Fear of change.

Being at urban connection this summer has been such a wonderful experience for me but its also been a change from my normal routine. Usually I would just be at the resturant working in the kitchen. Summers used to consist of sleeping all day and up all night, nothing to productive but it was fun. I recently went to go chill with them cause I haven't in a while and things seemed so different than they used to be. After leaving there I felt kinda sad because it seemed in that instant that life was just changing so rapidly for me. Friends have left for good, my summer at Urban Connection is almost over, I have to move(moving sucks so bad) and I still need to make sure everything goes smoothly this upcoming semester. Starting something new can sometimes be a burden when new obstacles keep popping up out of nowhere. I don't fear change, but for that brief moment I did. For that brief moment I just wanted things to stay the same for just a bit longer because fear and doubt had crept up on me. Then I remembered Philippians 4:6 and I prayed about it. There is nothing for me to fear when I know I have God on my side and he will take care of all my problems if I just have faith in him. There is no need to doubt myself or any situations because I have family and friends who are there for me. I will never be alone in my time of need because God has never forsaken me and he never will. I think I've been placed at Urban not just to be a positive role model for the children, but it has also brought me closer to God. I enjoy what I do everyday from getting to run outside with children to bringing a smile to there face after they've been crying. It's my joy in life and I hope I can keep making a difference in childrens lives for the rest of my life. - Josh

A kind of chill week :)

This week was very different from any other: we had 3 groups come in instead of 1, we went to the park, and Friday was dentist day (no kids camp!) The kids seemed to be on a special high because boy were they rowdy!! But thankfully none of us lost our cool. On thurday we went to Woodlawn park but before that Northside church of christ helped our kids make some AWESOME games/toys: there was a racket made out of PVC pipe and rubberbands (so cool), a bean filled glove yo-yo ( i know, long description), a sandbag hacky sack and ........(drum roll, please) a human car wash!!! That was soooo cool to see ( I hope someone posted pictures of it); they had attached a hose to a bunch of PVC pipes that they formed to look like a carwash, complete with sponges and moving appartus'. It was just the coolest little invention. Anyway the park had it's ups (smiling faces, sweaty kids, happy times) and downs (the poor scared ducks that some of our kids kind of chased and terrorized; sorry duckies!) We had a great time :)
Posted by Candice Johnson

Fortmaking

Just wanted to post some pictures of the Urban kids' smiling faces! Props to Josh for having the energy to help the kids build forts out of mats on Thursday, even after we spent the whole day at Woodlawn Park with the kids!

The finished product, with a roof and everything. There were like 6 kids crammed into that little fort!

I was amazed by how much they enjoyed this.

A bigger fort they could all fit into.

Yay!

~Bets

The Joys of the Outdoors!

Although the San Antonio humidity and overwhelming heat often make us leaders partially dread the 2-3 hours we spend outside every day, it is a huge joy to watch the kids play together and even play with them. It is SO HARD to get the kids off of the playground when playtime is over!

 I absolutely loved watching these 8 kids work together to figure out how to pile up on the slide and scream with joy at how hard it was to not fall off!

Our little ones especially love playing tag.

Clarissa (5 years old) usually swings until her arms are about to fall off from exhaustion!

Another snapshot of the kids scurrying down the slide during tag.


Outside time is so fun for the kids, and I sincerely hope they never lose their innocent love for games like tag and the simple joys of swinging high on a swing!

