Day 52 and under

I've been horrible at keeping this up to date! Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I'll start by posting a few...

Landon and Nick on zoo field trip day a few weeks ago.

Markell, Jordon, Mr. Justin, and Ollie pretending they are in a photo shoot for their rock band.

Me, Joe, Kellie, and Kate two weekends ago at the beach! It rained the whole time, but we had a blast. We still built a great sandcastle and ate seafood.

Jarvis and I after picking up trash. This pretty much explains how trash pick up went.

This is just too funny not to post.We loved the childrens' museum last week!

Nya(obviously) with the life-size Scrabble board at the childrens' museum. We wanted to play, but ran out of time.

We went to Cary, MS on Saturday to visit Cary Christian Center. Cary is in the Delta, which is the poorest area of the nation. The median income is $16,000 I believe. (If any of you interns read this and remember otherwise, let me know.)The Cary Christian center offers a variety of ministries to help the people in the area, and has been in existence for 40 years. I would lovvvveeee to bring a group down here from our church to work for a week. Here's their website. http://www.carychristiancenter.org/

Isn't it lovely? It's an old plantation home turned museum that we visited on our way back to Jackson. It was weird to go from looking at trailers and houses that are falling in around the people who live in them to this within just a few minutes.

Us girls being ladylike. Pardon me. Would you have any grey poupon?

Thad, Joe, and Ontario being themselves.

Ollie and his horses. He LOVES horses more than anything and draws them every chance he gets. He was supposed to be drawing a picture of something that reminds him of change to go with the song we were singing. He drew a foal and then a full grown horse. I'm not sure which is which in the photo.

The 5th and 6th grade learned the song "Change" by Taylor Swift for chapel and performed it today. I took this picture of them yesterday with some of the lyrics from the song. It says "These walls that they put up to hold us back with fall down". The song goes on to say, "It's a revolution. The time will come when we will finally win. We'll sing hallelujah." I think it fits these kids well: lots of movers and shakers in this crew. They are going to continue to break down the walls we've been trying to break down this summer; especially the walls that racism has built and that Grandpa Perkins has dedicated his life to breaking down. If he was writing this post, well, it would be worded much more clearly and concisely, but also he would probably throw in, "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal". You get the idea. Anyhow, the kids did a great job, and I hope the song actually meant something to them, or that it will someday.

Things are going well. This is actually the last week of camp. I can't believe it. We only have two days left with the kids. Saying goodbye will be horrible. I'm crying just thinking about it. I'm hoping I can come back the first weekend in October to visit. I have so much more to write, but us girls are having a slumber party in our living room and we're about to start the movie.

Love,
LH

Day 45

I'm going to have to keep this short. There's nothing major to report today. The kids were a little nuts, but nothing terrible. We watched a movie about Hurricane Katrina tonight. It made me think of all the trips I've been doing hurricane relief and everyone's stories. I wonder how they are doing now. It's amazing that after six years, there is still so much to be done. A couple of our kids, Zooey and Tyler are from New Orleans and moved here because of Katrina. Here they remain.

I'M SO TIRED!

I hope everyone is doing well, and maybe I'll actually get caught up on my blogging and picture posting tomorrow. Hopefully.

Love,
LH

Day 44

I don't even know where to start or how to structure this post. So much has happened in the past week, but it might take me a minute to get started here...

I guess I'll start with the good news: Grandma went to the doctor today and the pressure behind her eyes has gone down! We've been praying so hard at camp for this ,and I can't wait to tell the kids that God truly and very obviously answered our prayers. I can't imagine how relieved Grandma is. She was so worried and was crying about it at chapel this morning.

Speaking of chapel, I had to lead it again this morning. I've discovered I'm just really not good at speaking to little people, and talking to college students comes much easier to me. I'm not really sure why Theo keeps putting me in charge of it. Maybe he just really doesn't want to do it. I don't know. I really don't want to do it again. My kids did their skit though, and that was...well... they came up with it themselves... so ... creative... but not. I was proud of them anyhow.

For some reason, today my class exploded. I've had very few kids the past couple weeks, and then today Jaden, Jamaal, and two new girls, Nia and Nikita, came, plus all of the regulars minus Landon. Music class was a little hectic because of that. Also, I made them sing a Justin Bieber song to warm up, which a few of them hated, but mostly they just got really wound up. They are doing the song "Change" by Taylor Swift for chapel next Thursday, so that's what we'll be working on from here on out. The learned most of it today, and we called my old roomie back home, Kristin , so that they could sing it to her. She LOVED it , and they thought it was cool to make someone's day.

