After only being here a few weeks in Churchill already, I'm beginning to
see the interworkings of it. I know it is probably more intricate than I
see it as, but I'm getting a good generalized picture of it. I see how
fundamental relationships are here. Relationships run everything good
and bad. Good God centered Christian relationships can make such a
difference in the lives of everyone here. It's hard for me to think I'm
only going to be here this summer, because I don't want what I'm
starting to end. However, I am also seeing how bad relationships also
fuel also fuel much of the activity that goes on here. Whether is be
based on drugs or promiscuous behavior, relations with people fuel it. I
have hope here for Churchill. I know good relationships can be learned

 “There's hope! It doesn't cost a thing to smile; you don'thave to pay to laugh. You better thank God for that”. In the lyrics of India Arie’s song, “There’s hope”, she sings about wanting the “good” things in life and after getting those “good” things, not even being satisfied. She came to the realization that it’s not about the size of your car but the size of the faith in your heart. I think this message is beautiful and should be shared with not only the kids in Church Hill but with the interns as well. As interns, we give hope to the students that we work with and encounter every day.

On my very first day of tutoring (and second day of my internship) a third grader, Destiny, inspired me.  As we sat, read The Chronicles of Narnia, and chatted on the second floor porch of the Lighthouse, Destiny shared with me her reasoning for coming to tutoring every week.  She admitted that she did not really like it a whole lot, but she wanted to become a better reader.  Then she recited a quote about education she had memorized.  Now, I don't remember exactly what it was... and as I look up quotes on Google I can't remember if it was George Washington or George Washington Carver... but anyway I'm pretttty sure this is it: "Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom" - George Washington Carver.

I knew when I started CHAT that I would fall in love with the kids. I have always been a softy for the little ones, especially. So, it was natural that on the first evening of tutoring I met a young girl who welcomed me with open arms. This was great for me, but not all children are like that to strangers. I have a feeling that over the course of the summer I would experience the different moods and personalities that come with youth as well as have a great experience with all the CHAT interns.

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”             I John 4:7-8  

10/08/09Friends and Family,

So the first two weeks of my yearlong internship have comprised of moving in, settling in (and realizing that my apartment of two years housed much more stuff than I ever imagined), getting to know each other and many members of the community, finding our way around the neighborhood (via bike, car, foot and, my favorite, the bus), learning how to be mentors, disciplinarians and schoolteachers (I know I am not the only one who never gave a thought to how much time teachers spend preparing for school!) It has been a whirlwind, but incredibly exciting and productive. As I begin this first official week of the Academy and CHAT after-school tutoring, I am ready to get my hands dirty and DO all that we have discussed, planned out and prayed about.

It is really difficult to sum up this summer.  I have so many memories and emotions and I am just starting to process them all.  I do not know how long it will take for me to fully process what God has taught me this summer and to realize the impact this experience will have on my life.  One thing I do know is that I want to continue to build the relationships that I have started this summer.  Relationships are integral to any ministry, but I have learned that without relationships this ministry would have never begun and would not continue.  I am thankful for everyone that supported me this summer both financially and in prayer.

yeah I said it

The title statement is in reference to a game of telephone picturaniytalilty pictantaray picturanary picshunary hungary uzbeckistani.  telephone pictianary, (spelling), and a short poem I wrote after the game.

but.... its over, and theres a sea of thoughts and emotions that my mind will shuffle through and conjure up as it sees fit.  I was thinking about that very idea tonight after the closing ceremony for the interns and street leaders.  Why cant figure things out or always live in a state of emotional clarity, always remembering and considering.  Why do emotions and convictions come and go almost externally of my psyche.  Maybe there is something that is.  

In approximately an hour and forty minutes, my summer internship will end.