting down parents and health cards all over the city. I am absolutely exhausted, but it's been a good week. The A-Team (Aaron Thomeer, Alecia and I) have had some good bonding, the kids loved VBS (they would fight on the way over who would be the last one dropped off-why they wanted to stay on the hot bus longer, I don't know!) and we learned a lot of ridiculous songs, complete with hand motions. I've gotten to know my way around Richmond much better, courtesy of getting hopelessly lost several times.
So it's been a long week; I came close to snapping over an issue with the snacks Wednesday night, but it's all behind us now. In light of that, I want to write about some of the things that I absolutely love about CHAT, Church Hill, and the '08 internship.
1) The A-Team- While the other six interns have been paired up with high school students and participating in the entrepreneurial program, Aaron, Alecia and I have a less structured schedule. We do whatever comes up. It's been neat to see how the three of us, with our varied gifts and personalities, all help to get whatever Murray assigns us done. It's crazy to think that a month ago I didn't know either one of them; they've become such dear friends. There is something about singing "I Know My God Is Real" 100 times, jumping the bus's battery multiple times (and all the adventures that ensue), and driving around Highland Park for 45 minutes searching for 2nd Avenue that creates a special bond.
2) All the interns- I love hanging out with everyone. As I said before, I didn't really know anyone of them before I came, but when I think of all the memories we've made together and experiences we've been through in just four weeks, I'm so grateful that God brought together this specific group of people. They've been so gracious and generous to me; I have much to learn from them!
3) Front porch sitting- Right now I'm giving a shout out to the boy scout who built all the porch benches for the Lighthouse- God bless you where ever you are! Literally everyday I sit out on the front porch, eating breakfast, having a quiet time, hanging out with friends or waiting for kids. There is just something that seems so right about sitting out on the front porch with friends on a hot summer's night, with nothing to do but chat and goof off. Apparently it's something the rest of the neighborhood enjoys as well. Whenever we go out to walk to the dog or pick up forms, whole families will be sitting outside (some of them probably don't have AC) with the kids playing around the block. Three families whose kids go to CHAT live on the block behind us and it's so much fun to go over and play with the kids and say hi to their families. This type of urban community is missing in the suburbs.
4) The children's courage- Getting to know the children's situations better has made me realize how brave they are. Some are so young and yet have to deal with such responsibility. There are behavior and authority issues with many of them, but I am amazed by their tenacity and courage as they have to face situations that would be difficult for people much older.
