"Why can't we give you a hug here?"

my kids & our "room" in the library

One thing is certain. The saying, "You should never read a book by its cover," is so true. Today, the last day of school before "winter break," I fell speechless before my kids. One of my girls is unfortunately heading back to the school she was at before this one. She was using a fraudulent address and therefore is being kicked back. As my kids were lined up at the door I was giving them a little speech about how I'd miss them and they were to have a great break and Merry Christmas. I told the girl who was moving, "I'll give you a hug in the hall," knowing that I'd not see her again for a while, if ever. As she nodded to me, one of my boys says, "Well, why can't we give you a hug here?" Stunned I stood rethinking what I just heard, sure that I heard wrong.

October pic

I answered slowly (confused as I wasn't talking to him originally), "Well...you can give me a hug here if you want..." Meanwhile this is the boy who acts tough in the halls and in the regular ed. room. Still confused I held the door open as they filed out and then, one by one, they all gave me a hug, tough guy holding out both arms and truly hugging me. I quietly locked the door behind us and walked them outside.

As I watched them walk away I stood still, treasuring what had just happened. This boy, who so often sets the "cool" factor in the room just opened the door for each of these kids to give and receive love. Little does he know that he just revealed his vulnerability and his need for love and affection. If that's all it takes - he needn't look further.


I'm pretty sure that's the best Christmas gift I can possibly receive this year. Thanks God.

Paranda

5 phone calls.

2 different kids.

Three hours before Christmas caroling, or Paranda as we call it at Spirit & Truth, I got a phone call. Fifteen minutes later I got another phone call. Then another, and another, and finally one more. All of which were from two Sould Squad (Bible Study) kids who wanted to make sure I didn't forget to pick them up. So when 6:45 rolls around I head out to my car to pick these guys up. Noemy, Christina and Vanessa all clamber in and then direct me around to Anthony's house where his brother Pierre also tags along. A full carload, we finally pull up to church a few minutes early. Clearly the youngest attenders at the beginning of the night, these 5 were not intimidated. Me, I think I would've asked to go home or just walked around 

with my head down. But these 5, they walked around outside in the cold for two hours, singing the two or three words they knew of the songs we sung. The lyrics weren't much help - for various reasons (disinterest, unable to read Spanish, or on a VERY low Reading level) - yet they never complained. No, if you look closely...I'd even say they had fun!

I love how something as simple as hanging out with adults you don't know and walking around the neighborhood at night can be such a night for these guys. They continue to amaze me at how hungry they are for attention, for love, and for things to do. When I was driving them home I said how glad I was they came out. The reply: "Miss, come on, it's not like we had anything else to do...we'd do anything!" God continually blesses me through them. I wonder if they know how much God is using each of them.

Pray that they hear the words of the songs we sang and the words of love God speaks to them.

Ms. Minnich is taking me somewhere...

Eddie, Jonathan, & Alex

Supposedly this is what Jonathan, one of my students, told his sister as he walked out the door this past Friday night. We were going to the Philadelphia KIXX game, as a reward to a few boys I worked with the first few months of school. They are nice kids and always worked hard for me. A huge blessing this past month was that another special ed. teacher was hired. This in turn means that my caseload was cut in half! I decided to reward a few of the kids who I wouldn't be working with anymore but that worked really hard the first marking period by taking them to the KIXX game - Philadelphia's indoor soccer team.

Ecstatic over hanging out with Jorge!

These guys were all peering out their front doors when I pulled up, were full of eager questions, and just an absolute blast to be around. My roommate Juli and I had a great time and spent most of the night hiding smiles as they exclaimed over and over again at how much fun they were having. My friend Jorge stopped by and answered some questions for them, as he plays for the KIXX. They didn't know what to do with themselves. Quote of the night was when Jonathan, on the ride home, stated, "I'm going to put this ticket in a case when I get home...and I'm going to keep it even until I'm old."

THIS is what it's all about.

