November Update

“I don’t live in the ‘hood!”

Karen caught my attention with this passionate exclamation. Her house is two blocks away from our Ministry Center, so I was intrigued by her words and, honestly, a little confused because many people often refer to this area as “the ‘hood” without much thought.

She went on to explain that where she does live is in a neighborhood. By calling it “the ‘hood” the word neighbor is deliberately omitted. She also noted that hoodlums live in the ‘hood. That is not the way she describes those who live around her. Karen is committed to the cause of promoting neighborhood and community in a place where many feel unloved, unwanted, and isolated.

I have lived in this neighborhood since January but I have felt very isolated, myself. I felt that I have been largely anonymous to my neighbors because the apartment I was in was on the fourth floor of our Ministry Center. A real opportunity to build relationships within this community comes in the form of a front porch. The Center doesn’t have a front porch. It sits on the corner of a busy street across from an auto shop and a carry-out Chop Suey business. It’s a great locationfor programs, but not so much for front-porch sitting or getting to know the neighbors.

During the eight months I lived in the Center I longed to move into one of the houses on the block. I would hear stories of relationships being built as other staff members mowed their grass, planted gardens, tossed a football on their front lawn, or even carried in their groceries in the presence of their neighbors. I have been jealous for that interaction since the day I moved here.

Last month one of our interns completed his year with us and decided to move his family back East. This created an opening in one of our staff homes so early in October I moved onto the block. I now live in the downstairs apartment of a World Impact house with a great front porch. I am so thankful to have made this move. But more than anything I am thankful that my ‘hood is full of neighbors. Many of the kids in our after school programs live across the street. They are always playing out front and are welcoming faces when I come home in the evening. Also living across the street is an elderly couple, Mr. and Mrs. Cousins who offer a friendly wave when my car pulls up. And as the evenings get cooler I just love that I can sit on my front porch and chat with the kids and people passing by. Please pray for the relationships I will build with them in thecoming months!

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this month I am so thankful to God for you, my supporters, who are such an encouragement to me as I serve God in the city. Thank you for your faithfulness in giving, in praying for me, and in sharing encouraging thoughts and words with me so often. I really am blessed to have you as a part of my team and I wish you and yours a wonderful holiday!

Serving with Gratitude,
Beth