~Bets

Mr. James

My dear Mr. James is one of those people who can make you want to scream out loud irrationally all the while making you think and begrudingly smile. He has one of the most pure servant hearts that I've seen in a looooong time. He always has a positive attitude, a smile on his face, an encouraging word, and a dance (no matter how off beat) in his step. I know that I can count on him to keep the children feeling happy, safe, encouraged and loved. We have a relationship that even though it may sometimes be volatile it is genuine and I treasure it. But out of all of this, my favorite thing about James is his love for the Lord; even though he may be sarcastic, he bases everything he says and does off the Word of God. He remembers to give God the glory in everything that he does and that is all the God requires. To you Mr. white and creamy I say, "and all the girls say, He's pretty fly for a white guy!" Love ya, man :)
Posted by Candice Johnson

Jules

What can I say about Julia? She's a lot of fun and the kids absolutely LOVE her. One thing i really appreciate about her is that she is really forthcoming and blunt about her mistakes which is rather refreshing when one works with children all day, lol. Julia is always the first one outside in the morning, cereal bowl in hand to watch the kids who want to play outside. I also really appreciate that she has no tolerance for unnecessary tears from the children because all of that crying can get really irritating sometimes. All in all I'm really glad I got a chance to get to know Julia and see her interact with all of the children here at Urban.

Peace out < Alex

Hello Mrs. Kreuger's Management Class!

This is an example of what a blog might look like. Kid's Connection at Urban Connection is a blog that builds community among employees, as well as advertise to the public some things that are going on in the Lincoln Height's Courts. The blog also allows for a place where employees can express creativity and write reflections on the previous week's activities. For example, today we took a "boys only" field trip to the police academy. As you can imagine, all the boys wanted to be a police officer afterwards. Check out the rest of the blog after class to find out some of the amazing things happening in one of the nation's poorest zip codes!

YO CANDICE!

YO CANDICE! She's a real cool cat. She's got a lot of this, and a lot of that. We all think that she's real neat. So come check out my sweet new beat. She's always fly, even on the jet plane. Always on time, never in the traffic lane. She cracks the whip, when Jorge's bad, and holds him like a baby when he's sad. She sweeps, mops, and hands out food,and she'll "slap ya in the mouth" if you're rude. She'll blow up your vocab, when you blab, don't try and spell, its just a drab. She's got the power. You know the, soOOULL POWER! Don't mess with her Satan, she'll pray you out, and leave us on the floor, all fallin' out. She talks like a boss, walks like a boss, better count the cost, before you get all cross. All in all, she's ridiculously awesome, stay around her too long, and you can't help but blossom. The End.

So that's my rap for my good friend Candice and pretty much the expanse of my creativity. Candice is one of those people that I love having next to me in such challenging arenas like children's programs. She is trustworthy, hardworking, and focused on the task at hand. She is direct and honest about things she likes and dislikes, which is a rare, but needed trait in leaders. She has a consistent, genuine, care and love for the children. Being around her continually makes me a better man, and that is the type of godly woman, like all the urban women, that I enjoy working with. Candice, may God bless you and keep you!

Lindsey-Smalls!!

I feel like singing about my pal, Lindsey, so here goes nothing..lol.

*clears throat*

L- is for the way you LOOK at me.....o_O
I- is for the INCREDIBLE person I see...
N- is very, very NICE and extraordinary...
S- is SO much more than anyone could adore...
and....
E- is EVERYTHING you mean to me...
Y- is something to describe YOU, as what I seeeee, and it is Ahhhhh-MAZING!!

All of us in Urban can make...
Take my heart but please don't break it..
cause' LINDSEY was made for me and YOU!!!



*awkward moment taken..and observed* o_O LOL!


Lindsey!!!

Words cannot explain what you mean to Urban and how much me as well as the other team members appreciate all you do while you're here. I often notice how great you interact with the children here, and love having fun and being a kid again while playing. I thank you for all you do, and I want to let you know that it never goes unnoticed. :)

I'm Precious Nwigwe, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and SOOOUUUUULLLLLLLLLL!!

Jah Bless!

Alex :)

One of my co-workers Alex has been doing an exceptional job lately. I've noticed many positive qualities she has; a big one for example is her compassion for each individual child. We always have kids falling down, getting bumps and bruises, and here comes Alex ready to patch up their scrapes. Not only does she take care of their physical needs, she also is very good when our kids have emotional issues. She is always mindful of how she speaks to each child, and is very wise when consoling them. I really appreciate Alex and all of the wonderful assests she brings to our team of Americorps. Props to you Alex and keep up the awesome work!! - Julia

Eliza-Bets!!!!