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!

So I'm finally taking the time to add a few holiday stories...forgive the delay! I'll put the date on a few of these and make sure they are posted chronologically!

To kick off the holidays our church had a myriad of events going on throughout November and December, my two top favorites - packing Thanksgiving baskets and the neighborhood Christmas party!


Thanksgiving Baskets

On November 17th we packed about 55 Thanksgiving boxes at the church. The most amazing part of it all was how many people came out to help! We had at least as many people as boxes we packed. I constantly found myself stopping and looking around at the mix of people who came out to help. Church families, members of the community who also go to church, box recipients, and neighborhood kids from the youth group. Giving really is cause for celebration - so clearly evident as smiles and laughter plastered every face at the church that morning. We took some time for fellowship and eating before we delivered the boxes. It was such a blessing to give families a chance to feast on Thanksgiving...to be able to communicate God's love through the simple act of giving.

This is Daquan...a former student of mine who has been frequenting church, youth group, and the community center for a while now. It's amazing how, even after having a really difficult time at school last year, this kid has started to transform. I see a different kid before me every time I see him...and am constantly amazed at the work the Lord's done in him. He insisted on packing a box for his mom ... so here he is with his proud smile and the box he carried home.

Ayuda Community Christmas Party

On December 2nd the block two blocks north and one block west of my house was transformed. For one night all seemed still on the block and rather than sirens, laughter and Christmas music blasted. Sounds of kids scuffling around in a football game, giggling as decorations went up on Christmas trees, and the crackling of a wood fire provided a time to celebrate. Ayuda Community Center hosted a neighborhood Christmas Party with assistance from a neighboring church and the community garden. Three Christmas trees were decorated in the community garden. Tinsel went up around the fence. Extension cords were pulled out and light strands were plugged in. As the sun set the block took on the glow of a downtown celebration but with a ton more heart, simplicity and appreciation. The estimate was at about 70 people from the neighborhood who took part in the night. After decorating we used the church building to snack on cookies and hot cocoa, make Christmas cards, swags, and an awesome homemade LED light ornament.
S'more's finished off the evening as well as a raffle for a Christmas tree to one of the kids. Daquan won it...and then closed the night by portraying his skills on Ryan's mike and stereo system. This is what it's all about...Check out the link below for the video of the night...it'll warm your heart!

Highlight of the night: My neighbors came - the whole family!

http://www.jumpcut.com/fullscreen?id=4D53B382A42411DCB8A7000423CEF5B0&type=movie

Thank you Mr. Panksy?

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I just wanted to share a few things I am thankful for...especially since lately I've only carried on about the horrible state of public education and the city of Philadelphia...

1. I am thankful for my student who has multiple physical and mental handicaps, who, when overhearing me discussing gym with another student, said "Mr. Panksy? Who is that?" with an incredulous look on his face and unsure if he should laugh or keep a straight face. I informed him that "No, the gym teachers name is not Mr. Panksy, it is Mr. Stepansky." I'm thankful that we can laugh together at times like this. (Quote of the Week #2)

2. I have a fantastic church family, with whom I packed 50 Thanksgiving boxes with on Saturday. What a blessing it was to not only fellowship together, but to serve our neighbors and give to those in physical need. Nothing like a box of food and a frozen turkey to put a smile on someone's face!

3. My friends are amazing! Who else throws a Extreme Home Makeover Party to celebrate a family in Camden NJ? Who else spends time in prayer for the family? And who else plays Pin the Megaphone on Ty? Check out the link below! This was quite a Sunday night! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Xq_xpCs9jw

4. Thankful for political leadership in our neighborhood that looks like that might actually do something! Our neighborhood rep. has shown up on the streets knocking on doors, at community meetings, and has written legislation to propose college funding for more students in PA. Check out the post on PA House Bill 1722 for more info.

Happy Thanksgiving all! Thank you for your love, support, and prayers! I am encouraged by all of you! I miss you!

