What I have learned...

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.  I know the prayers helped me persevere this summer even on Tuesdays. I have also learned about some of the partnerships that are so vital to CHAT’s ministry and had the privilege to work, live, and worship with some amazing people from these partnerships. Leigh Street Baptist Church opened the doors of their historic church and allowed us to use their church for our daily devotions, the summer classes, and the day camp.  Without them we would not have been able to have the day camp.  My host family, the Harts, taught me so much about the ministry of hospitality.  They opened their home to me, a complete stranger, and from the first day made me feel comfortable and a part of their family.   So many volunteers came to help this summer and gave their heart to this ministry. They were willing to work hard and get silly with us dancing and playing games. Many images stream through my head of different volunteers working with the kids and doing projects throughout the Lighthouse. Those relationships remind me to strive for a servant’s heart.  I am going to have the honor to continue one of these relationships because I will be teaching a weekly sewing class with one of the summer volunteers from Crestwood Presbyterian Church, Gerry Nixon.  Then there are the relationships I have built with both the CHAT staff and interns.  I cannot put into words how much I have learned from each one of them and all the memories I have.  And of course, there are the people I have met in this amazing community; the kids, parents, and neighbors.  Due to my desire to continue these relationships, I have decided to move into the neighborhood in the fall. I do not fully know what impact this move will have on my life, but I am excited to see what God does in both the new relationships I will form and the ones I will continue to build.