Tomorrow, we are supposed to be doing our last "Pay it Forward" project, which is cleaning up that vacant lot. It got rained out today, but hopefully we'll have better luck tomorrow. I'm a little concerned about what we may find when we clean it up. I'm praying for no drug paraphenalia.

Well, shoot. As always, I have so much more to say, but I haven't taken the time to shower in a couple days,and that HAS TO HAPPEN before I go to bed. I'll try to write again tomorrow and talk more about the interns and things that happen outside of camp as well. Our days here are long, and it's always hard for me to include even the big thing that happen.

Love and peace,
LH

P.S. - I'm not sure if I've attached this link before, but if you scroll down, there should be a video of the 7th and 8th graders singing last week, as well as a bit about the interns.

http://spencerperkinscenter.org/v1/

Days 38-41

I can't believe it's been 41 days. I should have written yesterday. It would have been much more biblical.Right now I'm on lunch break and it has been a crazy day. The kids are especially high-strung for several reasons:

1. It's Friday.
2. We're taking them to see a movie at 2 o'clock--Mr. Poppers Penguins (or Mistuh Poppas Pweenguins as Allen says)
3. We had a man bring some creepy animals (i.e. alligator, scorpion, snakes)for the in-house field trip this morning. He let the kids hold them and most of them LOVED IT. Ms. Kate didn't love it as much as the kids. The guy kept putting the various animals on Kate, including a tarantula that crawled up her back. YUCK!

I'm going to go ahead and post this now, but I will continue it later when I have more time.

Love,
LH

Day 35-37

I have a ridiculous amount of chigger bites, which consumed my attention for most of the day. They are definitely getting better, though. I've smothered myself in clear fingernail polish and just took two benadryl, so staying awake through the rest of this post will be a miracle. Oddly enough, no one here seems to know what chiggers are. I don't know how that happens. Maybe they call them something else. I'm not sure. Julian, one of our fourth graders was cracking me up talking about it. He kept calling them sugar bugs, because he didn't understand what I was saying. He'd hit me with his towel and say, "don't worry Miss Liz. I'm just killin' the sugar bugs".

My kids started discussing the pay it forward project today. So far, they've decided that they want to do something to help Grandma Perkins, her assistant and groundskeeper, Theo, and take on some sort of neighborhood clean up project. It would be so great if we could tackle that vacant trash-covered lot that we found the week we picked up trash. I'm not exactly sure who to talk to about that, or if we need approval from the city or what, but hopefully someone that works here will know. Tommorow we're going to make cards for Grandma and then read them to her since she can't see very well.

I don't remember if I told you in my last post, but Theo asked me to give the devotion in chapel again for today (and after today asked me to do next week as well--though I don't think he like mine much today). I used this verse...

Isaiah 46:4 (NIV) “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

I asked the older kids about the last time they were carried, who carried them, and why they needed to be carried. The main point I was getting at was that no matter how old we are, and how big we get, God will always be able to carry us. Grandma liked it I think, because I told them that even Grandma is still being carried by God, especially right now with all of her fear and pain in her eye (she hollered "Amen!"). I think this is a good reminder to me as well, especially when I have rough days here. It's hard being away from my usual family and friends that will hold me (quite literally--Kels you know where I'm coming from) when I need to be held. Okay, stepping off my soap box now. Anyway, my devotion was really short, and I think Theo wanted more. I just didn't really have much more to say than what I said.

Yesterday morning, Kate, Kellie, Thad, and I went to a house church with the aunt of one of our campers. The service was pleasant, and the family that was hosting it consisted of some WONDERFUL singers. I could have listened to them for a long while. They want to fix us dinner some day, and none of us will turn down that offer! The people around here know how to cook, and don't cut any corners...or leave out any fat. I don't think I've had a bad meal here. It's a good thing that I sweat so much during the day!

All of us interns are worn out, and we're having a quiet night at home. It's nice. I think we are hitting the point of extreme exhaustion or something. It's weird. Pray that our strength is renewed.