Detention Woman

Latest quote of the week...

"So Miss, you were in my dream last night..." Not exactly the words you love to hear coming from one of your middle school boys. After a few strange stares he continued, "Yeah I had a dream that you were making everyone stay for detention next week. Do I have detention today? I brought in all my papers for your because I don't want to get detention again. I don't want to make you mad, Miss. I brought all my papers because my mom's going to take everything away from me again if I get detention."

This came from a student who I demanded bring in all daily behavior reports he mistakenly failed to bring in from that week as well as two apology notes for his comments towards other teachers. He practically threw them in my face that morning and then the above conversation began. Ohhh...the joys of teaching! I kind of enjoy the fact that for the moment he is somewhat intimidated by me, at least enough to not get detention.

Farewell from Detention Woman!

Rise Up

If you read this, I ask you to get on your knees. You know you've been living here for a while when you hear sirens and think you're imagining how long they continue. In reality I wasn't imagining things a few minutes ago. Two more officers were just shot at Frankford and Torresdale. I'm not really sure how long this can continue and as I think about it, the words that continue to repeat in my head are of Bruce Springsteen singing "My City of Ruins."

There is a blood red circle
On the cold dark ground
And the rain is falling down
The church door's thrown open
I can hear the organ's song
But the congregation's gone
My city of ruins
My city of ruins

Now the sweet bells of mercy
Drift through the evening trees
Young men on the corner
Like scattered leaves,
The boarded up windows,
The empty streets
While my brother's down on his knees
My city of ruins
My city of ruins

Come on, rise up! Come on, rise up!
Come on, rise up! Come on, rise up!
Come on, rise up! Come on, rise up! ...

Now with these hands,
With these hands,
With these hands,
I pray Lord
With these hands,
With these hands,
I pray for the strength, Lord
With these hands,
With these hands,
I pray for the faith, Lord
We pray for your love, Lord
We pray for the lost, Lord
We pray for this world, Lord
We pray for the strength, Lord
We pray for the strength, Lord

Come on
Come on
Come on, rise up
Come on, rise up

In a city that is so desperate, now is the time to rise up. Pray for our congregation as we stand together. Pray that we are bold in our witness and bold in our love. Pray that our doors may swing wide open and the church is a gathering place. Pray that we rise up and stand as a city
- that we do not grow weary.

Choppers Flying and Sirens Sounding

As my friend Ryan said, "Sirens are nothing new around here, but when you hear a constant stream of police sirens driving by for more than ten minutes and you see four helicopters overhead you get a little freaked out. I thought maybe there was some kind of terrorism thing happening on the subway because I saw a Transit Police vehicle drive by. It turns out that a police officer was shot this morning, the second officer to be shot in twelve hours. I believe there was another officer shot a couple of days ago as well. Sometimes you just have to wonder what the hell is going on."
Article

So this week has been a little crazy in the neighborhood. I questioned putting some of this in here as I imagine the fears that some of you might have...but I believe truth needs to be spoken so fasten your seatbelts if you're reading outside of Philadelphia.

On Halloween morning a man who was in the midst of robbing a Dunkin Donuts turned around and shot a cop. The cop has since passed and in the past week the suspect has been captured after escaping to Florida. Little was known and then over the weekend I suspected they had a few leads as the choppers were overhead all weekend and sirens were almost round the clock. I grabbed the following off of my friend Ryan's blog...

Not the kind of national press coverage we were hoping for:

PHILADELPHIA — Authorities issued an arrest warrant on Sunday for a suspect in the slaying of a city police officer who interrupted an armed robbery at a doughnut shop.

Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson identified the suspect as 21-year-old John Lewis, also known as Jordan Lewis, and urged anyone who might know his whereabouts to contact police. He also called on Lewis to turn himself in.

"He killed a police officer, he has at least two guns, he is armed and extremely dangerous," Johnson said.

