Last night, on our walk back to the car and on our drive home, I spent a lot of time observing those around me. As I listened to the conversation happening among the people I was with, I watched people. Kids, couples, young, old. I watched. And I listened. What did I see? What did I hear?
God.
I saw Him in the little girl sitting in her stroller shouting "Clouds, clouds go away!" over and over again.
In the two girls entering their dorm room, laughing together.
In the woman sitting by herself at a crowded cafe.
In the man leaning against the wall, headphones on, singing. Not to mention the super fly jacket he had on.
In the couple walking by the Convention Center, arms wrapped around each other's shoulders, smiling.
In the older gentleman who stood, leaning against a newspaper box, whistling a tune and swinging his cane along to the tune. Smiling as he tried to open the trash can with the bottom of his cane.
In the little boy who exclaimed "HEY GUYS!" as his mother pushed him down the street in his stroller.
These and countless others. They were on my mind last night.
I've always been a fan of observing others. Call me a creeper, that's okay. I think there's a lot to learn from those around me. A lot to be reminded of. And looking at those people last night, I was reminded of God's amazing love for us. A love that no other love can compare to. A perfect, pure, genuine, truly unconditional love. It made me think about all the work God poured into creating each and every one of us, unique and with purpose. I imagined His hands. Forming us from the dirt, putting thought into each and every detail. Breathing life into us. And guiding us, as no one else can. From the very beginning, always being by our sides.
A few years back, I was in a place where I thought I'd run from God. Someone wise and lovely reminded me that you can't run from God...God isn't in one place. He is everywhere. I find comfort in that. And last night, I found comfort in the fact that God has created each and everyone of us with a purpose. That we are all His children, and so no matter what sort of journey we are on, whether it be one of joy or sorrow, an uphill climb or a downward spiral, God is with us, and we are all connected through His unending love.
I hope this finds you well tonight, and I hope that you know that you are dearly loved.
Em
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Neighborhood kids, CCDA, Board Retreat, oh my! [An overdue entry]
LIFE IS CRAZY WONDERFUL.
Legit.
So, where do I begin? The last three weeks have been awesome. Man do I love Philadelphia. And my job. And my roomie. And my other worker friend folks. And Trader Joe's. And CCDA. And the neighborhood kids. And coffee. Alright, alright. I could go on all night long.
But fo real.
I'll start from right now and just kind of work my way backwards, methinks.
Sooo, this weekend the Board was here, rockin out for their Board Retreat. It was awesome. They were awesome. It was so cool to sit down and talk with these people (one of them being the founder of CSM) and to just hear their stories...to hear their hearts. I feel blessed to have met them. I ate way too much food this weekend, which seems to be a common occurrence at CSM gatherings. I'm still trying to recover. We're talking super yummy breakfast, artery-clotting roast beef sandwiches, Malian, yummy breakfast leftovers, and fancy Italian...aka, the most I've ever eaten at one meal. (The Italian, not all of that food at once, just in case you were wondering.)
In preparation for the Board's arrival, we did A LOT of cleaning around the housing site. It was a fun time, but quickly grew tired of the smell of cleaning products. I also did a lot of laundry. I actually really enjoy laundry, though. So I really didn't mind that. I mean, I really didn't mind cleaning in general. It can be refreshing to see the results of a lot of hard work. Compared to a lot of the work I do here in Philly, it's a nice change. Being able to see results.
Thursday of last week I met with someone at the ministry site I will hopefully be working for over the next year.(During my apprenticeship I will work 3 days a week for a ministry in the city and the other two days I'll work for CSM.) We talked about some logistics, and then tossed around some ideas for what I could possibly do while working there. I think we decided it might be fun if I planned and lead activities for the guys staying there. Like game days or a chess tournament...things like that. I've been trying to do some brainstorming, because I feel like that is pretty new stuff to me, but I think it will be fun. There are still a few things we need to get worked out before it is decided that I am working there, but I am excited at the possibility of it!
I also met up with a friend on Thursday and went to the Penn Museum. I was rather impressed with it. They had an exhibit about 9/11 that I found rather powerful. There was a wall where you could post what you remember about that, where you were and all that. I happened to look at one and it said "My 10th grade teacher answering her phone, dropping to her knees crying. It was her son: he had survived." It was just...really powerful. My favorite exhibit was one we found near the end of our time wandering around. It was about homelessness and addiction. Righteous Dopefiend was the title of the exhibit. It told the stories of four or five people living on the streets, about their addictions or the way they witnessed the addictions of others. Again, powerful.
Thursday evening, when I got home, I saw that the neighborhood kids were hanging out outside. My roommate, Nicole, was just coming outside to hang out with them as I walked onto our block. We stayed out there all evening, and it was wonderful. The kids taught me how to throw a football and they continued to coach me each time I threw it. "Put more power into it." "Nah, ya gotta do it like this." "There ya go! She did it!" After that came trying to catch the ball. That wasn't so successful. But I am working on it! The kids also had a blast playing with our phones. They laughed and whispered to each other as they used my phone to text Nicole's phone and then they decided they'd call her. They got quite a kick out of it, and I got quite a kick out of watching them. One of my favorite things about living here is getting to hang out with the neighborhood kids. They keep life bright and full of energy. They're a lot of fun to hang out with. We had decided we were headed in to make dinner and warm up for the night (it was one of the chillest nights we'd had at that point!) The kids protested, but we told them goodnight and headed inside. After closing the door, the continued to bang on the door and ring the doorbell asking us to come back out. I peaked out the kitchen window and a girl who hadn't been outside while we were out there was trying to tell me something. I couldn't understand her very well, so I went to the door to peak out and see what she was saying. When I opened the door, there she was waiting for me. "I was hoping you'd come stand right there! I need to tell you something, come closer!" As I ducked down closer to her, she whispered her secrets in my ear and eventually pulled me out the door to hang out with her. She lives on our block with her mom, brother, and sister. She definitely has plenty of sass, but she is such a sweet girl. Her and her brother both are! I haven't gotten to know her sister very well yet, but I hope to! I stood out there for quite a while talking to her. Her brother eventually came down to join us, after he had a bit of an incident with one of the other girls in the neighborhood. As he told me what happened, his sister ran off to go stick up for him. Cute, right?! She quickly came back to join us, and as he was telling me about his father and how he had recently moved to Atlanta, she would add tidbits here and there. He talked about how he missed his dad. By this point, he had given me a long detailed story about how his dad ended up in Atlanta...starting all the way back to when he was a little boy. I smiled as he asked me if I had ever been to Atlanta. When I told him I had just been there recently, but I had only been in the airport for a layover, he grinned real big and asked "Did you see my dad?! Did you see him? He's a tall black bald man. The next time you go back, will you tell him hi for me? I really miss him." Shortly after that, the first board member to arrive at the housing site stepped out the door. The kids instantly started asking him questions and quickly had their hands on his cell phone, calling Nicole. She joined us in the doorway and we continued to hear about Atlanta and a trip they were taking to Texas with their grandma, and how they would soon get to see their dad...and he had a MANSION in Atlanta. Again they asked if we had been there and if we had seen a tall bald black man. They asked us to let him know that they missed him a lot and to call them if we ever were to see them. Sigh. I really adore those kids. Oh! I can't forget the quote of that evening! When telling us about their trip to Texas with their grandma, the boy asked "Are there houses in Texas?!" Don't you just love kids? They're great.
