Transitioning back into suburbia and looking back on my experience this summer, I can see more clearly that I wasn’t in Lawndale to learn about how to do Kingdom work like I thought I was. It was really for me to see and be a witness to the work that God has already been doing in Lawndale. I had the privilege to see the fruit of God's work through the Lawndale Community Church, and as one of our CUP staff, Ryan, very nicely summarized: the power of the Gospel to transform an entire neighborhood. It took decades for Lawndale to be where it is now. I had to see that God was present in Lawndale transforming lives and reclaiming the community in God's name long before I was even born to really believe that God is in control and that God's hand is in everything.
The Sovereingty of God
Trusting in the sovereignty of our Lord was very freeing. It took the hopelessness out of life. It took the burden off of my shoulders. It restored and renewed me to live for Christ. It gave me patience and perspective. God works on God's own time. We might not always see the results, but God is still present. Though we hear it all the time, it was hard for me to believe until this summer.
Homesick for Lawndale
I have now been home for about a week and a half, and suburban life is quite a stark contrast to Lawndale. I miss walking outside and seeing familiar faces, greeting and being greeted by nearly everyone I pass on the sidewalk. I miss the gatherings at community events, backyard barbecues and post Sunday service games of soccer and Frisbee. I knew nothing about Lawndale before CUP, but after a short seven weeks, Lawndale became home. Coming off the pink line from a day in the city felt much like pulling into the driveway of my home in the suburbs. Though the sounds of gunshots (or maybe firecrackers) and the pain of lost lives and violence are very real in this community, what I remember most was the love and warmth I felt emanating from everyone I met. I remember affectionate teasing and laughter, smiles and hugs, inside jokes...this community definitely has a piece of my heart. I’m so thankful for the people I’ve met and for the CUP team.
Katie Shi was a student with the Chicago Urban Program’s Summer Project, directed by Beth Hedges. These reflections were first sent to her support team upon returning home.
