Names

I know that I've definitely dropped the ball on blogging, but I have learned so much, now that it's time to write something down, my brain is going a mile a minute.

The past 6 weeks have gone by in a blink. I have been so blessed to spend my days with these teenagers that know more about the world than I did at that age. My kids are so funny. They're negotiators, and play makers. There have been days, that I have to pull my co-workers aside and tell them what my kids say! It's been so interesting to see them build relationships this summer too, especially with each other. I have loved getting to know them and their likes and dislikes, too.

As I've been praying for this summer, for my kids, for the neighborhood, and for God to enlighten my heart, I have been taught so much. I have seen in my kids such a since of perseverance. They never give up. Ever. Wether it's playing knock-out in the gym or trying to convince me to play dodgeball all day, they never give up. Sometimes it can get frustrating when I have to call them by name several times, but eventually, they listen. Even if I tell them "no", they attempt to negotiate with me. And they have faith.

The Lord reminds us in the book of Isaiah:

I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

It's like my kids know this truth. They know that God is before them when they're playing Dodgeball, or Wallball. And they have this confidence that is so admirable, I can only hope to be that secure in God one day.

My kids this summer have had good days and bad, and so have I, but yet, our Savior says that our hope to persevere from one day to the next comes from the fact that we are His and He goes before us.

Crunc City Photos

I have been planning to create this blog for a little over a week but wanted to ensure I had everyone's permission to post their photos - also post-processing in Photoshop can be a little bit time consuming.

A little over a week ago, Kevin Money volunteered several days of his time to help teach the kids how to dance. It was fun seeing the kids' initial trepidation toward these odd-looking dance steps before eventually embracing it and enjoying themselves. On Friday, the kids who did not leave for the fishing trip gave a performance for the remaining adults and children.

However, before this final performance, I was given the privilege of watching one of my kids and resident dance champion, "Smiley", compete against Mr. Money himself! If only I had the foresight to carry my camera with me all day! After a lengthy and HIGHLY entertaining dance-off, it was concluded by all present that Mr. Money won - although there were definitely no losers that day :)

Posted below are some photos of children and co-workers that were present for the children's' final performance.


*EDIT* I apologize in advance for the quality of the photos. The image compressor on this site doesn't play too well with photoshop :(

East Texas Fishing Trip

I had the privilege of attending one of the outdoor adventure trips that Urban Connection has been doing for years now.  I found out just a few days before the trip was supposed to happen, but I immediately wanted to go since I grew up in East Texas and thought it would be fun to see the kids reaction to being there. On Friday afternoon, we packed up and began our journey with a group of 15 kids.  I was a little unsure of how everything was going to work out, but the trip was spectacular!  On Saturday morning we all woke up around 4:30 a.m. and despite the looming dark clouds foreshadowing a day full of storms, we were still able to make it out onto the Sabine Lake; the thunder storms unexpectedly shifted and the rain subsided throughout the morning.  We had eight separate boats with guides who took us all out on the lake. I was on a boat with Hector and Matthew and our guide was Stephen.  He kept calling Matthew by the name of Patrick for some reason, so when they boys got the line on the poles tangled up, they blamed it on invisible "Patrick" and we just laughed. It was amazing to see how generous these individuals were with their time and equipment.  The kids caught so many fish! Natalie and Lizbeth caught over 50 fish together with the help of their guides (I bet the boys were not expecting that!).  We also caught crab, a sting ray, and a vast array of other fish including croakers, ladyfish, red fish, and speckled trout. After eating bbq and swimming, we had an awards ceremony where trophies and prizes were handed out to the kids for the days catches. We even went on an airboat ride that afternoon in the swamp and were able to see some alligators and learn some history about the area. The kids also got to experience cajun food and even though they were hesitant, most of them really enjoyed the seafood boudin, crawfish etouffee, and gumbo.

I am so grateful that I was able to spend time with this group of kids that went on this trip.  I got to learn more about them and even meet some brothers and sisters of the kids I work with normally. As they described it, it was just peaceful.  There is something about being in nature that just has a calming effect and I was able to see this in our group.  We all can not wait for the next trip :)

Joy

I love my job. It's true. How can you not love your job AND your life when you walk in the door and children run up to you to bestow their giant hugs on you?!? These last five weeks have been such a blessing to me - I'm still coping with a death in the family this summer, but the joy of these children have kept my spirits and my hopes high.