Lewis can be identified by tattoos on his hands that read "N.P." and "H.P." for North Philadelphia and Hunting Park, two city neighborhoods he frequents, Johnson said.

Check out Ryan's blog: http://ninthstreetrecords.blogspot.com/

Turns out this guy lives about 2 blocks from our newest church plant and about 8-10 blocks from our church. It breaks my heart that a 21-year old guy goes to these lengths to find money. This neighborhood and this city, all of us, need Jesus in a way like never before.

"You making me fusterated..."

So last week one of my students said this, as I was asking him to take notes. This is the same boy who has about 20% use of his left arm and walks with a limp due to physical handicaps since birth and also as a result of an accident a few years prior. It takes much effort for him to copy notes and as I erased something he stated, "You making me fusterated..."!

Now after an extremely long day at work I've felt like screaming those words about 50 times today! I'm fed up with the injustice that goes on in this district. I struggle between the balance of writing the joys and inspiring moments here and then the contrast of such difficulties. BUT I desire to speak truth and know that if I were face to face with some of you I'd share it - so here goes. Stop now if you don't want to hear the truth!

So 5 weeks into school, after the big hurrah where 2 news stations showed up to video the ribbon cutting ceremony of the "first day" of the new district school WE STILL DON'T HAVE LITERACY TEXTBOOKS. Then I found out that the probably reason for that is the school district failed to pay a prior bill to this company. I find it infuriating that not only does the school district get praised for their new school but they fail to ever experience the day to day struggle of teaching in overcrowded classrooms with no materials.

School district initiative: lower class size.

What does the brand new school bring? The district budgeted for 800 students, 35 of them special ed. We are now at 950 students with classes of 33-35 students (after adding three more classes just this week). We have 100+ special ed. students which leaves us all maxed out on caseloads and with more students than we can possibly service. We are still waiting on 2 more special ed. teachers - unsure if we will even get them. Many of the grades are sharing textbooks in all subjects which 6th grade has yet to receive ANY literacy materials. We don't have calculators, not even for our special ed. students. We scraping together all desks and chairs because we don't have ANY extra. When classes switch if one is bigger than the other they take their chairs with them.

Where are the cameras now?

In saying all of this I desire not to get your sympathy. I desire for people to know what injustices these kids are facing. Bottom line - it's not fair and if it happened 20 miles outside the city ... well it just wouldn't happen there. My reason for speaking out is to seek prayer. My heart and soul are exhausted! I desire to do all I can for these kids and this school but to find a balance with resting. Praise God for amazing roomates, friends, family and church body. Pray that Jesus reign over this school and that a revolution take place in this district.

I am fusterated...

Update

Hey all!

Just wanted to send a quick update so you all know that today I officially am a Spec. Ed. teacher again! I sat with the Asst. Principal and we rerostered the students so I will be able to service them more efficiently! Thanks for your love and prayers as I've been working the last month! AND...I really hope that next week I can begin pairing my students up with their support buddies! I CAN'T WAIT! I will send a picture along with the first letter they send so thank you thank you again and hopefully within the next two weeks we'll be able to send out a letter! It's about time! :)

Dear Ms. Mennice

"Dear Ms. Mennice,

I'm sorry for be bad in class I hope you are not mad because I know you have a hard time trying to teach 34 kid at one time so I am sorry for all the troble I've caused I will not do it again Sorry Ms. Mennice

From your best
GF"

We're still working on my name (pronunciation & spelling)! This is a note I received from a student after he had to stay for detention the second time. He forgot the paper that needed to be signed but told me in a grumbling voice, "I forgot it but my Mom knows I am staying. I'm punished and she said that you can keep me every day next week to make up for all the things I didn't learn in class while I was talking." The crazy thing is - he is by far the toughest student I have! Each week I'm going to try and do a quote of the week so this is the first!

Who Are My Kids?

