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!
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
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
Hey! So, it sounds like an awesome internship. I have to admit, I'm kind of jealous that you got to make a keyhole garden, that sounds so cool. Glad you're doing well. Love, Anna
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