These children are some of the most joyful children I've met. Jay's face lights up every single morning when we tell him breakfast is ready. Nehemiah sprints into the gym with a huge smile and limitless energy. Lexander smiles when you agree to play with him. Alex burst out into rapid Spanish when he learned I spoke advanced Spanish, and not just English. :) I know I've written about this before, but there is so much love and joy in these children, I'm absolutely blown away.

Kids always remind you to appreciate the little things. For instance: they love pickle day. I happen to hate pickle day, as I am a pickle-hater compelled to open countless pickle packages and to then pour out the odiferous pickle juice. The children are oblivious to my repulsion, but thankfully I am always cognizant of their excitement. They love pickles. They are very upset when their lunch does not contain a pickle. The lesson I learn: eating a favorite food can (and should) make your day.

Lesson number two: You should always try new things. Today I introduced two different yarn projects to the younger kids - braiding and basic friendship bracelet knotting. Some of them picked it up right away - Monica radiated pride and happiness when when she quickly moved through her bracelet. Others struggled but still felt a sense of accomplishment at creating their own bracelet and succeeding at something new. Don't be afraid to try, and don't be afraid to fail, because you can always have lots of fun along the way. :)

So on thursday we had the kids make houses out of the boxes. They had to build the things they would see in a house. The some of the five and six year olds built lad tops, love seats,bath tubs,sinks and more. It was so funny watching them actually work togeather and put all the ideas togeather. We had a really good time doing it!!!

"I am a promise, I am a possibility, I am a promise"

That is a line from one of the songs the kids learned while participating in a DEFY (Drug Education for Youth) program this past week at Urban. The kids seemed to really love that song, and so did I.  After working at Urban for a month now (where does the time go!), I have come to personally know many of our kids.  They have so much potential!  The more I work with them, the more I uncover about each and every one of them.  This song definitely fit our kids, and I am glad I am able to know them well enough to say that.

After having outside groups come in for the last two weeks, I am excited to have Art Week with Mrs. Jennifer of Urban next week! I look forward to working with my 9-10 year old group on a daily basis again. (I hope they missed me as much as I missed them!)  There are so many more exciting things to come for the remainder of the summer, so we will continue to update y'all on those.

-Gayle

Sweet Moments at Camp

Hey everyone, Danielle here. I was so excited when I first heard that one of our job responsibilities was contributing to the Urban Connection blog, but I’ve somehow had a difficult time remembering to actually write an entry. Attempting to update everyone on the past four weeks would take up much more space than anyone is willing to read, so I’ll pick out some of my favorite parts from the most recent weeks.

I’m one of the leaders for the 9 and 10-year-old group, and I am so thankful that I was assigned to this group of kids. There are definitely challenges to it (they see no good reasons to try and get along with someone they don’t like), but they are such a fun group to be with all day. These kids are torn between growing up and being too cool for some things, but still really wanting to do other things, because they’re still little kids. They are interesting to watch, especially when they try new things. During the second week of camp, we had a lot of really cool lessons where they tried all sorts of new things: team-building activities, dance, drumming. I loved watching them discover something new that several of them were actually really good at it. Even if they weren’t immediately talented at the new activity, the whole group definitely enjoyed that week. Kids this age seem to be becoming more aware of themselves and who they are, and I love getting to watch them choose what defines them.

Last week, Springtown church of Christ brought their youth group out, and the kids had a wonderful time learning so many new things about God. I think my all-time favorite moment at camp so far came that week. It was actually after one of the outside activities, so Miss Ashley was just talking to the kids (bonding time!), asking them what they had learned about God so far that week. Suddenly, the kids were all really excited about sharing everything they had ever learned about God. They were throwing out facts and stories, asking questions, and then asking harder questions (I thought God died on the cross? Are God and Jesus the same person?). Looking around at those 25 kids, every single one with a hand in the air, excited to talk about God, was enough to make my eyes sting. God is so present in this neighborhood and with these kids. It was a really beautiful moment and one that I won’t forget.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (II Corinthians 12:9)

My mind goes to this verse multiple times a day, when I realize that I alone am just not capable of eternal patience and love and understanding. Thankfully I serve a God who is!

There have been several funny moments at camp this summer. I'm grateful that my self-esteem isn't too dependent on the opinions of the kids sometimes. So far, I have been told, "You look like you're 99!" and "Miss, you looked better when you were 20." The kids also enjoying critiquing my athletic ability, or lack thereof. Some of the kids in my group are determined to teach me how to play basketball before the summer is over. Good luck, sweet children.