Postivity in the ever-present Negativity

Happy Hump Day!
Well, since I last wrote a good many things have happened! I am a little more acquainted with E Main-- both its quirks and joys. Research though tedious is at times rewarding when connections are made and knowledge is gained. One of the coolest things for me this summer is the reality that living is in fact learning.

I just finished this book given to me last summer by one of my friends Arlene. I started it last summer but never finished. I picked it up the other night and quickly realized the applicability of this book to my summer. Read this book. It gives insight into the wrongness of how we view people who are different from us and the hope that comes from consistency and faithfullness.

I mentioned  a previous post that I was going to meet with United Way's Building Stable Lives program. A couple weeks  ago I was able to meet with Jessie who is currently the head of operations there. The program provides the opportunity for clients to partcipate in job counseling and job training. They also provide weekly classes on budgeting and writing resumes. This is an invaluable asset to the community because many do not have access to computers. As I was putting together my survey for the East Lake Courts, I asked her what would she say is the most common struggles that her clients face in East Lake. She said gangs, drug violence, and prostitution. I asked if nutrition was an issue that ever came up because I have been on this urban garden/food co-op grocery kick. She said, not really, she said that the main issue was in fact the ability to afford food. As I was thinking later, I realized that it made sense. Why would residents spend there money on two organically grown tomatoes when they can the same amount and recieve five boxes of macaroni? Also, if the concerns on parents minds are on the children's safety and keeping them out of drugs and violence, food choices tend to fall secondary because they are not as immediate or dangerous.  I realized that maybe we need to rethink the way we go about nutrition in the inner city. Yes, there is a place for better nutrition education programs, but there needs to be shown a strong correlation between eating well  (which does NOT necessarily mean organic) and improved quality of life and community.

The view from 35th street.

You might have seen pictures from the soccer game I posted.
Yes, I am a team mom and yes some of girls call me nanny. Watching my housemates coach and work and live day in and day out with girls who are full of personality, spunk, and wisdom that puts us "grown-ups" (ha!) to shame is a blessing. If you are in the Chattanooga area come to the McCallie fields on Saturdays at 9:00 am to cheer on the East Lake team. Interested in this particular ministry check out their facebook page:Chattanooga Sports Ministry!

 Since my research topic switched from education to the East Lake Courts I have been emailing and trying to contact any who are involved and/or live in the Courts. I was given permission to survey by the executive director of the Chattanooga Housing Authority but she also gave me the name of a woman who would be a great person to talk to because she is the president the resident council there. Progress has been slow but in the mean time I am working on surveying businesses in the area and trying to potentially apply for grant for community newsletter in East Lake. This is all a part of Chattanooga Neighborhood Partnership! While doing that I went to the J & C Quick Stop and deli, which has phenomenal burgers and sandwiches, and people from all across the city travel there for lunch. So, if you are in the area, support the local East Lake economy and a business that has been there for sixty years... just remember it closes at 2:00 pm.




New Building-New (awesome!) sign!

  Whew! Okay, last but certainly not least. Three days ago (Sunday), we had our official dedication service of our new building. It was a joyful occasion and a clear testament of God's faithfullness for New City Fellowship East Lake. Here's a couple pics!                      


The Sanctuary



           

At the reception,  I found out that New City Fellowship Glenwood was going to do bible clubs at the East Lake Courts. This was perfect because many of the mothers often sit outside and watch their kids while this is happening so, I realized this would be a perfect time to survey. So, last night, I surveyed a resident while sitting on her porch watching her teach someone chess. After our interview I asked if she knew anyone else that would be willing to be interviewed. She volunteered her neighbor and agreed to teach me chess if I came back the next day. So, tonight I head back to the courts to learn how to play chess and learn more from these womens' insights about the community they live in. Pray that the Lord works in the hearts of the residents there and that he would give me the right words and questions so that I can learn and develop relationships with these women! I am excited!

Stay tuned for updates... and Stephanie and I are going to take pictures of this amazing graffiti wall demolition project on Main Street! Its incredible!

Grace and Peace,
Evangeline

East Lake Soccer Teams!!!



This is Stephanie and she is one of my housemates.
This is her team and I am one of her team moms!




Both the East Lake Teams played each other on Saturday....
They are both so good that they tied each other
 0-0.

 

a couple snapshots

Inside our house: If you catch our house at
right angle you can catch something nice.

The Girls of 1706
 +Beth Tinsley (Lifespring Intern)

Housefun, Woodlawn, & African Keyhole gardens

So,

The past few days have been an adventure to say the least. I moved into our house last Thursday. It is on East Main Street in between New City Glenwood and New City East Lake. The house has been a little interesting. The house looks rustic to say the least. The windows are somewhat boarded up in the front. Inside two of the windows seemed not as secure as they could be, no central heating and air conditioning, the oven trips the breaker, no internet we sometimes have hot water sometimes we do not, the fake wood floor bounces, and there is no shortage of ants. Thankfully, the owners of the house are working on stuff... and now for today at least we have hot water and our windows lock. We are on main street but you can be praying for our safety because the area around us can be a little rough.

On Monday, New City Fellowship-Glenwood put on their annual bloc party at the Woodlawn housing projects. It was in the low 90's and blazing hot. We had a bike clinic, plenty of food, live gospel and hip-hop, an urban garden, and games for the children. My role was helping set up and clean- up. My favorite part was hanging out with the kids... it was crazy how even when they knew you for two seconds, they readily jumped up and held on. I think I was slightly apprehensive about being in the area because of all the violence that had occurred in recent months. However, it was incredible to see how even in the heat, Woodlawn Residents and New City Members mingle and I hope that Christ's love was evident in our actions and presence! Please pray for the family of a seventeen year old resident of the Woodlawn apartments who was killed on Wednesday.

On Thursday, I actually got to help build an African keyhole garden (pictures to come). I worked with Joel (who is head of New City roots), and Anthony and Daniel (who are New City Glenwood interns). We used left over concrete stone from a building downtown. We measured out the garden so that it was nine feet in diameter all around. We then laid the concrete stones in the shape of an old-fashioned keyhole. We then filled it with dirt and horse manure. In the center we fashioned a chicken wire tube to put compost in. This garden is in the backyard of New City's senior pastor Randy Nabors. Urban gardens are occasionally brought up in my Community Development classes and it was cool to see one and help with one up close and personal. The purpose of a community urban garden is not only to bring people in the community together but also to provide access to fresh foods which are too often not available in the inner city. Joel called this food redlining. It is similar to bank redlining where banks would not allow certain areas to receive loans. Many people in the inner city cannot be picky about their foods because they shop at convenience stores or with food stamps. So, needless to say I am anxious to see how this initiative pans out. We will be starting the East Lake garden soon, and will thus need volunteers so if you are interested message me! 

Tomorrow, New City Fellowship-East Lake is having a workday to get the church ready for our first service in our new building! Pray that what needs to be done get done and the time spent inviting members of the community to the service would be fruitful!

One last  (but important) note: Since, this is a research internship, I am starting to network and try to come into contact with people who are involved or living in the East Lake Courts housing project. Progress to slow because what I learn is based on whatever everyone else is willing to explain to me. I will hopefully be visiting United Way's Building Stable Lives program next week! As well as meeting with the Salvation Army who has programs and a facility across from the Courts. Please pray that my steps would be guided by the Lord and that He would connect me with the "right" people!

Hope your weekend is a blessed one! My next blog will be a picture blog so be watching for it!

Grace and Peace,
Evangeline