As I sat on my couch one afternoon, I remember feeling the complete exhaustion that had taken over my body. I remember laying there and feeling as if I couldn't go on any longer. I pulled out my favorite blanket, and prepared myself for one of the most amazing naps of my life. As soon as I laid down, I heard one of the loudest screams of my life, and I felt my heart catch in my throat. I immediately ran outside, and saw one of my girls laying on the concrete holding her knee. So I scooped her up, and carried her inside. I sat her on the counter, and began to clean her cut. I kept reassuring her that she was fine, and that she would have a bandaid on it soon. I remember bending down, and my whole body just ached because I was so tired. She had stopped crying, and I put the bandaid on and kissed her knee. I immediately said, "Look! Its all better!" I saw her eyes fill up with tears all of a sudden, and she said to me, "Miss Karissa, thank you for loving me.... Because if you didn't, I don't know who would. Also, thanks for telling me about Jesus, me and him have been talking and I'm pretty sure we're gonna be good friends." I remember hugging her, and feeling the wetness of her tears on my shirt, and thinking how I would not have changed this moment for anything in the world. I could've held that precious girl in my arms for the rest of the day... and in that moment I was so weak, but so strong.
It has been exactly two months since I have written a blog. Quite honestly it has been one of the hardest two months of my life. I have come to the realization that the Lord uses us in our weaknesses. He uses me in the craziest situations, and I never see them coming. So today, I am thankful that God scooped me up and carried me inside. I am thankful that I can be completely broken with him, and he kisses my bobos, and says "Look! It's all better." He makes everything new, and he has definitely shown me that Joy comes in the morning. This is why I live, breathe, and love Martin Park. It is exhausting to keep up with so many kids, but the good times always outweigh the bad. It has brought my heart joy to see my kids change so much, and I wouldn't change a thing. So many things have happened in the last two months, and I will try my best to show you my heart and walk you through it.
Tuesday Afternoons:
After school tutoring... what an amazing adventure! This was the most intimate time that I had with my kids. I learned about their lives and helped them with school. We played different games like basketball, football, and soccer. I had about fifteen kids every tuesday and it was such a blessing to get to invest in their lives on a personal level. I could not have done this without the amazing group of college students. Thank you guys so much! :)
Wednesday Nights:
Wednesday Nights was an amazing time for everyone. We have grown so much in the past months. Every wednesday we would get to worship, play games, and teach our class about the fruit of the spirit. It was such a challenging task, but by the end of the semester my knowledge of teaching had grown so much!
Friday Nights:
My most favorite night this whole semester was Friday nights. This night was full of laughter, friendships, and healing. I had women's bible study every Friday night, and got to spend some incredible times with the most amazing women in the world. Through this special time together we found the love of Jesus, and forgiveness that can break all chains. I am so thankful for these wise women, and I am thankful they still invest in my life.
Christmas Party:
This was the most humbling thing I have done all semester. On Sunday, December 15th we had our Martin Park Christmas Party. This was the moment I had been waiting for all semester to see if what I had been doing really made a difference. God answered my prayers, and went above and beyond. Kids and their families kept arriving and I just couldn't believe all of the connections I had made. It was such a huge blessing to get to serve them food, and tell the Christmas story, and give the kids treat bags. I am so glad to have built such a solid foundation, and the Lord is so gracious to me. I am so proud of my family, and can not wait to see where we go next! Thank you Gateway Baptist Church for all your help, and support! Also, thank you for everyone who helped with all the details, it makes a difference!
So, I will end on this note. I am a BLESSED woman this year with quite possibly the greatest kids in the whole world. There are so many things left to be done, but with everyone's help we can change this community! I can not wait to see what God's plan is for me and this area. Please keep praying, and I can not thank everyone enough for all of your support! Love you all!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year From My Family To Yours!