During my time here at Urban I've been privileged to be surrounded by so many wonderful people. I've had numerous jobs, but this is the first one I can truly say that I love! Not only do I love what I do, but I love the people I work with. One of those people is Miss Elizabeth A.K.A Bets. Whoever created the saying "there's no I in team" had Bets in mind. She's a great example of how one should go over and beyond their call of duty. When there's down time she always finds something to do. Anything from decorating our bulletin boards to putting up colorful dots along the borders of the walls to brighten up the room. Her creativity has brought life to the Urban facility. Bet's smile alone can brighten any ones' day. The love of God continuously shines through her, and I know that it's genuine. Although she's one of the younger team members she stands out as a great leader. I'm blessed to have her be apart of my life!!!!:) Be blessed and prosperous....
-K.Smith

Sabrina!

Let me tell you about my friend Sabrina. She is a wonderful person who's usually pretty organized, way more than me anyway. She's jokes around at times which is cool. She is in charge of lunch with Bets and I thinks they both do an outstanding job at it. This past friday though, while in between snacktime and our next activity there wasn't anything for me to do with the kids. So I decided to play Thumbs up Seven up, but there was only one problem I didn't remember how to play the game. Sabrina to the rescue! She swooped in and saved the day not only was the game played properly I also had alot of fun. Thank you Sabrina for being there when I needed you. You rock. Josh

Precious Nwigwe

Precious our urban after hours step teacher did an awesome job on Friday teaching the kids new steps. Not only is Precious amazing at teaching our kids at urban different steps, but she is also really good at teaching the kids new card games in the morning before we get started with our day. In our ten and up group Precious has done an awesome job with our two older girls at Urban Connection being able to confide in her with the things they are struggling with in their lives. I can really tell these girls really trust Precious and look up to her, and it is awesome to see that. This summer has been incredible and I am so thankful for each team member I have had the privledge to work with. Countinue to pray for each of us and the plans God has for us for the rest of the summer. Gig em and God Bless, Lindsey Hawkins

One of My Great Coworkers, Kisha!

In the midst of energetic and rambunctious kids causing havoc to any preconceived notions of having an organized and fully orderly day at work, she stands out as one who isn’t fazed by the chaos. Having learned to take things as they come and not stress over events not going as planned, she has almost completely perfected doing what is necessary to ensure that Urban lives up to its motto of loving each and every kid fully and completely. I think of her as the ultimate caretaker. She loves on the kids with a wisdom that I hope to be able to develop. Her commitment to Urban goes beyond the normal hours of 8:30-3:30, Monday through Friday, as she has helped coordinate and chaperone various weekend camps this summer. Her name is Kisha Smith, and I’m so proud to be able to call her my coworker and my friend!

~Bets

Mr. Josh

This week we were assigned to chose someone from our team and write about them, I choose Josh. Honestly, before we were even given this assignment I didn't really pay much attention to what the others in my group were really doing for Urban. Over this week I have seen first hand how great my team really is. Josh among the others, has an extraordinary personality, he doesn't mind to lend a helping hand. Josh is consistent with the children and also fair to each one of them. He is a friend to the kids, a motivator, and a leader, but also knows when he needs to step up and take control. What I admire the most about him is that he never stresses over any little thing, and he always has a positive attitude, also he keep his personal life and work life separated. He's encouraging and funny, and although he may not know it he has helped me see that being clam, relaxed, and at ease at times is not always a bad thing. I'm proud that I have the opportunity to work with him along the other members in my team, because he has tought me many things. So Thank You Josh! ;)

UC LIVE :)