Before the adventure of cleaning started last week, Nicole and I had been in Indianapolis with the other CSM Apprentices for the CCDA (Christian Community Development Association) Conference for the week. Um...can I say AMAZING? Two weeks later, I am still trying to process all the stories and different things I heard and learned while I was there. I had never been to a conference, but I quickly found out how much I would enjoy it. All of the speakers, the workshops, the exhibits, the worships...WOW. Not to mention getting to hang out with all of the apprentices and a number of other CSM full-time staff. It was great to meet all of them and kind of start this journey of the apprenticeship together. It was sad to part ways with them at the end of the conference, but I am excited for the ways God is using them in their cities. I know they blessed my life the few days we were together, so I can only imagine the impact they are making in their cities and ministry sites. I hope to write a blog on some other things that happened at CCDA, but like I said...I think I'm still trying to process it. Hopefully soon!
Since being back in Philly, I have also joined a small group at one of the churches I am attending. I've only been able to attend the first meeting, but I really enjoyed it! Since then, I've been keeping up with the reading and man, I'm lovin' it. For the small group, we are reading The Divine Mentor. It's all about letting God and His word mentor you while you nourish your spiritual roots. Or at least, that's what I've gathered in the first few chapters. I hope I get to get back to small group soon, but until I do, I am being blessed by the book.
I think I'm going to close this entry up for now. My hands are starting to hurt, and I bet your eyes are! haha.
I hope this finds you having a blessed week.
With love,
Emily
Legit.
So, where do I begin? The last three weeks have been awesome. Man do I love Philadelphia. And my job. And my roomie. And my other worker friend folks. And Trader Joe's. And CCDA. And the neighborhood kids. And coffee. Alright, alright. I could go on all night long.
But fo real.
I'll start from right now and just kind of work my way backwards, methinks.
Sooo, this weekend the Board was here, rockin out for their Board Retreat. It was awesome. They were awesome. It was so cool to sit down and talk with these people (one of them being the founder of CSM) and to just hear their stories...to hear their hearts. I feel blessed to have met them. I ate way too much food this weekend, which seems to be a common occurrence at CSM gatherings. I'm still trying to recover. We're talking super yummy breakfast, artery-clotting roast beef sandwiches, Malian, yummy breakfast leftovers, and fancy Italian...aka, the most I've ever eaten at one meal. (The Italian, not all of that food at once, just in case you were wondering.)
In preparation for the Board's arrival, we did A LOT of cleaning around the housing site. It was a fun time, but quickly grew tired of the smell of cleaning products. I also did a lot of laundry. I actually really enjoy laundry, though. So I really didn't mind that. I mean, I really didn't mind cleaning in general. It can be refreshing to see the results of a lot of hard work. Compared to a lot of the work I do here in Philly, it's a nice change. Being able to see results.
Thursday of last week I met with someone at the ministry site I will hopefully be working for over the next year.(During my apprenticeship I will work 3 days a week for a ministry in the city and the other two days I'll work for CSM.) We talked about some logistics, and then tossed around some ideas for what I could possibly do while working there. I think we decided it might be fun if I planned and lead activities for the guys staying there. Like game days or a chess tournament...things like that. I've been trying to do some brainstorming, because I feel like that is pretty new stuff to me, but I think it will be fun. There are still a few things we need to get worked out before it is decided that I am working there, but I am excited at the possibility of it!
I also met up with a friend on Thursday and went to the Penn Museum. I was rather impressed with it. They had an exhibit about 9/11 that I found rather powerful. There was a wall where you could post what you remember about that, where you were and all that. I happened to look at one and it said "My 10th grade teacher answering her phone, dropping to her knees crying. It was her son: he had survived." It was just...really powerful. My favorite exhibit was one we found near the end of our time wandering around. It was about homelessness and addiction. Righteous Dopefiend was the title of the exhibit. It told the stories of four or five people living on the streets, about their addictions or the way they witnessed the addictions of others. Again, powerful.
