This week began with a beach trip. Some of us decided that it would be good to take a break for a day, so we drove to the beach. We didn't get in the water, and the view wasn't very scenic, but it was good to be in a different space for a day and take a break from the noise and chaos of the city. We pretty much just sat on a blanket on the beach for a few hours, and then we came back. It was a restful day.
My work picked up this week. In addition to my daily attendance calls, I helped create virtual lessons and handouts for a Geometry class, sorted through a large pile of broken Chromebooks, and filled in as a substitute teacher for a day. It is challenging to feel connected to the school, the staff, and the students while working virtually. I do not feel a huge sense of purpose in my work, but I realize that someone needs to do these things, and I know that I can do them and do them well. While serving at KDCA (the school I work for) may eventually become a more significant part of my Mission Year experience (especially if it ever transitions to in-person), I am finding meaning in other parts of being here, such as building relationships with the other members of my team.
As someone who likes to fix things, it can be challenging living in a neighborhood where the brokenness is so exposed. Especially when I am doing a mission program and my work often feels monotonous. Aren't I here to do something for the community? Maybe, but maybe not. Maybe I am here for the community to do something for me. For the community to change me and to teach me. Because it certainly is.
The week ended with a great day in the neighborhood. This morning, I went to a church work day. The church I have been attending has been meeting in one of the member's backyard, so in order to thank them for their hospitality, the church organized a work day at their house. We stained a fence, moved a shed, filled some ditches with dirt, among other things. I appreciated being able to meet some more of the people of the church. In the afternoon, Deb and I did our one-on-one. We went for a run together and then had ice cream. It was definitely a highlight of the week. In the evening, we had dinner with Caz (who works at The Simple Way) and her family. I really appreciated the perspective her and her husband have to offer us from having lived in the neighborhood for several years.
A picture from our beach trip
Deb enjoying her ice cream
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