This week was filled with lots of ups (my group finally behaving!!) and unforunately some downs (suspensions). But even with all of the drama that is always to come with working at Urban, there was light at the end of the tunnel in the form of a cookout/talent show called UC LIVE! Lindsey, james and I had stayed afterwards for the cookout so that we could see all the kids and their hard work...man I wish I had brought my personal camera for that, but thankfully lindsey got some pics! Anywho, the kids were so fantastic and they were so happy it seriously brought tears to my eyes to see them laughing and singing and dancing for their parents with the BIGGEST smiles on their faces! I mean they were just overjoyed and those moments are where I realized that all of the drama and stress and frustration that can come from this job seems to disappear when I see those kids happy, laughing and healthy :) And oh my goodnes my 8 and 9 year olds brought down the house with their performance of Baby by Justin Bieber...they had smooth moves (some taken from MJ, of course) they were just so confident and wonderful! I was just so proud. Being with these kids has taught me to be appreciative of the life that God has blessed me with but also to share in the good times when all of us truly feel blessed. Posted by candice johnson

Our Amazing Kids at the Talent Show!!!

I was so proud of our 8 and 9 year olds as they performed baby by Justin Bieber. They did such an awesome job, here is a small video clip of it.

Here is another video of our awesome kids performing a song they learned throughout the week with the Kentucky group.

Adam and Jaden perform Karate Kid and they

did such an amazing job!

Gig em and God Bless, Lindsey Hawkins

The Blessing of Serving Hearts

Do you believe that those we bless are often times the ones we least expect to? A lot of times we don't even know when or where it happens. Previously, I was feeling drained and certainly more pessimistic than normal. A lot of this was due to poor resting habits, stress, and an unspoken tension among the team. However, God gave me an opportunity to see some of my own flaws and bad tendencies that I have been allowing to slip into my character over the past couple of weeks and a new spark to finish strong this summer.

Much of these realizations were from having some new Christ-centered laborers, visiting all the way from Kentucky, along side of our Americorps team. Seeing their heart for the children and an amazing spirit of inclusion put the much needed spark back into my summer. It was their enthusiasm, not their criticism, that spurred me to pick myself up and continue laboring for kingdom victories. They were not afraid to come along side of you and get their hands dirty and always invited you to join in on their home cooked meals, which were amazing. After the kids left one day, we had an outdoor gallon challenge that, after walking inside and coming back to milk that had been heated up on the asphalt, gave me a new perspective on Revelation 3:16 - So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth. I know that the Kentucky team's focus wasn't on me but it's amazing what an enthusiastic heart to serve can do to bless those around it. I know that I am a man of many flaws but I hope that someday I also will be characterized by a passionate serving heart that spurs on other Christ-centered laborers. Shine on!

Kentucky Fried Style...

This week here at Urban the group very well known around these parts as "Kentucky" came to show our kids a very great time, as they planned out several activities and games, and a great bible lesson each and everyday. The kids really seemed to enjoy learning new stories and songs, as well as I did. I enjoyed watching many of the kids faces light up with excitment with all the stories that were told...from the inside the boat, to the window. Also, the outdoor games were very fun as well, from "Mr. Wolf what time is it?" to "Mingle", and one of my favorites "Knock Out!" (even though I didn't win) All in all, every moment was a great experience!! I can't wait for more fun and excitment that is coming our way!


God Bless,

-Precious Nwigwe
"Do Not Stress...Do Your Best...and God Does The Rest!"

What Will They Do Next?

4-5 year olds have a different but exciting idea towards life. Their imaginations run wild all throughout the day. Its very hard to try and guess what they might say or even do next. Everyone of these kids can bring a smile to my face in may ways. The things they come up with are so ridiculous that you can't help but laugh because it tends to be extremely funny! They are the most adorable kids I've met. Throughout this week the kids have gotten to do many different activities, and make many different art crafts. They also learned new songs along with that moves that go with them. I personally think that the kids really enjoyed dancing and singing the most, they tended to get lose and go with the flow!

