This final day with the kids was, as would be expected, a day full of emotions and affectionate words of farewell. I think one powerful thing that happens on a trip like this is that teenagers (and myself, as I’m not yet a parent) get a glimpse of the love, then investment, then hopes, and finally the dread, anxiety, and trust a parent progresses through in caring for a child. And we also saw how much of a difference healthy vs unhealthy family structure makes.
For four days, we cared for children – trying to discipline and uplift them.
For four days, we struggled through the friction of engaging a place of poverty within a nation of wealth.
For four days, we tried to embody the power of community and love.
The great thing is that the kids were still frustrating and obnoxious and devious – but the teens still poured themselves out and gave. We worked on a plaster craft design that was somewhat unsuccessful, we sang some songs, we did a puppet show and then two more encore puppet shows, and we played games outside. Some teens were given addresses and ask to send ‘text messages’ (which meant ‘a letter’) and many were asked to return. Overall, it was a good day that brought conclusion to a good week.
-jonathan
Justin
Jonathan
Jon, I too noted the parent/child-type connection between our teens and the children in Nashville. Many days I look at my own kids and think that this must be how God feels about us. But even more! I don’t know if it’s pride or what, but the feeling you get from taking care of a little person and getting a big hug or smile in return is amazing. I think that’s what happened last week in Nashville. We got the chance to care for some kids and they did the natural thing: showed us love in return. It’s awesome and I’m glad that our teens experienced it.