An Update of Sorts

Why hello everyone!

We are two weeks into summer, and I definitely love my work at Urban Connection! I am not wearing my rose-colored glasses, as the work definitely has its ups and downs, but overall I find it to be a rewarding, fulfilling experience. Every day I smile as the kids enter the arts and crafts room and approach me (and all the other leaders) with hugs, smiles, and stories.

I think the main thing for me to remember is that I’m working at Urban to serve God and to spread His Love throughout one area of San Antonio. On the way to work today I heard the song “Everlasting God,” with the refrain “Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord . . . ,” and I felt that the song captured the attitude and mindset of our work at UC-SA. First, my strength, which is sometimes sapped by the hours, the drives to and from work, and the work itself, will rise and be renewed when I think about the Lord and ask Him to strengthen me. Second of all, I know I will get that strength because I am waiting on the Lord by serving others. As Jesus says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Mat. 25:40). My work is not about me and my contributions, but about GOD, and it has been a blessing to see God at work with all these beautiful children.

Speaking of children . . .

Today little Esmeralda greeted me enthusiastically as I walked through the door after my day off, “Miss Laura! We were so worried about you,” complete with adorable hand gestures. I was enjoying my assigned day off, but her genuine concern cheered me and started my day on a great note.

Cheers,

Laura

I am...

Hi, everybody!
I'm Jen and I'm a rising senior at Trinity University majoring in sociology. I am so excited to be here at Urban Connection this summer and can't wait to get to know all the kids. Here are a few fun facts about me

• I'm left-handed
• I am originally from Austin!
• I love animals
• I have 2 brothers- one older and one younger
• I spent last summer in Quito, Ecuador working in a shelter/orphanage
• I love Sour Lifesaver Gummies... so much
• I just got home from a semester abroad in San José, Costa Rica and miss the friends that I made there

God Works in Mysterious Ways

Hi! My name is Chris.

I recently graduated from Texas State University (December 2010) with a BA in International Business and Japanese, and am excited to be part of Urban Connection during this summer. I originally planned to be in Japan teaching English to grade-school children this fall, but God had different plans for me. I actually do not much like talking about myself on the internet so I will make a list of random facts about my life and personality:

1) I was born here in San Antonio, but have spent half my life outside of Texas - including California, Hawaii, Maryland, and Japan, among others.

2) I LOVE learning new languages, not just Japanese. My friends joke with me that if you put me in a room with someone that speaks a different language, I will be conversing in it by the end of the day.

3) I am a photographer that needs inspiration: if anyone has any suggestions or great locations please feel free to let me know!

4) I was once in 3 different countries within 1 week and have been to the North Korean border.

5) Please bring high-speed rails and subways to Central Texas!

Estoy...

Hello :)

My name is Gayle and I can not wait to see what this summer has in store at Urban Connection. I have learned so much about the Lincoln Heights neighborhood and the surrounding area in the past week of training and I am excited to learn more!

Here are a few things about myself:

1.) I recently graduated from UTSA with a Psychology major and Biology minor. Go Roadrunners!
2.) I want to work in the healthcare field and I am currently applying to Physicians Assistant school.
3.) Everyone deserves an equal chance no matter what their background is.
4.) I was called to be a part of this program, and I believe God has his hand on the work that Urban Connection does.
5.) Quiero mejorar mi Espanol durante el verano.

I am . . .

I am Laura Krull, a rising junior at Grinnell College in Iowa, a sociology major, an avid reader, a tennis player, and most importantly, a follower of Christ.

I am a thinker, a dreamer, a believer, and a writer.

I am passionate about what I do. If I’m making pancakes for fellow stressed-out students at 2 in the morning, then I give my all and find the energy to serve others. If I’m playing piano as part of the worship band at school, then I find time in my busy schedule each week to practice so I can better help my fellow Christians praise God. If I’m playing a team tennis match against a rival school, then I give 110% and start cheering for my teammates the moment I leave the court.

If I’m working with kids, then I channel my own inner kid and return to my younger days to better connect with them. I stop worrying about being embarrassed or what other people will think about me and just have fun with those beautiful, small, and innocent human beings. I leave the stresses that come with being an adult behind and to simply help kids have a wonderful time. I’ve done this while babysitting, while working at the church nursery, and while making little friends at the playground, and this summer will be no different. I am excited to finally meet the kids of Lincoln Heights and of neighboring communities next week and to do everything possible to make a difference in their lives during our short time together.

Cheers,

Laura

HhhhEeeeYyyy EVERYONE!!!!!

HERE SOME THINGS YOU MAY WANT TO KNOW ABOT ME....

1.I HAVE WORKED AT URBAN CONNECTION FALL AND SPRING TREM.(AND NOW FOR THE SUMMER)
2.IM IN COLLEGE TO BE A TEACHER FOR AT RISK CHILDEREN.(I FEEL LIKE GOD HAS GIVEN ME THAT PASSION TO DO THAT AND REALLY CHANGE SOME LIVES.)
3.I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN SAN ANTONIO TEXAS BUT GREW UP ON THE EASTSIDE OF TOWN FOR A WHILE.
4.I FEEL LIKE GOD HAS GIVEN ME DIFFERENT TALENTS THAT I CAN USE TO HIS GLORY AND I AM VERY EXICTED TO SHARE THEM WITH URBAN CONNECTION.