Thursday evening, when I got home, I saw that the neighborhood kids were hanging out outside. My roommate, Nicole, was just coming outside to hang out with them as I walked onto our block. We stayed out there all evening, and it was wonderful. The kids taught me how to throw a football and they continued to coach me each time I threw it. "Put more power into it." "Nah, ya gotta do it like this." "There ya go! She did it!" After that came trying to catch the ball. That wasn't so successful. But I am working on it! The kids also had a blast playing with our phones. They laughed and whispered to each other as they used my phone to text Nicole's phone and then they decided they'd call her. They got quite a kick out of it, and I got quite a kick out of watching them. One of my favorite things about living here is getting to hang out with the neighborhood kids. They keep life bright and full of energy. They're a lot of fun to hang out with. We had decided we were headed in to make dinner and warm up for the night (it was one of the chillest nights we'd had at that point!) The kids protested, but we told them goodnight and headed inside. After closing the door, the continued to bang on the door and ring the doorbell asking us to come back out. I peaked out the kitchen window and a girl who hadn't been outside while we were out there was trying to tell me something. I couldn't understand her very well, so I went to the door to peak out and see what she was saying. When I opened the door, there she was waiting for me. "I was hoping you'd come stand right there! I need to tell you something, come closer!" As I ducked down closer to her, she whispered her secrets in my ear and eventually pulled me out the door to hang out with her. She lives on our block with her mom, brother, and sister. She definitely has plenty of sass, but she is such a sweet girl. Her and her brother both are! I haven't gotten to know her sister very well yet, but I hope to! I stood out there for quite a while talking to her. Her brother eventually came down to join us, after he had a bit of an incident with one of the other girls in the neighborhood. As he told me what happened, his sister ran off to go stick up for him. Cute, right?! She quickly came back to join us, and as he was telling me about his father and how he had recently moved to Atlanta, she would add tidbits here and there. He talked about how he missed his dad. By this point, he had given me a long detailed story about how his dad ended up in Atlanta...starting all the way back to when he was a little boy. I smiled as he asked me if I had ever been to Atlanta. When I told him I had just been there recently, but I had only been in the airport for a layover, he grinned real big and asked "Did you see my dad?! Did you see him? He's a tall black bald man. The next time you go back, will you tell him hi for me? I really miss him." Shortly after that, the first board member to arrive at the housing site stepped out the door. The kids instantly started asking him questions and quickly had their hands on his cell phone, calling Nicole. She joined us in the doorway and we continued to hear about Atlanta and a trip they were taking to Texas with their grandma, and how they would soon get to see their dad...and he had a MANSION in Atlanta. Again they asked if we had been there and if we had seen a tall bald black man. They asked us to let him know that they missed him a lot and to call them if we ever were to see them. Sigh. I really adore those kids. Oh! I can't forget the quote of that evening! When telling us about their trip to Texas with their grandma, the boy asked "Are there houses in Texas?!" Don't you just love kids? They're great.
Before the adventure of cleaning started last week, Nicole and I had been in Indianapolis with the other CSM Apprentices for the CCDA (Christian Community Development Association) Conference for the week. Um...can I say AMAZING? Two weeks later, I am still trying to process all the stories and different things I heard and learned while I was there. I had never been to a conference, but I quickly found out how much I would enjoy it. All of the speakers, the workshops, the exhibits, the worships...WOW. Not to mention getting to hang out with all of the apprentices and a number of other CSM full-time staff. It was great to meet all of them and kind of start this journey of the apprenticeship together. It was sad to part ways with them at the end of the conference, but I am excited for the ways God is using them in their cities. I know they blessed my life the few days we were together, so I can only imagine the impact they are making in their cities and ministry sites. I hope to write a blog on some other things that happened at CCDA, but like I said...I think I'm still trying to process it. Hopefully soon!
Since being back in Philly, I have also joined a small group at one of the churches I am attending. I've only been able to attend the first meeting, but I really enjoyed it! Since then, I've been keeping up with the reading and man, I'm lovin' it. For the small group, we are reading The Divine Mentor. It's all about letting God and His word mentor you while you nourish your spiritual roots. Or at least, that's what I've gathered in the first few chapters. I hope I get to get back to small group soon, but until I do, I am being blessed by the book.
I think I'm going to close this entry up for now. My hands are starting to hurt, and I bet your eyes are! haha.
I hope this finds you having a blessed week.
With love,
Emily
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Return to Philly!
Well folks, I am back in good ole' West Philadelphia. [feel free to bust out in Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.]
We have dove right in to lots of reading, writing, list-making, rearranging, cleaning, fellowshipping, eating, etc.
It is so good to be back, and I'm so looking forward to what God has in store over the next several months that I will be here and just trying to be a light in this city as I learn more about myself, those around me, the city of Philadelphia, and how God is intertwined in all of it.
I was looking through some old journal entries/prayers when I found one from almost exactly a year ago. It really got me thinking, so I thought I might share it with you and some of the thoughts that followed after rediscovering it.
October 1, 2010
God,
I find out today if I get the position in Chicago. I'm really nervous and I really hope that I get it. If I'm being honest, I'm scared I'm not going to...and God, I want it so bad. I know that if I don't get it that it just means that's not where You need me right now...I just really hope that is where You want me, ya know? I'm trying really hard to be patient because I know You have a plan for me. It's just hard not knowing what it is and relying on You and completely walking by faith. So, I'm praying that when they call that they ask me to come work with them in Chicago, but I'm also praying that if they don't, that I will be at peace with it and that I will continue my search...OUR search. I love you God. Talk to You soon.
It's so insane to me that it was only a year ago that I got a call from Chicago letting me know that they had hired someone else for the fall host position. I'm not sure if it seems like it's been longer or shorter than that. But I remember so clearly how nice Tim was on the phone. How confused I was after and how my emotions were all over the place. I remember going to my sister's that afternoon and going to a corn maze with her and my older nephew that night. Winding through paths on a dark chilly night, finding the way through that maze felt like everything in my head. I didn't know where God was leading me, where He was calling me to, but I knew I had to keep walking. Searching. Praying. Loving. And just letting Him guide me. I knew it wasn't easy, but I also knew that the harder things often taught me the most. Maybe God didn't want me to go off somewhere to do mission work after all. Maybe He was calling me to do something in my own backyard. I had absolutely no idea. But I kept searching.
It wasn't too long after that that I went up to Chicago for a site visit while reapplying for a spring host position up there. Then Philly contacted me, and well...here we are! I've lived up here six months and God just keeps on presenting amazing, life-changing experiences. I honestly don't know how to thank God enough for how much of a blessing all of this has been in my life. Even that day just over a year ago, when I received what felt like my 1000th "no." God was saying "yes" all along. He was loving me and guiding me. And looking back, that all seems so clear. It's encouraging. It's encouraging because there are a lot of times when living a life faithful to God just seems so hard, when I have no idea what is going on and I'm just like "Uh....so what am I doing?" But really, it's not me doing much of anything at all. It's God doing things through me. And man, am I glad He is using me.
It's encouraging to see how far I've come. To see the fruits of God's labor in myself. Does that make sense? I don't know. I'm not quite sure how to describe it.
Today was a beautiful day. A day where I saw God many places in this city that I now call home. In people giving us their parking meter ticket thing to put in our car when it still had an hour left on it, in playing tag with neighborhood kids, in Malian food, in conversation, in arranging things, in the faces of strangers, in the moon, in the busy-ness.
Tomorrow will be beautiful, too.
Much love from West Philly.
Good night.
We have dove right in to lots of reading, writing, list-making, rearranging, cleaning, fellowshipping, eating, etc.
It is so good to be back, and I'm so looking forward to what God has in store over the next several months that I will be here and just trying to be a light in this city as I learn more about myself, those around me, the city of Philadelphia, and how God is intertwined in all of it.
