Awakening

Our eyes are continuously being opened to the work God is doing around us.  Honestly, I am seeing people and my community in a completely different light since working on Cypress St.  I have to share with you my most awakening moment thus far.  This summer, we had a huge 4th of July slip n' slide block party.  The kids were having sooooooo much fun running and sliding through the soapy/grassy/dirty water on the slide.  After about an hour of the shenanigans, I noticed Eddy ( a majorly cute sixth grader) standing against the wall, watching everyone play.  Now a little background.  Eddy was born with one leg.  He has a prosthetic that he can take on and off.  I was unaware of this at the time, because he always wears long pants.  I asked him what he was doing standing against the wall instead of participating in the fun.  He told me he really wanted to play but was too embarrassed.  I was like, "What? Why would you be embarrassed?  We love you! This is your family! No shame here my friend!"  He still hesitated but then disappeared into the apt. complex.  About 45 minutes later, here comes Eddy in his swim trunks hopping down the grass and flopping onto the slide!  He got the courage to remove his prosthetic and come play.  This was a beautiful sight.  I could not believe the courage this youngster mustered up to be a participant in the fun.  I had to sneak away and show Letty what was happening.  We both stood there teary and in awe of the power of the Lord in the most simple pleasures.  I was awakened that day to the beauty of the people and the absolute power of God in my life and the lives of others.  I will never forget the courage I witnessed that day.  This is why we do what we do.

Love God. Love Others. Summer edition.

LOVE.  The greatest commandment.  Our calling.  If we can sum up our summer into one word, Love is what it would be.  We love the community we get to work in.  We love the people we work with.  Above it all, Christ loves us so we can love others.  We love God, we love others.  It is truly that simple.  

The summer started with a multitude of movie nights.  We set up couches in the middle of the street and projected a kid-friendly movie onto the side of one of the apartment complexes.  We made popcorn, snow cones, had barbecues.  The evenings were perfectly simple and filled with fellowship and fun.  These movie nights continued on through the summer, every other weekend.  Our first major event took place on the fourth of July.  We took advantage of the scorching heat and made a massive slip n' slide.  We put together gigantic water balloon launchers and had water balloon fights from one side of the street to the other.  The men in the community came out and barbecued hot dogs and hamburgers.  Then in the evening, we packed the beautiful people into our trusty church shuttle and took off to watch fireworks in the park.  This was a chaotic, crazy, amazing experience.  There were at least 2500 people at the park, so navigating 40 kids through the masses was a little scary, but worked out wonderfully.  The kids put on their best behavior and stood in awe of the show put before them.  Most of them had never seen fireworks before, let alone 2500 people all in one place.  The looks on their faces were absolutely priceless.  The day was filled with new experiences and great awakenings.  What a good day that was.  Shortly after the fourth, Letty left for Cuba and left me alone to run things!  Aah! I was honestly freaked out,  Letty may be small but she has got huge shoes to fill!  The movie nights continued as well as a few beach days with the older students.  Things ran without a hitch.  God was showing a lot of mercy on me :).  

 Letty and I recently made a new contact which is now supporting Hill of Hope in major ways.  Richfield Community Church has jumped on board with our vision for Cypress Street, and has been a huge support to the cause.  They raised over 8000 bucks in two weekends for Cypress St.!  In addition, they "adopted" elementary and junior high students to take back-to-school shopping.  One adult got one kid and took them to Wal Mart for a shopping spree.  What a great experience! The kids were so grateful for not only the clothing, but the time spent.  Isn't it an amazing feeling, knowing someone loves you and wants to just spend time with you?  These new volunteers have really made the kids feel special.  After the shopping spree, Amigos Church (the Spanish church from Yorba Linda Friends Church) donated backpacks and school supplies to the same kids.  We had an end of summer BBQ/talent show in which we distributed the backpacks.  All the parents came out and took pride in their children who are truly learning the value of education.  One thing that Letty and I are passionate about, is showing these kids that they are worth a good education.  These backpacks really made them feel special and gave them a head start on a good school year.  This was a jam-packed summer, full of new opportunities for growth and friendship.  I truly learned the value of people and how spending simple quality time can make such a difference in a persons life.  This community is so beautiful.  The people are even more beautiful.  It is such a blessing to be in the midst of the great handiwork of the Lord.  The thing is, it really is simple.  Love God. Love Others.  Ama Dios. Ama Otros.