Collectively, two Wednesdays ago was one of our team's favorite days that we have had so far, but when we tried to articulate why, we realized it might be more difficult that we had anticipated. In simplest terms, our Wednesday consisted of tutoring neighborhood kids, a game of Spoons, making a new friend, and attending a 3-year old's birthday party. For us, it felt like a turning point and an answered prayer.
Breakthrough, Chaos, Prayer, and Celebration
It started off with a great day of tutoring. For me (Clare), tutoring on that particular morning grew my heart for the kids in a way I had been holding back from. One of the 10-year-old boys that I work with, who fakes a tough guy attitude and a reluctance to read, lay his head on my shoulder while I read to him and gave me a bracelet that he made for me. The 16-year-old brother of a girl in the program was so ready to practice English that he was silently reading over our shoulders during his little sister's tutoring. This led to the beginning of our friendship and joint effort to incorporate him into our community of interns whenever possible.
After dinner, Julian pulled out the guitar and we began singing songs and worshipping God. As our team was gathered around the table singing, 10 of our neighborhood kids, who visit regularly, burst through the door. From there it was fun to watch the scene unfold. There was a group of kids playing an intense game of Spoons on the floor with Megan and Jacinda. A group of little faces circled around Julian to join in the singing, while several of the younger boys watched curiously not sure what to think of what the "big kids" were doing. Brownies were being made in the kitchen, kids running in and out the door, lots of laughter. The scene was joyful, chaotic and fun all at the same time.
Daniel, who often has a herd of kids following him, left to go back to the boys' apartment for some quiet time. To no one's surprise, he had a difficult time escaping unnoticed by all the kids. So Megan and I (Kara), followed behind to provide some backup. We found the whole group at Daniel's door while he explained that he wanted to take some time to pray. The kids persisted and asked if they could come with him. And that's how we found ourselves sitting in the stairwell of the boys' apartment praying with the kids. The "big kids" went first to "show them how it's done" and then the "little kids" took their turns. Perhaps one of the most touching moments was when a 10-year old boy thanked God for being the best Father ever. Wow.
Back at the girls' place, things were wrapping up when we were loudly informed that there was a piñata out front. And so we found ourselves outside, with 50 others, celebrating the birthday piñata of our 3-year old neighbor. This was a great opportunity to get to talk with some of the adults and moms in the community. And before we knew it, we were squished into our neighbor's apartment, with heaping plates, eating some of the best food we've had all summer. It was a touching experience to be so welcomed into a family party with people who barely knew us.
A Part of God's Work
We've been praying for a deeper heart for our neighbors. We've been praying for opportunities to connect with other adults and those who live near us. We've been praying for deeper conversations with the kids that went beyond playing and reading. And in just one day, it felt like a turning point in which God was pouring blessings on us and answering prayer after prayer. And of the most fascinating things is that, God really didn't have to do that. We all know that our purpose here this summer is not to dramatically change the neighborhood, and maybe not even see the results of what we're doing, but to faithfully serve our small part in a much bigger mission. Two Wednesdays ago, God chose to show us a big glimpse into the beauty and work he's doing in Chirilagua and for that we are incredibly grateful.
This is why it can be so hard to answer the question, "how was your summer?" or even "how was your day?" Because in simplest terms, we did some tutoring, sang some songs, played with some kids, and went to a party. But for us, it feels like so much more because we're seeing God working and changing our hearts in our daily lives. We're learning that our purpose isn't so much to do big things, but small things with great love (quote from Mother Theresa maybe?).
In the same way, from an outsider's perspective, Chirilagua may just be a low-income community with crowded apartments, some bug problems, and not much to offer. But to us it has become home. It's a vibrant community with awesome families. It teaches us about family, humility and hospitality. God's work and presence are alive and active.
Kara Styers and Clare Stubniak are student bloggers from the Washington DC Urban Program. Kara is a student at Mercer University and Clare is a student at the University of Maryland. Throughout the summer we’ll be posting blogs and reflections written by students on summer projects.