I was looking through some old journal entries/prayers when I found one from almost exactly a year ago. It really got me thinking, so I thought I might share it with you and some of the thoughts that followed after rediscovering it.
October 1, 2010
God,
I find out today if I get the position in Chicago. I'm really nervous and I really hope that I get it. If I'm being honest, I'm scared I'm not going to...and God, I want it so bad. I know that if I don't get it that it just means that's not where You need me right now...I just really hope that is where You want me, ya know? I'm trying really hard to be patient because I know You have a plan for me. It's just hard not knowing what it is and relying on You and completely walking by faith. So, I'm praying that when they call that they ask me to come work with them in Chicago, but I'm also praying that if they don't, that I will be at peace with it and that I will continue my search...OUR search. I love you God. Talk to You soon.
It's so insane to me that it was only a year ago that I got a call from Chicago letting me know that they had hired someone else for the fall host position. I'm not sure if it seems like it's been longer or shorter than that. But I remember so clearly how nice Tim was on the phone. How confused I was after and how my emotions were all over the place. I remember going to my sister's that afternoon and going to a corn maze with her and my older nephew that night. Winding through paths on a dark chilly night, finding the way through that maze felt like everything in my head. I didn't know where God was leading me, where He was calling me to, but I knew I had to keep walking. Searching. Praying. Loving. And just letting Him guide me. I knew it wasn't easy, but I also knew that the harder things often taught me the most. Maybe God didn't want me to go off somewhere to do mission work after all. Maybe He was calling me to do something in my own backyard. I had absolutely no idea. But I kept searching.
It wasn't too long after that that I went up to Chicago for a site visit while reapplying for a spring host position up there. Then Philly contacted me, and well...here we are! I've lived up here six months and God just keeps on presenting amazing, life-changing experiences. I honestly don't know how to thank God enough for how much of a blessing all of this has been in my life. Even that day just over a year ago, when I received what felt like my 1000th "no." God was saying "yes" all along. He was loving me and guiding me. And looking back, that all seems so clear. It's encouraging. It's encouraging because there are a lot of times when living a life faithful to God just seems so hard, when I have no idea what is going on and I'm just like "Uh....so what am I doing?" But really, it's not me doing much of anything at all. It's God doing things through me. And man, am I glad He is using me.
It's encouraging to see how far I've come. To see the fruits of God's labor in myself. Does that make sense? I don't know. I'm not quite sure how to describe it.
Today was a beautiful day. A day where I saw God many places in this city that I now call home. In people giving us their parking meter ticket thing to put in our car when it still had an hour left on it, in playing tag with neighborhood kids, in Malian food, in conversation, in arranging things, in the faces of strangers, in the moon, in the busy-ness.
Tomorrow will be beautiful, too.
Much love from West Philly.
Good night.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
A catch up on spring and summer :)
Oh hi blog.
So, it should be noted that I'm really terrible at consistently updating this thing.
I mean, here I am and I've hosted through the spring and the summer and I haven't blogged once since March.
That isn't due to a lack of things to blog about...if anything, there are too many things to blog about.
I realized I haven't really written anything down about my experiences in Philadelphia, aside from in a handful of emails, so I thought I'd try to blog about some things.
Basically, working in Philadelphia is one of the most beautiful things I've ever experienced. Maybe the most beautiful thing, period. It's really difficult to put into words the way it makes me feel. Living in Philadelphia, working there, loving on people...it feels so natural.
It's so weird for me to think that I live in Philadelphia now, and I'm living out my dream. Perhaps it is a silly dream to have, but I am so thankful I've been given this opportunity. It's weird that I know my way around one of the largest cities in the country. It's weird that I like some ethnic food now. And it's weird that I feel so settled in and cozy when I'm in Philly. I think it has almost become home.
Spending the spring and the summer hosting was honestly amazing. I enjoyed it so much, and it has had such a positive impact on my life. I went into hosting feeling pretty timid and scared, and even though I still felt unsure of myself a majority of the time, by the end of the summer I felt like I had gained a lot of confidence.
I've started thinking about things I've never thought of before...or, at least not in the same light as I used to.
I've met amazing people, from all different walks of life, and I've been blessed so so so SO much. I've had some of the best conversations ever, just sitting on the parkway chatting with people who sleep on the streets. I've been given countless hugs from kids from several different after school programs/summer camps that are being run throughout the city. Ah, summer camps. I love kids. They bring joy to me that I can't describe. I feel like kids give you a glimpse at the most important things in life. Whether they're excited to find a seashell in the ground close to their play area, or they want to give you a picture they colored, or they see your camera and want to take a lot of pictures with you...it's just...it's amazing how they love on people, even if they've been hurt. Even if they've had it rough. It's not about being vulnerable to them. It's about living life, and doing what makes them happy. Something like that.
I've been showered with wisdom from the people who run the different ministry sites that we work with. I love to listen to their stories, even if I hear them every time I bring a group to work with them. I admire how much dedication they have, how much they love their work and the people they work with. How it isn't so much a job to them, but a passion.
Ms. Chris is a teacher, mentor, and friend at one of the after school programs/summer camps that we work with. I cannot get enough of her. She has so much compassion in her, so much energy, and such a light-hearted spirit about her. Coming into an urban after school program/summer camp, it can be shocking. More often than not, things are run a lot differently than what you may consider the "norm." Things are typically a bit more like organized chaos and you may see communication between teacher and student that you haven't seen before. But, that doesn't mean it's wrong. It's actually a really beautiful thing to watch unfold. Watching the interactions in the after school programs and summer camps that we work with has actually taught me a lot. With Ms. Chris specifically, her love for the kids is SO evident. She strives to motivate them and to push them to follow their dreams. The program she works for is located in the middle of five projects. She grew up in the general area, and she knows what it's like. She knows they need someone to push them and she knows they need some tough love. And that's what she does. She pushes them. She loves them. She believes in them. And it's absolutely beautiful.
I could honestly go on and on about the people I've met. Tony or Roy or Country or Jeff or Ms. Sharon or Gerry or John or Donna or Dhani or Spiderman or CJ or Moose...the list goes on and on.
I wrote a blog entry about Tom...I actually ran into Tom again during summer training! It was good to see him. From what he told me, he'd been in the hospital after some punks shot him in the leg. It was really heartbreaking, but he still seemed to be optimistic. We got him some water ice and he told us about how he was taking good care of his leg. I wasn't back around where he hangs out any other time this summer, but I think one of the other summer hosts bumped into him. Maybe I'll cross paths with him again...he's always a blessing.
