"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