For the past two weeks I have been teaching a regular 6th grade classroom (we're down to 33 kids - we're doing great!) due to one teacher quitting, a substitute, and then another teacher quitting. Since then I've taken over and it's been quite an experience.

1. I have absolutely fallen in love with these kids! More and more I realize how much I need to work with kids. God has designed me for this.

2. I've learned how much I miss having my own classroom and having the freedom to set expectations and reward programs.

3. I'm stuck in a decision as to whether I should stay with this position or switch back to 6th Grade Inclusion (Sp. Ed.). I struggle with trusting other teachers with "my" kids. I fear that someone else won't love them enough, won't teach them enough, and won't believe in them enough.

In addition I think the bigger struggle is my fear that I am giving up on one group or the other. If I take the Sp. Ed. position I'll feel as though I'm letting down the rest of the group. If I take the reg. ed. position I'll feel as though I'm letting down the Sp. Ed. kids.

I need to realize that unlike Jesus I cannot be Savior for all. Please pray for my decision as the transition will most likely be occurring this week or next.

*Also - thanks to those of you who have offered your support to my kids! I am sooo pumped to begin this with them, and excited to pair them up with you guys! I can't wait to share them with you!

Crazy?

Well, today was the first of many times I'm sure I'll be called crazy. I was talking with a coworker today and she asked where I lived. "Just off 5th Street," I replied. "Where on 5th Street?" she asked. The response of Hunting Park and 5th didn't ease her astonishment. She continued to ask "Why do you live there? Are you crazy?"

I knew it was coming, and actually it was a pretty awesome opportunity to share a little of why I live here and why I teach here. Some think that's crazy. If it takes living on Reese Street and being considered crazy for people to really listen to why I live here then it's worth it. My prayer is that they continue to think I'm crazy. Crazy in love with these kids and their families. Crazy in love with teaching them. Crazy in love with fighting for getting these kids a just education. Crazy in love with this neighborhood. Above all, crazy in love with Jesus.

El Salvador - Beautiful People

There were so many amazing people I met on this trip! You need to hear their stories and see their faces. No matter the circumstances they radiate hope and joy. Take a look!

Frankie

Before I left for El Salvador my parents jokingly said "Don't come back with a boyfriend!" Well you don't need to worry about a boyfriend but I did absolutely fall in love with this little boy! The first night at Casa Concordia, the Luther Welcome Center we stayed at, a ton of Salvadoran children were running around playing. I found a friend in little Frankie and he convinced me to "jugar beisbol," play baseball. Little did he know I am absolutely awful at the sport. Turns out he made the rules up as he went anyway! The game consisted of me throwing the ball to Frankie, him hitting it and then running in a circle of made-up bases. He never got out and I never got to bat! I only got a point if he felt like giving me one! We had such a great time! The score was 21 - 6 and we finally stopped playing because it was so dark we couldn't see the ball anymore. The rest of the weekend I was taunted, veintiuno - cinco, veintiuno - cinco in a singsong voice. Frankie is a beautiful child with life and laughter always in his eyes. He is an extremely smart 7 year old and reads far better than many of my students in America.

College Students

These students have amazing dedication and perseverance. They are all attending college in El Salvador during the school year. They spend every vacation, and most likely weekends at school working to help pay for their schooling, which costs $1500 per year. One of the girls spent all summer working but was unable to attend the first week of university because she used the money to buy food for her family. She sacrificed for her family but missed out on valuable time in the classroom. Each of these students has a partial sponsorship but is in need of any help they can get! Think about it! $1500 per year for college courses - they are the future of El Salvador! Anyone want to help out?

Bimita

Seriously...this girl is a doll! Bimita is the daughter of Don Victor, our site manager for Habitat. The house we were working on was a member of his family! His mother lives down the road and all of his family lives in this little neighborhood up in the mountains! His daughter is truly a shining star and put us all to shame! She filled buckets for us and was up on the scaffolding helping us each day after school!