This summer was especially amazing in the sense that I had 5 amazing roomies. They were great. We went on adventures together, and I liked being with them. It sucks not being around them now. But, I know God is using them where they are at, and I know we'll always have this summer...and that will keep us binded together, in one way or another. It made the experience that much more enjoyable, having people to enjoy it with. People to talk to about the joys and the frustrations that are all involved in working in urban missions. I can't tell you how much God has blessed me.
Ah...and my groups! Let me tell you...I have felt so spoiled. Because not only do I get blessed by all of our ministry site partners and the people I meet at them, but I also get blessed with groups! I love working with youth. Sometimes, they wear ya out, but it's in the best way possible. I don't know...I've just really enjoyed getting to hang out with different youth groups from all over the country (and Canada, too!) Watching them grow over the week, hearing the way they are processing their experiences. Getting to have conversations with them, create inside jokes, and hey, maybe even make some sort of impact on them. Not to mention the impact they make on me. These groups have really helped me find pieces of myself that I didn't know I had. They've helped stretch me and watching them challenge themselves has helped me challenge myself.
I'm going to go visit one of my groups next week. It's a surprise (so hopefully none of them read this blog...i don't think they do.) I'm really pumped about it. I'm looking into visiting another group this fall.
Speaking of this fall....I THINK IT IS FINALLY HERE.
Seriously. I stepped outside yesterday morning and was like "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" I seriously love fall. It is my favorite season ever. (And here is where the country girl in me comes out.) I love how the farmers start combining the fields, and it is almost like a fresh start. Their hard work has paid off and they've reaped what they sowed. But now, the fields are empty. It is their time for rest. At least for some. Some may soon be graced by a crop of winter wheat or something like that. But for others, it is time to watch the seasons pass until it is time to start again. They're putting tobacco up in the barns and the fires are being lit and man, I can't tell ya how much I love stepping out on my front porch to the smell of tobacco being fired in the barn just down the road. I find the smell of tobacco barns so comforting. And the stars! The stars seem to be that little bit brighter as the days grow shorter. They seem to twinkle a little longer. Maybe that's just me, but I think the stars shine the brightest in the fall and winter. Fall also means chillin in jeans and hoodies, two of my favorite things. It means hot apple cider or hot chocolate. It means bonfires. It means Thanksgiving. It means the leaves changing colors. I don't know...fall just seems like a huge transitional time to me. I'm not sure if that means a lot of sense. I might just be rambling.
So, for now, I'm in Kentucky, enjoying the fall-like weather and trying to rest up as I continue to process the things I've experienced and the lessons I've learned. I'm also preparing for something new though! In October, I head back to Philadelphia...not as a city host, but as an apprentice! I'm excited for this next chapter. Nervous, too. Man...things have just...they've come right along since February. Who knew that when I got on that plane at the end of January that I'd be staying in Philadelphia for so long? Who knew I'd learn so much and grow and just...really settle in? Really soak it up? I suppose God did, and I can't thank Him enough for continuing to present me with all of these amazing opportunities. For molding me. For making my roots grow deeper and my wings spread farther. I know I've said it a lot...but, really...I'm blessed.
Here's to more learning and growing!
So, it should be noted that I'm really terrible at consistently updating this thing.
I mean, here I am and I've hosted through the spring and the summer and I haven't blogged once since March.
That isn't due to a lack of things to blog about...if anything, there are too many things to blog about.
I realized I haven't really written anything down about my experiences in Philadelphia, aside from in a handful of emails, so I thought I'd try to blog about some things.
Basically, working in Philadelphia is one of the most beautiful things I've ever experienced. Maybe the most beautiful thing, period. It's really difficult to put into words the way it makes me feel. Living in Philadelphia, working there, loving on people...it feels so natural.
It's so weird for me to think that I live in Philadelphia now, and I'm living out my dream. Perhaps it is a silly dream to have, but I am so thankful I've been given this opportunity. It's weird that I know my way around one of the largest cities in the country. It's weird that I like some ethnic food now. And it's weird that I feel so settled in and cozy when I'm in Philly. I think it has almost become home.
Spending the spring and the summer hosting was honestly amazing. I enjoyed it so much, and it has had such a positive impact on my life. I went into hosting feeling pretty timid and scared, and even though I still felt unsure of myself a majority of the time, by the end of the summer I felt like I had gained a lot of confidence.
I've started thinking about things I've never thought of before...or, at least not in the same light as I used to.
I've met amazing people, from all different walks of life, and I've been blessed so so so SO much. I've had some of the best conversations ever, just sitting on the parkway chatting with people who sleep on the streets. I've been given countless hugs from kids from several different after school programs/summer camps that are being run throughout the city. Ah, summer camps. I love kids. They bring joy to me that I can't describe. I feel like kids give you a glimpse at the most important things in life. Whether they're excited to find a seashell in the ground close to their play area, or they want to give you a picture they colored, or they see your camera and want to take a lot of pictures with you...it's just...it's amazing how they love on people, even if they've been hurt. Even if they've had it rough. It's not about being vulnerable to them. It's about living life, and doing what makes them happy. Something like that.
I've been showered with wisdom from the people who run the different ministry sites that we work with. I love to listen to their stories, even if I hear them every time I bring a group to work with them. I admire how much dedication they have, how much they love their work and the people they work with. How it isn't so much a job to them, but a passion.
Ms. Chris is a teacher, mentor, and friend at one of the after school programs/summer camps that we work with. I cannot get enough of her. She has so much compassion in her, so much energy, and such a light-hearted spirit about her. Coming into an urban after school program/summer camp, it can be shocking. More often than not, things are run a lot differently than what you may consider the "norm." Things are typically a bit more like organized chaos and you may see communication between teacher and student that you haven't seen before. But, that doesn't mean it's wrong. It's actually a really beautiful thing to watch unfold. Watching the interactions in the after school programs and summer camps that we work with has actually taught me a lot. With Ms. Chris specifically, her love for the kids is SO evident. She strives to motivate them and to push them to follow their dreams. The program she works for is located in the middle of five projects. She grew up in the general area, and she knows what it's like. She knows they need someone to push them and she knows they need some tough love. And that's what she does. She pushes them. She loves them. She believes in them. And it's absolutely beautiful.