Peace,
LH

Days 32-34

So, if you've been keeping up with this blog, you'll remember that when I first moved here, Rachel told us to leave our cars unlocked at all times and to take everything out of them. This proved itself correct on Thursday night when someone broke a window to get in to Osha's car and stole a coach purse, digital camera, and iPod.This all took place while we were having community night. They must have broken in either while everyone was eating or when we were listening to the speaker, because no one caught them. Two cops came, and though I'm fairly certain one was high, the other at least took a report and fingerprints. There were still some kids hanging around from the neighborhood and they said they thought this kid named Preacher was the thief.

This would not be Preacher's first offense. The kids said that he has stolen multiple things from them. He also sort of stole Justin's phone once, but eventually brought it back--I think he heard that Justin knew it was him. I drove by his house Thursday night , and there were four or five guys hanging out in the front yard. I was tempted to ask them if they had heard about the break in and if they knew who it might be, but Kate talked me out of it.She said that's one of those thing your parents warn you about,and to not fall in to. They come up here to play basketball almost every day. I'm not afraid of them. Punk kids. Whatever though. I doubt the cops will ever figure it out. They don't seem to care much about West Jackson, and hardly ever patrol here. There's an over-abundance of them in North Jackson.This is one of many injustices I've seen this summer. We had five cops here yesterday to talk to the kids during our in-house field trip. We do these every Friday morning, and have had firemen come as well as a guy from the boys house to talk about the civil rights movement the past couple Fridays. We thought it was ironic that we could get five cops to show up to talk to the kids, which is a great idea, yet they don't have much of a presence in the neighborhood. Maybe I'm wrong. I'm just calling it how I see it.

We took the kids to the zoo yesterday afternoon. I think everyone had fun, but the zoo here is fairly desolate. One of the junior high kids told me that in the past six or seven years it has taken a turn for the worst and that they've lost the majority of their exhibits. I kept comparing it to the Lincoln Zoo in Chicago and the St. Louis zoo--both of which I've been to recently, and both of which are completely free to the public. The kids had to pay to go to this zoo, yet it only had about 1/8 of what the St. Louis or Chicago zoos have. Sad. I asked and it's the only zoo in Jackson. I was hoping maybe there was one somewhere close.

As far as camp goes, my fifth and sixth graders have been alright this week. Landon came back from vacation with a renewed energy that has been highly unnecessary, and has gotten him in to quite a bit of trouble over the past few days. He's smart, but does so many dumb things. He picks fights and gets angry with a lot of the kids, and always makes racial statements to me. He's got a good heart though,and I just have to constantly remind myself how badly he needs me to love him and be his friend. He asked me yesterday if I would be his "friend for life--until death", he said. I told him that I will be, of course, but that I have to go back home in August. I asked him if he'd write me letters and he said he will (and so did two other little boys). Ha! I hope they do.

We watched the movie, "Pay it Forward" in class this week. It was a little over their heads, but I think they got the main idea--that it's possible for one person to make a major impact on the world,and that by doing something good, we can start a chain reaction of goodness and generosity. So now we are trying to come up with a project to get this started in our own community. The kid in the movie had three targets, and it seems appropriate that we do the same. The kids decided it would be a good idea to do something for Grandma Perkins to cheer her up. This would be perfect because she found out this week that if the pressure doesn't go down in one of her eyes, she will have to have her eyeball removed in a very painful procedure.When she told us about it at chapel Thursday, she started bawling. It was heart-breaking. She said that her mother was blind for 12 years before she died. The twins, Marquis and Marqus (her favorites) went up and hugged her, and it meant the world to her. My kids saw this, and they see how bad she's hurting and want to help, so I asked Theo yesterday what we can do. He said that time is of the essence and asked me if we could pull something together to do at chapel Monday. I told him we wouldn't have class between now and then, and that it would basically impossible to figure out something to do with all of them by Monday. So, he asked me to speak at chapel monday, maybe something about respecting your elders. He said Grandma would really love that, and that's what I plan on doing. I really want to find a way to pull the kids in though. If you have any ideas, let me know.

I got a text this morning and they are sandbagging the levies at home today because the river has already broken the secondary levies.For everyone who's helping and affected I'm praying that God gives you strength through each others company. I remember that being a very tiring job, but I know you'll find bits of joy intertwined in the mess, because it is after all, our community, and I know that you people always make the most of bad situations. I hope that there is a lot of good conversation, laughter, and ultimately, work getting done today. I'm sorry that I'm not there to help, but I know that you all have it covered.

I'm sure that I'm leaving out a lot, but I'm going to cut it off here today. I'm still loving being here, and am at peace in this decision. The people are wonderful, and I'm learning and humbled more and more every day. What more could I ask for?