Melvin & Josue

Melvin with Immanuel

These two guys were so sweet! They were our constant companions in San Salvador! They were riding in the back of the truck with us wherever we went, pushing the water off the tarps, aiding in translation, hiking the volcano, and helped care for the kids! Their smiles and laughter were contagious!

Karin

Karin was my truck-riding buddy and artist of the week! After the volcano we rode in a truck during a long downpour. Her little screams of delight were so innocent and cute! I spent the hour attempting to cover her from the rain and hold a semi-dry mattress over her so she didn't get any wetter! At the holiday parade she spent the afternoon using rocks like sidewalk chalk, drawing pictures for all to see! Her eyes shine with joy! I love it!

Kids pictures - These are just various pictures of the other kids I was blessed to spend some time with! Praise God for their beautiful smiles and innocent hearts!

Pupusas

Flying into San Salvador the Salvadorans on the plane were telling me "You have to eat pupusas while you are here. They are the national food and are amazing!" Of course, I thought, I'll try to but I have no idea where I'll be at or what they'll be cooking. I didn't need to look far though. The first day on the worksite the family we were building for pulled out their big grill and all the ingredients.

A pupusa is a Salvadoran staple, a griddled-cooked cake of masa (soft moistened cornmeal) stuffed with cheese and either beans, vegetables, or shredded pork. It was a simple and satisfying meal, and the pupusas were served with the traditional sides of crisp shredded pickled cabbage and homemade hot sauce (or salsa).

making pupusas with the sisters

We spent about twenty minutes trying to perfect our techniques. Take the masa in your palm and flatten it out. Then grab some beans and cheese for the middle. Pull the masa up around to cover the top and then pat it. Mine were consistently the size of large coins, not the large patties the Salvadorans made. The ladies continued making them for an hour - I couldn't even begin to count how many they had made! After cooking them on the griddle we feasted! Nothing like a traditional Salvadoran meal!

Brand New Start

Number one thing I've learned this summer - I have a difficult time moving on. This summer I've had to adjust with the idea of teaching at a new school. That meant saying goodbye to Roberto Clemente Middle School - where I've spent my first two years teaching. I've learned life isn't always about being in one place, and although my past experiences have involved watching my parents teach at the same school their entire careers I recognize it's time for me to move on - for now!

As I say goodbye I also am fortunate to be present at the opening of a new school 5 minutes away. This year marks the opening of G & Hunting Park Elementary School. Dubbed the "Elementary School of the Future" it is decked out with fantastic technology! All of the details are still being worked out...and knowing the school district they will continue to be "worked out" for the next few month or so! However...I'm adjusting to a new school with new coworkers. And nothing short of normal for the district, we've had a teacher quit so although I began teaching 6th Grade Inclusion I've been working as a regular classroom teacher for the last few weeks. The new building is fantastic and it's been wonderful working for a supportive administration! Check out the link below! It's the local news article and a short video which shows a little of the school! Next on my agenda is to post a few pictures of students and the school! It's a shame that all students in the district don't have the facility that these kids do! So many are trying to get here though - the district originally planned for 800 students but we are up to approximately 950 already. Pray for patience and flexibility, as well as energy and enthusiasm as we continue to adjust to changing schedues and classroom rosters. Pray for more teachers and the district to put forth effort to truly make this place work! I pray that this new place can become a community building, and not just a school! I am absolutely in LOVE with my students and can't wait to share more about them!

Link: http://cbs3.com/local/local_story_253131327.html


Quote of the week: student's attempts at my name - Ms. Memmice, Ms. Mimic, Ms. Matthews (former teacher's name), and my all time favorite Ms. Minniccchchhhhhh (this boy draws out the 'ch' sound like a throaty Germanish sound!)