I could honestly go on and on about the people I've met. Tony or Roy or Country or Jeff or Ms. Sharon or Gerry or John or Donna or Dhani or Spiderman or CJ or Moose...the list goes on and on.
I wrote a blog entry about Tom...I actually ran into Tom again during summer training! It was good to see him. From what he told me, he'd been in the hospital after some punks shot him in the leg. It was really heartbreaking, but he still seemed to be optimistic. We got him some water ice and he told us about how he was taking good care of his leg. I wasn't back around where he hangs out any other time this summer, but I think one of the other summer hosts bumped into him. Maybe I'll cross paths with him again...he's always a blessing.
This summer was especially amazing in the sense that I had 5 amazing roomies. They were great. We went on adventures together, and I liked being with them. It sucks not being around them now. But, I know God is using them where they are at, and I know we'll always have this summer...and that will keep us binded together, in one way or another. It made the experience that much more enjoyable, having people to enjoy it with. People to talk to about the joys and the frustrations that are all involved in working in urban missions. I can't tell you how much God has blessed me.
Ah...and my groups! Let me tell you...I have felt so spoiled. Because not only do I get blessed by all of our ministry site partners and the people I meet at them, but I also get blessed with groups! I love working with youth. Sometimes, they wear ya out, but it's in the best way possible. I don't know...I've just really enjoyed getting to hang out with different youth groups from all over the country (and Canada, too!) Watching them grow over the week, hearing the way they are processing their experiences. Getting to have conversations with them, create inside jokes, and hey, maybe even make some sort of impact on them. Not to mention the impact they make on me. These groups have really helped me find pieces of myself that I didn't know I had. They've helped stretch me and watching them challenge themselves has helped me challenge myself.
I'm going to go visit one of my groups next week. It's a surprise (so hopefully none of them read this blog...i don't think they do.) I'm really pumped about it. I'm looking into visiting another group this fall.
Speaking of this fall....I THINK IT IS FINALLY HERE.
Seriously. I stepped outside yesterday morning and was like "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" I seriously love fall. It is my favorite season ever. (And here is where the country girl in me comes out.) I love how the farmers start combining the fields, and it is almost like a fresh start. Their hard work has paid off and they've reaped what they sowed. But now, the fields are empty. It is their time for rest. At least for some. Some may soon be graced by a crop of winter wheat or something like that. But for others, it is time to watch the seasons pass until it is time to start again. They're putting tobacco up in the barns and the fires are being lit and man, I can't tell ya how much I love stepping out on my front porch to the smell of tobacco being fired in the barn just down the road. I find the smell of tobacco barns so comforting. And the stars! The stars seem to be that little bit brighter as the days grow shorter. They seem to twinkle a little longer. Maybe that's just me, but I think the stars shine the brightest in the fall and winter. Fall also means chillin in jeans and hoodies, two of my favorite things. It means hot apple cider or hot chocolate. It means bonfires. It means Thanksgiving. It means the leaves changing colors. I don't know...fall just seems like a huge transitional time to me. I'm not sure if that means a lot of sense. I might just be rambling.
So, for now, I'm in Kentucky, enjoying the fall-like weather and trying to rest up as I continue to process the things I've experienced and the lessons I've learned. I'm also preparing for something new though! In October, I head back to Philadelphia...not as a city host, but as an apprentice! I'm excited for this next chapter. Nervous, too. Man...things have just...they've come right along since February. Who knew that when I got on that plane at the end of January that I'd be staying in Philadelphia for so long? Who knew I'd learn so much and grow and just...really settle in? Really soak it up? I suppose God did, and I can't thank Him enough for continuing to present me with all of these amazing opportunities. For molding me. For making my roots grow deeper and my wings spread farther. I know I've said it a lot...but, really...I'm blessed.
Here's to more learning and growing!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Tom
Hey blog! I've been doing a terrible job of updating. After training ended, things got crazy. But, I had part of a draft saved for one of the last days of training, so here it is. I'll ramble about other things in another entry :)
On Monday we covered the Italian Market Plunge and the Kensington Plunge. Both are something we do with groups sometimes. We take them to the Italian Market or to Kensington, we set boundaries for them, give each of them two dollars, tell them to stay in groups of at least 3 people, and instruct them to go out and spend it on someone else. They get to choose if they keep their money seperate, or combine the entire group's together. The point isn't to just go buy some food or a toy or something and give it to someone. The point is to get to know someone FIRST, get to know their needs, and then get them something. So, not only did we cover the two plunges, but we did the plunge in Kensington. Originally we were going to do it at the Italian Market, but when we got there it was pretty dead because it was so early in the morning, and there weren't a whole lot of people around. So we headed on over to Kensington. Now, to give a little background on Kensington...Kensington is the poorest neighborhood in the entire state of Pennsylvania. The EL runs right through Kensington, which is a terrible thing for the area because it's loud, it blocks out light ...and I mean, who on earth wants to live or have their business by something that is gonna have loud trains coming by all the time? Who wants to live in a house where their view is a big metal track? It used to be an industrial neighborhood, with lots of factories and stuff like that, but most of those factories have been shut down and moved out to other countries. So, there's a lot of unemployment, lots of drug use, prostitution, violence, etc etc. So, anyways. We're walking around Kensington. Since I'm the one training, they let me be the assertive one. I dig, I dig. At the same time though, it's just kind of like...there are so many people...who do I approach? How do I approach them without looking like someone who just wants to give a hand out instead of a hand up? Well, we had reached the "boundary" and had crossed the street to walk down the other way. Mo asked me about going up to a guy standing up against a wall. I was like "sure!" So I went up to him and asked him how he was, all that jazz. He said he was alright, said he was hungry. I asked him if he had a favorite food and he said "Oh yeah, I like white toast and grits and hot chocolate from over there," as he pointed to a place across the street. I asked him if we could get him some and he was so excited and quickly led us across the street. Our time of fellowship with Tom was amazing. What a blessing he was. I so so SO loved getting to know Tom.