The Rambunctious but Altogether Lovable Fours and Fives

It's hard to find the words to describe my feelings about the 4 and 5 year olds that Sabrina, Kisha, and I have had the opportunity to lead and spend our time with at Urban. The kids are precious. While it's almost impossible to get most of them to sit still for longer than 30 seconds, they have such an inexpressible joy and passion for life that it's also impossible not to love them. We often find ourselves laughing very hard about the hilarious sayings, imaginations, and actions of these young children. A few of the kids have such wild and altogether entertaining imaginations that it's hard to bring myself to tell them to forget their imaginative ideas for the time being and focus on the task at hand. Here are some pictures of some of the darlings that I have the blessing to spend my days with this summer!

A group shot of about half of the little "Indians" we had running around one day.

Eduardo, the most imaginative little boy I have ever met. Here, he's posing as he's "frozen" while playing freeze tag. 

John John, David, Diego, and Jacob having a blast with Lance, one of the leaders from the Springtown group from last week.

The playground is definitely this age's favorite hangout spot. Here, Amore is posing at the top of the slide!

Joshua and David, two brothers who love each other to death and have the sweetest smiles!


God bless!

~Bets

Hurt Left Unhealed

Heart break was the theme for what I was experiencing last week at urban. On Tuesday, I found out that one of the sweetest girls in my group of 6&7 year olds tried to jump out of a moving car and also attempted to "seriously" attacked her sister. She was then enrolled in the psychiatric ward at a nearby hospital and studied for a while. I was broken over the news. She is one of those kids that melts your heart and rarely gives you any problems. I later found out that she was on medication during the day to keep her calm and due to some "home" problems, she was experiencing a lot of anger.
This same week, I sat outside with a 13 year old girl talking about how angry and short tempered she was at another girl and that it all stemmed from her dad being murdered a few years before. For 45 minutes, with her face streaming in tears of frustration, we talked about having self-control, the consequences of anger, and the healing power of God. I knew that God was the only one that could take her pain away and draw her off of the bad path she is headed down, but she spoke of God as being the one who allowed her father to die. All I could say was that an angry man with a gun killed her dad, not God, and that I truly believe that there is a better and bigger plan for her than the things she is doing currently. My heart was heavy with sorrow for each of the girls, but these are just two stories of the many here at the Lincoln Heights Courts. There is so much pain lurking behind the cute faces here at urban and it is a shame that they all have to be young children. Why does the world overlook things that are going on here, good and bad? Why don't ALL the people of God turn their deafened ears towards the cries of these children and to all the pain left unhealed. I know that I was oblivious to it all once, but if you have ears to hear, let them hear. We can no longer hide behind the "that's not my calling" smokescreen, or "I don't have time" excuse. Jesus speaks of them in them in such a direct way that you would have to be a pharisee to hide from it.
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 "Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come! 8 If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. 10"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. 12 "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.
So Jesus is passionately seeking after all the little ones in San Antonio, but the question is, "Are we?" Are we seeking to be God's guiding and healing hands and feet or are we just being kept in the pockets of our own selfishness like too much change that clangs around in some annoying repetitive fashion.

Our Adorable yet Crafty 8 and 9 year olds!!

This past week with our 8 and 9 year olds had an extremely fun time with the game telephone. The group we had here Springtown Church of Christ who were totally awesome turned the game into God Telephone. This is a video of our awesome and super cute 8 and 9 year olds enjoying God Telephone.

Gig em and God Bless, Lindsey Hawkins

Our Lovely girls in our Urban After hours Class!

Amaryis painting her Jewlery Box Blue!

Rosary admiring the work of others!!

Elyssa she put so much paint on her Jewlery Box that the top got stuck to the bottom. She is adorable!

Bets and I are having so much fun with our urban after hours class and this next tuesday we will be making lots of Jewlery , so the girls have plenty of Jewlery to put in their awesome new jewlery boxes!