Love and peace,
LH

Days 29-31

I've had an extremely mediocre past two days. I'm in a funk, and I'm not completely sure why I can't get out of it.

The kids were fine today. The staff was all just .... blah though. I'll blog more when I have more to talk about. Right now I'm just too low. Also, there were no fireworks last night. They got cancelled. Don't even get me started. I miss home.

I'm going to quit whining now and go to bed.

Love and peace,
LH

a few pictures

Days 25-28 for real

It has been a hectic week. It was mostly good though. I'm learning so much about life living here. I've been trying to imagine what it would be like to live here permanently,and I can't put myself in that position just yet. It is becoming more of a reality to me though, and I really do think I will be working at a place like this after I graduate. I say a "place like this", yet I have trouble imagining being anywhere else but here. Kelly and I were looking at pictures of the kids a few minutes ago and she said, "I just love them so much". I agreed and started tearing up at the thought of leaving them in a month. I get attached too quickly. I feel like they are my own, especially the 5th and 6th graders. You all are probably getting tired of me saying that, but I can't express to you HOW MUCH they mean to me.

Speaking of the 5th and 6th graders, we had our treasure hunt this week! Our class has been especially small this week, with people going out of town for the 4th and all. I only had four there on Thursday for the treasure hunt but they had a ball, and did a great job figuring out the clues and working together. Osha, Justin and I are so lucky to know these kids. They are beautiful. I can tell we are actually having an impact on them. They are not going to be just another negative statistic.

We took the kids bowling on Friday and I had to show Ollie, one of my fifth graders, how to hold the ball. He had never been bowling before. If you have ever been bowling with me, you know how horrible I am at it, so I'm not sure that I really should have been the one to teach him how to bowl, but he was much better by the time we left then he was when we first got there. He probably could have beat me! Ha! He's also the one Justin and I want to take to a baseball game. I wonder if his mom would let us take him. She seems pretty strict.

The swimming lessons sort of continue. I tried to help Anah this week, but I'm having trouble helping her overcome here fear of the water. She will get in, but she's very skeptical about putting her face in. Any suggestions? The junior high boys have been trying to learn how to float. They act like they don't know how. I'm not sure if they are playing me, or if they really can't...

We have community night here every Thursday. This week was packed! It was so much fun. Youthworks cooks for us and brings all of their mission teams to hang out with our kids and their parents, and whoever else may show up from the community. Grandpa Perkins sat by Kate and I at dinner and we got in to this discussion about his vision at the center. I was wishing the whole time that I had a pen to take notes on my plate or something! He was so excited about the turn out and seeing all the black and white people hanging out and playing ball. Seeing it all from his point of view was very powerful. This is the way it should be all the time.. . maybe this is what heaven looks like.

Grandpa and I started talking about the plans for a new church at the center. I was asking him questions about how it would connect to what is already here--especially the Spencer Perkins center which is what all of the kids programs are through. I told him that I really think we need something for the high schoolers. The high school kids come and help and are considered "junior interns", but really need something to call their own. He said that he hoped the new church could help with that, and for me to live here and start it up.

Needless to say, I wasn't really sure how to respond to that. It would be hard to say no to Grandpa!!! Plus, I can't say no just yet. I told him I have a year left of school and that I'll think about it. I have been.

Yesterday we went to the beach and it was glorious. I literally live where I work, and it's nice to get away for a little while and reflect. Thad and Will brought a guitar and ukeleli(sp?) and jammed for Kelly and I--our own private concert! The night before the four of us met up with Fabienne and her boyfriend Andrew to go belly dancing. We plan on going back next Friday, and mom's mailing me my skirt. Don't worry. There are pictures. Needless to say, it's been a great.

I have more to say, but once again, don't have enough time at the moment.

Keep the Tinoco family from Waverly in your prayers.They lost their son, Ruben, on Friday. I'm really worried about my brother though. He and Ruben were close.

Love,
LH

25 -28?

I have SO MUCH to catch you all up on, but haven't had the time yet. . . and still don't. I'll fill you in either tonight or tomorrow.

P.S.- I found the missing songbooks!

Also, please pray for all of my friends and family back in Waverly. A friend of my brother's passed away yesterday from drowning. It sucks not being in my town when everyone is hurting so badly. . . not that there is anything I can do.

Love,
LH