Tom used to work with horses, exercising them and doing other various tasks around the stables. He lost his job after he'd worked there for over 20 years. Now he lives in the woods. He's got some blankets and a tarp. He told us he's got a system down. He tries to get a cup of coffee before he goes to lay down for the night. Said that drinking it warms him up that little bit extra. Then he goes into the woods after 4:30 or so, cause if he goes in there before then there might be kids running around in there and they might throw rocks at him. He's got his blankets and his tarp, so if it rains or snows, the tarp keeps him from getting wet. He said one of the last times it snowed, he had to roll out from under the tarp cause he couldn't lift it up with all the snow on it. He said once he gets under there he's warm, makes it hard to get out from under them in the morning. Tom had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. I asked him about any games he liked to play, and he started talking about back in the day when he played Pinnocle and Chess. He started educating me on the ways of Chess when I confessed that I didn't know how to play. I feel confident that if we'd had a board and pieces, that he would have taught me how to play right then.
You could tell he came in the restaurant we were at a lot. The waitress knew him by name and knew what his order was.
Our time with Tom came to an end all too quickly, but the time of fellowship that we had while eating brunch with Tom was amazing. Just learning about him. Hearing about his struggles, but also hearing the joy in his voice as he ventured back to days gone by. How excited he was for hot chocolate and toast. For enough money to get him some coffee before going to bed that night. For a piece of gum. For an opportunity to be heard.
I'm blessed to have Tom as a neighbor and a friend. And I don't know if we'll ever cross paths again, but the time I had with him was time well spent. A time I'll always cherish.
Where ever he may be now, I hope he's warm. I hope he got some coffee before bed. I hope he knows he isn't alone. I hope he knows that he's got a lot to offer this world.
And I hope you know that, too.
Hugs and love,
Emily and Mr. Sanchez
On Monday we covered the Italian Market Plunge and the Kensington Plunge. Both are something we do with groups sometimes. We take them to the Italian Market or to Kensington, we set boundaries for them, give each of them two dollars, tell them to stay in groups of at least 3 people, and instruct them to go out and spend it on someone else. They get to choose if they keep their money seperate, or combine the entire group's together. The point isn't to just go buy some food or a toy or something and give it to someone. The point is to get to know someone FIRST, get to know their needs, and then get them something. So, not only did we cover the two plunges, but we did the plunge in Kensington. Originally we were going to do it at the Italian Market, but when we got there it was pretty dead because it was so early in the morning, and there weren't a whole lot of people around. So we headed on over to Kensington. Now, to give a little background on Kensington...Kensington is the poorest neighborhood in the entire state of Pennsylvania. The EL runs right through Kensington, which is a terrible thing for the area because it's loud, it blocks out light ...and I mean, who on earth wants to live or have their business by something that is gonna have loud trains coming by all the time? Who wants to live in a house where their view is a big metal track? It used to be an industrial neighborhood, with lots of factories and stuff like that, but most of those factories have been shut down and moved out to other countries. So, there's a lot of unemployment, lots of drug use, prostitution, violence, etc etc. So, anyways. We're walking around Kensington. Since I'm the one training, they let me be the assertive one. I dig, I dig. At the same time though, it's just kind of like...there are so many people...who do I approach? How do I approach them without looking like someone who just wants to give a hand out instead of a hand up? Well, we had reached the "boundary" and had crossed the street to walk down the other way. Mo asked me about going up to a guy standing up against a wall. I was like "sure!" So I went up to him and asked him how he was, all that jazz. He said he was alright, said he was hungry. I asked him if he had a favorite food and he said "Oh yeah, I like white toast and grits and hot chocolate from over there," as he pointed to a place across the street. I asked him if we could get him some and he was so excited and quickly led us across the street. Our time of fellowship with Tom was amazing. What a blessing he was. I so so SO loved getting to know Tom.
Tom used to work with horses, exercising them and doing other various tasks around the stables. He lost his job after he'd worked there for over 20 years. Now he lives in the woods. He's got some blankets and a tarp. He told us he's got a system down. He tries to get a cup of coffee before he goes to lay down for the night. Said that drinking it warms him up that little bit extra. Then he goes into the woods after 4:30 or so, cause if he goes in there before then there might be kids running around in there and they might throw rocks at him. He's got his blankets and his tarp, so if it rains or snows, the tarp keeps him from getting wet. He said one of the last times it snowed, he had to roll out from under the tarp cause he couldn't lift it up with all the snow on it. He said once he gets under there he's warm, makes it hard to get out from under them in the morning. Tom had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. I asked him about any games he liked to play, and he started talking about back in the day when he played Pinnocle and Chess. He started educating me on the ways of Chess when I confessed that I didn't know how to play. I feel confident that if we'd had a board and pieces, that he would have taught me how to play right then.
You could tell he came in the restaurant we were at a lot. The waitress knew him by name and knew what his order was.
Our time with Tom came to an end all too quickly, but the time of fellowship that we had while eating brunch with Tom was amazing. Just learning about him. Hearing about his struggles, but also hearing the joy in his voice as he ventured back to days gone by. How excited he was for hot chocolate and toast. For enough money to get him some coffee before going to bed that night. For a piece of gum. For an opportunity to be heard.
I'm blessed to have Tom as a neighbor and a friend. And I don't know if we'll ever cross paths again, but the time I had with him was time well spent. A time I'll always cherish.
Where ever he may be now, I hope he's warm. I hope he got some coffee before bed. I hope he knows he isn't alone. I hope he knows that he's got a lot to offer this world.
And I hope you know that, too.
Hugs and love,
Emily and Mr. Sanchez
Monday, February 7, 2011
Weekend: Liberti Fairmount, Public Transportation, Center City and Rittenhouse Square
Alright, so it's been a few days since I've written a blog. I hope everyone had a lovely weekend! I sure did :)
So, Saturday I had the morning free to explore. However, I ran into two problems. One: it was real rainy and cold. Not good weather for walking around and exploring. Two: I didn't have exact change for bus fare...
Needless to say, I didn't go exploring on Saturday. I did, however, drive around Philly. Yeah, crazy. Justin came and he rode with me while I drove the prayer tour in his car. Driving around the City Hall on a Saturday is no fun. Other than that, it wasn't too bad. When we left the housing site I had predicted that I'd get honked at at least 3 times because I'm not much of a city driver. I only got honked at twice. Score! :)
The bus ride home was good. There was this really cute little girl with her grandma a few rows up from me and she was just so adorable. "Grandma, how do you spell strawberry?" "Hey Grandma! I can spell too. C-A-T. Do you know what that spells? CAT!" "Grandma, this tooth is loose, but this one isn't." "Give me a word to spell." She was just so cute. I love kids. Love how filled with joy they are. Love the light they shine with those bright eyes and those huge grins.