Hellooooooooooo!

Hi, everyone!

My name is Erin and I'm super excited to be working with Urban Connection this summer! So excited, in fact, that I trekked down here all the way from Kentucky (with wonderful Ms. Danielle) to be a part of this awesome organization, and more importantly, to spend some time with the kiddos!

I was led here from the University of Kentucky, where I just completed my freshman year. I had the opportunity to spend Spring Break here with some of the kids through the ministry that I'm a part of there, called Cats for Christ. (Cats meaning the Kentucky Wildcats... We don't work with animals, though we do get asked that a lot!) I'm currently studying Biology and Spanish at UK, and I aspire to be a doctor, particularly a pediatrician or a pediatric oncologist.

Beyond that, I love music, books, current events, KIDS, laughter, serving my Lord, spending time with my family (particularly my brothers, who also double as some of my best friends). If there were four statements that would teach you the most about who I am, they could probably be related to song lyrics (because what can't be?). For example:

1. The song "Jesus loves Me," because without that where would I be?

2. You've Got A Friend In Me, from the original Toy Story. I'd choose this song because it reminds me of the hours of Disney movies I watched with my twin brother, Brett, as a child. He is, and always will be, my best friend. I'm a fiercely loyal person, and once you carve out a place in my heart, you'll always have a friend in me.

3. Jump Rope, by Blue October. The chorus of the song talks about how life is like a jump rope; it goes up and down. I'm a pretty optimistic person and this song constantly reminds me never to take things for granted, but also never to be too discouraged.

4. Send Me On My Way, by Rusted Root. This song has the silliest beat and is sometimes difficult to make sense of, just like me. :) I grew up in a small town, and this song perfectly describes my desire to see and experience the world beyond western Kentucky. Also, its impossible to listen to that song and not be happy, and I feel like happy is my normal mode. :)

I'm so grateful for the opportunity to serve your kids this summer! Please feel free to introduce yourself and to ask any questions you may have. I can't wait to meet you all! :)

--Erin

A Long Way from Home!

Hi everyone! My name is Danielle, and I come from the Bluegrass State. That’s Kentucky in case you weren’t sure, though I think we’re better known for fried chicken than bluegrass. I’m a senior at the University of Kentucky, studying Secondary English Education and Spanish. My campus ministry/church at UK has been coming to Urban Connection for Spring Break and summer trips for several years now, which is how I found out about Urban. Ever since I came for the first time last year, I knew I wanted to spend a summer here if possible. I don’t know exactly what I want to do in the future, but I do know that I want to work with kids, whether that be teaching abroad or in the inner city, or working with a non-profit organization. Wherever I end up, I am so excited to be working with an organization that has such a strong God-centered base and a clear, hopeful vision for the kids, families, and community in this inner city neighborhood. I’ll just do four facts about me:

1. I have a “little” brother, who is now 17, though he’ll always be about 8 years old to me.
2. The best snack is definitely fried pickles and a strawberry limeade from Sonic.
3. I spent last summer in Peru and I’m crossing my fingers to go back as soon as humanly possible.
4. I love the sunshine, which is great since it looks like I’ll be seeing a lot of that this summer!

I hope to see you all around Urban this summer! :)

Danielle

What is Kirk?

I am Kirk Rodriguez, a new intern at Urban Connection - San Antonio! And my excitement levels are off the charts. But before we all get too pumped, us interns will have to further explain ourselves. Hopefully you've already met Mari (the post(er) below this one), so I suppose it is my turn to let people know what I am.

Simple.

I am a believer in humanity. I believe with the proper amount of both love and information, of both compassion and knowledge, that humanity can overcome greed, prejudice, and hatred. Zac Efron and the crew were right when singing "we're all in this together," and I believe that as more and more people remember the truth within that statement, the better a world we will live in.

And I am a total hippie who loves musicals and existence.

Good Evening, Alamo City!

Hi there!

My name is Mari! I’m a senior at the University of Texas at Austin majoring in Social Work. I have a huge passion for inner city work, which has taken me as far away as Seattle, Washington for the past two summers and as close to home as the St. John’s Community in Austin during the school year. I am also very active in my church back home. I love kids and watching them interact with the world around them. I enjoy teaching children with hands-on activities and empowering them to be able to problem solve on their own. To get to know me better here is a list of five fun facts about me:

1. I am CPR/ First- Aid certified

2. I love coffee!

3. My parents and younger sister (15 yrs) live in South Austin

4. I have worked at summer camps for the past six years!

5. I love to laugh and I’m usually very high energy

I’m sure I will get to know you all over the next couple of months and I can hardly wait! To the parents, thank you for entrusting Urban Connection with your children; that’s a big deal, and I am thrilled to have a chance to spend the summer with them! Feel free to find me at anytime and introduce yourself!

In His Love,
Mari