These three words sum up day one of working with the Summer Studies students. Our three teams were assigned an age group to tag along with for the week. One group worked with 1-3 grade, another 4&5 grade and the last group with the 6-8 graders.
The 1-3 grade team got to tour an urban farm. An abandoned building turned into a hydroponic indoor farm, with tilapia and shrimp, down to mushrooms and red Chard. All in a building that had lived out its former use.
The other groups stayed at the Family Plex, working with students on art projects, science experiments, playing dodge ball and games.
Many students made cool connections with kids. Several of the kids remember us from two years ago. Some friendships picked up right where they left off.
We were reminded of the stark differences between our safe little bubbles and what these kids live with. I talked with one middle schooler who has been stopped several times by police while walking down the sidewalk.
The message around here is hope. Hope to do better than the previous generation. Hope to graduate. Hope to stay alive. But most importantly, the Hope of Christ.
We are all tired, but it's the kind of tired that comes from pouring out energy and love to others.
Pray for deep restful sleep and energy to keep up with the kids. So far, no one is sick or anything.
Day four...here we come
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