More relaxing when I got home...wrote some letters, because snail mail is the bomb diggity.
Anyways, that was my weekend. I'm going to write a seperate entry about today. I'll probably write it sometime tomorrow, cause I'm tired!
Remember that you are loved <3
Hugs and love,
Emily and Mr. Sanchez
So, Saturday I had the morning free to explore. However, I ran into two problems. One: it was real rainy and cold. Not good weather for walking around and exploring. Two: I didn't have exact change for bus fare...
Needless to say, I didn't go exploring on Saturday. I did, however, drive around Philly. Yeah, crazy. Justin came and he rode with me while I drove the prayer tour in his car. Driving around the City Hall on a Saturday is no fun. Other than that, it wasn't too bad. When we left the housing site I had predicted that I'd get honked at at least 3 times because I'm not much of a city driver. I only got honked at twice. Score! :)
When we got done I just chilled at home. I had a webcam date with one of my best friends and that was a grand time. Me and Mr. Sanchez enjoyed some nummy nummy tea.
And yeah, it was just an overall good evening.
Yesterday morning I went to church with Kelsey at Liberti. It was a solid contemporary worship and I really enjoyed the message! Mr. Sanchez didn't come along, but I did catch him taking a peek at the bulletin.
Yesterday morning I went to church with Kelsey at Liberti. It was a solid contemporary worship and I really enjoyed the message! Mr. Sanchez didn't come along, but I did catch him taking a peek at the bulletin.
Got home from church, chilled a little bit, then I walked down to the corner store and bought a soda so that I would have exact change for the bus. Then Mr. Sanchez and I ventured in to Center City and I wandered down to the Barnes and Noble in Rittenhouse Square. Yesterday it was so beautiful outside. The sun was shining and just, aw! It was lovely. I got on the right bus, got off on the right stop. I am familiar enough with the streets that I didn't just completely wander around having no idea what I was doing. It was some solid exploring, even if I didn't stay very long [about an hour and a half]. I love how electrifying being in the city is. I love all the crazy little things you see that you generally wouldn't see in a small town...like, for example: I'm walking down Chestnut St. in Rittenhouse Square, on my way back towards the City Hall. I'm looking around, taking everything in...and I see this guy, walking down the sidewalk on the other side of the road, with a coffee table under his arm. Haha! He just looked so casual about it. It was great.
Here are some pictures that I took before I got the bus back home. [They are in no particular order whatsoever] Mr. Sanchez napped during most of it, but I woke him up for one picture.
Here are some pictures that I took before I got the bus back home. [They are in no particular order whatsoever] Mr. Sanchez napped during most of it, but I woke him up for one picture.
 |
| "Way to disrupt a wonderful nap, Emily. But hey, City Hall is nice." |
The bus ride home was good. There was this really cute little girl with her grandma a few rows up from me and she was just so adorable. "Grandma, how do you spell strawberry?" "Hey Grandma! I can spell too. C-A-T. Do you know what that spells? CAT!" "Grandma, this tooth is loose, but this one isn't." "Give me a word to spell." She was just so cute. I love kids. Love how filled with joy they are. Love the light they shine with those bright eyes and those huge grins.
More relaxing when I got home...wrote some letters, because snail mail is the bomb diggity.
Anyways, that was my weekend. I'm going to write a seperate entry about today. I'll probably write it sometime tomorrow, cause I'm tired!
Remember that you are loved <3
Emily and Mr. Sanchez
Friday, February 4, 2011
Philly Cheese Steak!
Tonight I experienced my first Philly Cheese Steak :)
It was DELICIOUS. I suppose I got a pretty generic one...I only got provolone on it, but...it was soo soo good. So, if you're ever in South Philly around South St and 4th St, go get a philly cheese steak from Jim's. Granted, that's the only place I've ever had one. I do believe I'll be going to Geno's at some point and I'll let you know my final decision on which one has the best, but Jim's set the standard pretty high.
Mr. Sanchez didn't come along for the ride. He will experience philly cheese steak eventually. He did, however, enjoy the rest of my Ting from Carribean Delight [the Jamaican restaurant that we ate lunch at yesterday.]
Today I also went to a few more of the different sites we go to. I didn't go and talk to anyone at these sights, I just gave Justin directions to each site so that I could see where they're at, where we go in at, all that jazz. The afternoon was filled with "classroom" time where we talked about debriefing groups, conflict resolution, and I took a personality type test and we talked about characteristics and which are really helpful to have as a city host. We were supposed to be eating at the Malian restaurant tonight, but they're currently waiting to open their new location, so Kelsey and I headed down to Jim's for philly cheese steaks instead :)
Tomorrow I have the morning off, so I'm going to brave public transportation and take the bus to Love Park and wander around Center City and just..well..be a tourist, haha. Mr. Sanchez and I are going to take some pictures. I'm also going to go to the Barnes and Noble over in Rittenhouse Square. Then I'm meeting Justin back at the housing site and I'm going to practice the prayer tour for awhile. So, maybe tomorrow night I'll post some pictures of mine and Mr. Sanchez's time spent exploring the city.
I hope that you are all having a splendid day/night!
Hugs and love,
Emily and Mr. Sanchez
It was DELICIOUS. I suppose I got a pretty generic one...I only got provolone on it, but...it was soo soo good. So, if you're ever in South Philly around South St and 4th St, go get a philly cheese steak from Jim's. Granted, that's the only place I've ever had one. I do believe I'll be going to Geno's at some point and I'll let you know my final decision on which one has the best, but Jim's set the standard pretty high.
Mr. Sanchez didn't come along for the ride. He will experience philly cheese steak eventually. He did, however, enjoy the rest of my Ting from Carribean Delight [the Jamaican restaurant that we ate lunch at yesterday.]
 |
| Ting! Ya Man! |
Tomorrow I have the morning off, so I'm going to brave public transportation and take the bus to Love Park and wander around Center City and just..well..be a tourist, haha. Mr. Sanchez and I are going to take some pictures. I'm also going to go to the Barnes and Noble over in Rittenhouse Square. Then I'm meeting Justin back at the housing site and I'm going to practice the prayer tour for awhile. So, maybe tomorrow night I'll post some pictures of mine and Mr. Sanchez's time spent exploring the city.
I hope that you are all having a splendid day/night!
Hugs and love,
Emily and Mr. Sanchez
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