Today we are all getting covered in paint. Yes, were painting transitional housing for teenagers. We met a guy named Orin. He used to be a Mormon. Every time I walk out of a finished room for a snack I hear people asking him about it, and him replying in his AMAZING southern accent.
It’s lunch and we have already painted SIX rooms. The painting takes about an hour, but then that khaki green. Some rooms are almost the same color, and some are rose colored, but they are all in need of a paint job.
Walking around we all look like a dirty, mangy, low blood sugared, paint covered group of teens with five adults. I have counted at least 6 weird, Ohmygoshwhatiswrongwiththosekidsibetterrunaway, looks.
Its only day three and were all making stronger friendships. At daily devotion last night we had a discussion about stereotypes. We talked about how they affect us in life, school, and in our relationships with each other. People really opened up about how they really love this group. For some of us, school life is really hard. At school we have been labeled something were not, Loner, nerd, weirdo, ect. It donned on me then that SLY is such a benefit in our lives. It’s a place where were not labeled, and can be whoever we are. We are accepted no matter what. A few tears sprang up and all there quickly comforted them. Hugs formed stronger bonds. We are all gaining new insight into the world through each other and the people we meet. We are rapidly changing and growing. (were also getting amazing tans J) Hailey
Journey, growth, bonds, friends. The paradox of getting so much for self by giving away so much for others. The more you give the more you get. The beauty of "love your neighbor as yourself."
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine (back in the day) was stationed in Texas. He painted his room three shades of green to remind himself of the NW and distract from the dessert brown. You have brought the bloom of life's green pastures and still waters to the homeless teens in the dessert.
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