I realized as I opened up my blog that I last wrote in the fall. Maybe I was in denial that we are hitting winter and kept thinking it's still fall and hasn't been that long since I've been on here. Winter months are always so different here in the city. Like most places, people tend to stay inside and you it's harder to connect with neighbors. It definately takes more effort! The neighborhood is just more alive in the warm weather :)
We've had a busy late fall/early winter. For Thanksgiving, we were again able to hand out
food boxes to our families. I was reminded the rest of that day how much it means to our families to receive these- my phone was ringing non-stop with people thanking me for the food. It was good to know that because of the donations of so many people we were able to bless 50 families! Another great thing was having a group of people from Grand Rapids come for the day. A group of girls from my brother's church (North Park Baptist) came and helped delivered and also put on a Kids Club later that afternoon. Also, some friends from my home church came out to see first hand what we do here in HP and be a part of the delivery.
food boxes to our families. I was reminded the rest of that day how much it means to our families to receive these- my phone was ringing non-stop with people thanking me for the food. It was good to know that because of the donations of so many people we were able to bless 50 families! Another great thing was having a group of people from Grand Rapids come for the day. A group of girls from my brother's church (North Park Baptist) came and helped delivered and also put on a Kids Club later that afternoon. Also, some friends from my home church came out to see first hand what we do here in HP and be a part of the delivery. This past weekend, the youth group from North Park Baptist returned to throw the 2nd Annual Christmas party for our kids. We are thankful for this energetic group of young people and their passion to continue relationships with our kids. They have been back multiple times to be a part of events go
ing on here. This picture is of the kids hitting up the cookie table- a very popular booth at the party!
ing on here. This picture is of the kids hitting up the cookie table- a very popular booth at the party!This fall, I've also been able to connect in our community in different ways. First off, it's been so awesome having roommates who are also excited about connecting here. They are building relationships with our neighbors and being intentional about consistancy and sharing God's love here. One of my roommates and I recently joined the Powerhouse Gym around the corner. Definately a new experience! But also a great way to meet new people in the area. I've started to go a few times a week with a Christian couple who live across the street from me. I'm excited about getting to know them better as we are living in community and ministry together. Not to mention the fact- the excercise and weight training help boost my health a bit :) I've also started coaching basketball at the Boys and Girls club at the end of the road. My neighbor connected me with the need there for a female coach. I'm not an expertise by any means (even though one of my girls did ask me if I use to coach for the Detroit Shock- haha!!) However, it's been great to get to know some of the staff there- as well as connect with more HP kids. A few months ago, it hit me that the Boys and Girls club was so close to us and I began to wonder if there was someway we could connect with them- I believe this is a door of opportunity God has opened up- for what reason exactly I am still unsure. It's always good to connect with people who are making a difference in our community.