El Salvador - Habitat para la Humanidad

Day 2 on the worksite

I spent 11 unbelievable days in the smallest country in Central America, El Salvador. I went with Habitat for Humanity International and we worked for 5 days building at two different sites. El Salvador suffered through an intense civil war from 1980 - 1992. In the years following there were several earthquakes and hurricanes that rocked the nation. The people of El Salvador are still suffering the effects of both the civil war and the earthquakes. We had the privilege of working with two families whose dreams were coming true - they were building a brand new house! One of the old houses had a middle wall that rocked back and forth with the touch of a finger.


One of the greatest parts of the trip was the relationships built with the homeowner and his family, as well as the mason and supervisors. This family welcomed us with open arms. They blessed us with fresh melon or pineapple each morning during break time. They were patient as we learned how to do the masonry work, gently correcting us, and reteaching us techniques. We moved a lot of dirt that week. We also pounded a lot of dirt with homemade tampers (a bucket like shape of concrete with a pole stuck into it). As the week continued, the walls on the house grew quickly and friendships were formed through smiles, laughter, hand gestures, and feeble attempts at Spanish. As we laid the "mezcla" before the next row of block, stuck it between the blocks, and poured the "chizpah" into the blocks with re-bar laughter echoed across the site. Reggaeton poured out of the stereo, shovels scraped, rock and sand were sifted. In five short days the house had progressed from ground level to a week away from the roof. Don Tito, the homeowner, was the hardest worker there and the most joyful. He had a constant smile on his face and would frequently call out jokes in the midst of working. His dream was coming true!

Me, Brian, Don Tito, & Karen
- laying mezcla -

I had the opportunity to ride with him and two others to another house to pick up some scaffolding. He asked me and Brian to come with him. They climbed on the back of the truck and I was motioned to get in the passenger side. Suddenly we are riding off into the woods of El Salvador, me next to a man I could barely communicate with and didn't even know his name! After a ten minute ride we pulled up to this enormous house with about 8 small rooms and 4 large rooms. While talking with Don Tito, I managed to figure out that it was his sister's house and that he had helped build it! He was so proud! Then I learned the purpose of my ride - to help haul scaffolding onto the back of the truck. So I went over, a little apprehensive at the size and weight, and not wanting to appear weak lugged on up onto my shoulder. With a few grunts I was able to make it to the back of the truck! We continued until the truck bed was full. The compliment of the week was when Don Tito said "Muy Fuerte!" and "Come pollo!" to me. Muy fuerte means very strong. Come pollo was our group joke. In San Salvador there were a ton of billboards that had a very fit man without a shirt on. Next to the man there were the words: "El come pollo," which means "He eats chicken." Very manly ehh? If you want to get buff - eat chicken! Needless to say it was a phrase we heard countless times on the trip, and especially the work site! It was humbling for Don Tito to compliment me as we often felt more "in the way" than a big help. Don Tito's radiant smile, the laughter in his eyes, and his pride in his family and house are things I will never forget!

Day 5

If you ever desire to work with Habitat go to EL SALVADOR!!! They desparately need groups to come. It is not a country that recieves as many groups because it doesn't appeal to many looking for a touristy trip as well. They have amazing Habitat staff, a beautiful country, and it is easy to travel to other countries in Central America.

Why?

Living in north Philly leaves little time to fully communicate what I do and why I am here. My hope is that this blog is able to connect those desiring to have the "inside scoop" of my life in the city.

Why this title verse? Why in Spanish? Over the last two years I have fallen in love with the Latino language, culture and people. As I seek God in this venture it is clearer each day that life is all about Christ. Christ is why I am here and why I do what I do.

As a follower of Christ I seek not only to walk with him and abide in Him but to stand for Him. Too often I have stood silent, failing to speak out against injustices. Too often I have failed to speak for those unheard or forgotten. My prayer is that as you read these updates my words will speak truth. Living, worshipping, and teaching in north Philly has been the most challenging experience of my life. As I continue this work I pray that God continues to shape me. My hope is that you will have a very realistic picture of the lives of those around me, of a hurting world, a people too often forgotten, and the hope that only Jesus Christ offers us all.