Gig em and God Bless,Lindsey Hawkins

Blessings!!

The Lord has blessed this group of Americorps with not only wonderful children, but also wonderful volunteer groups! It is truly amazing to see how loved these children are, even by complete strangers that come in just to help out. We continually witness the love of Jesus Christ that is showered over Urban Connection, and the kids we have in the program. The groups have had some awesome activities planned for the kids. From decoration to dancing, and water sports to watching movies, it has been a blessing to see the faces of our children light up with joy. We have been given the opportunity to change lives and show others love. We are blessed. By: Julia H.

Jesus loves ALL the little children!

After spending a day at urban connection you'll quickly find out which kids are notorious and infamous for doing and being what: you got your charmers, you schemers, your lovers, your clingers, your drama queens and kings, your sweet hearts, your trouble makers and your "you're-just-so-cute-I-want-to-put-you-in-my-pocket-and-take-you-home" kids. And one would think that being with children like this all day 5 days a week for 8 weeks would be mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually draining...well it is! Sometimes at the end of the day I go home thinking that I have failed because I didnt change a life. As crawl into my bed after I've eaten and taken a shower, I am faced with 1 of 2 choices: I can turn on the TV or can open my Bible. Thankfully, I chose to open my Bible and my heart to the leading of the Holy Spirit; and day after day the Lord always tells me "If you love those children like I do, then you are changing their life." I know it seems so repetive to talk about love but the Lord is showing just what a powerful tool love can be. We hear songs about love all time: "all you need is love, love never fails, vision of love, power of love, let love be, L-O-V-E!" So when I wake up the next day and I thing about only loving those loveable, clingy, sweetheart, and charming kids, I think how Jesus showed love to all the children (yes even the drama queens and trouble makers) and by showing love we can change those not-so-easy-to-love kids into kids that we can't get enough of. Posted by Candice Johnson

Springtown Youth Group

This past week came and went to fast, I along with the children really enjoyed having Springtown Youth Group help us out! They were a wonderful group with everything planned. The activities they had keep the kids involved and excited to came back the next day. Our 4-5 year old age group had a blast with the youth group and all their activities. Each day the group worked on a story time with different stories from the bible, and with that they would teach the kids a verse that they had them repeat to get a treat. I love that this group not only had fun games for the children to play, but also taught them fun stories that the bible holds. The kids really liked the particular stories they told, most of them really liked the story about Daniel and the lion. Well that's all for now...

Springtown Rocks!!!

This week has come to an end, and I must say it rocked! The group that was with us, Springtown, was such a great group of people. Upon first meeting them I could feel the love of God through their interaction with the children as well as with the staff. Everyday they had activities that focused on a particular bible story. For example, Tuesday the children learned about Joshua and the battle of Jericho. They had the room fixed up to look like a town from the Old Testament with the walls of Jericho in the center. The children marched around the walls six times and on the seventh time the walls came down! The looks on their faces was priceless. Another thing I loved was when the children would play games to help them remember the memory verse for the day. It was great to see them catch on so quickly. Even I was able to apply each scripture to my own life experiences. The one from today really ministered to me because it helped me to reevaluate some things that I'm currently going through. "Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything." (Philippians 4:6) No matter what issues may come up in your life, you don't have to stress about it. Give it to God and He will take care of it in His time.
Be blessed and prosperous.......-K. Smith

Red Rover...Red Rover

This week has been great so far. I have seen some new faces, and gotten to know some of the old ones more and more each day. This week during play-time we played a very interesting, and challenging game of "Red Rover" which had a lot of funny moments, and "close-calls" Lol. But all in all, it was a great game, and the kids really enjoyed themselves. Also, we got to play the famous water ballon toss game, and guess what?..Yea thats right, I got splashed. o_0! It was a very wet day indeed. I cannot wait for all the more interesting things to come around as the weeks go by, more fun to come i'm sure of it!! :) -Precious Nwigwe