Andrew Howe's Blog
September's Update / Sep 25, 11:33 AM
They’re here! It’s been just over a week since the rest of my team arrived, and we have had plenty of time to bond (and stretch). There are plenty of new things to work on and be thankful for (I’m starting to anticipate a never-ending list of these things).
I’m blessed to say that in terms of pledges, I’ve nearly reached ¾ of what Mission Year has requested I raise. If I haven’t had a chance to thank you personally, expect word soon- I’ve been very busy but have not forgotten you all! Considering how easily this first bit of fund rais-ing has gone, I know this means I can raise a whole lot more. I feel like I’m working off of a strong foundation of friends and family—helping with the finances really does energize me (even though I hate asking for money). So, please keep those pledge payments coming— and consider contributing if you haven’t already. For those of you who are on the donor list, an-ticipate a real old-fashioned note or phone call sometime soon!
It is difficult to know where to start. In the last week, I’ve been through four different states, walked my neighborhood with the team (without getting lost), traveled from the grocery store with a week’s worth of food on a bus, and attended Castle Rock Community Church for the first time (I even slept in there somewhere, too). In the mix of all this moving around and getting acquainted, though, we have seen the beginning of relationships with our soon-to-be neighbors. We have already experienced some of the discouragement brought by the reali-ties of the neighborhood (disrepair, drugs, and the neglect of the city)—but encouraged and charged by meeting neighbors who are glad to see we’re moving in (and promise barbecue).
After a week training with all of the rest of the Mission Year teams at a farm near Atlanta, the team returned to our temporary housing, “The Yellow House,” where we have been cooking meals, walking the neighborhood, and taking on more training. Because of the state of our permanent house, the team and I are waiting in The Yellow House until mid-October when Urban Impact (a charity run by our church, Castle Rock) finishes rebuilding. Thankfully, the yel-low house is only a block from our primary service site and spiritual home, Castle Rock Church. I have enjoyed the walks around the neighborhood and short conversations with our neighbors, and can’t wait to get started at my service sites in just a few weeks.
Pray for our safety in the neighborhood, strong relationships with each other, and patience as we wait for a permanent dwelling and solidified work positions. The decision-making process on service sites may be a difficult one for some of us, so please pray for that, too. Thanks so much for all of your encouragement and prayers. I’m excited to see where the year takes us. I can’t wait to tell you more as October rolls around!
0 Comments
Leave a Comment...
Read more of Andrew Howe's Blogs.
