Working with artists is never boring. They see the world differently, and beauty matters to them. They can work and lead kids and do all the things, but they have compelling reasons why the beauty of a space that they teach in matters and how it impacts the people in it. I love being with Freedom and Nancy and hearing them talk about how creative God is and how He made us to be creative beings.
Today we went to Carmen Bajo, the community center that Freedom and Nancy have been involved with the longest. This place is massive and it serves a community in need. 75% single mothers, lots of alcoholism, many parents working long hours to provide for their families. This community center is a beacon of hope for the kids in this neighborhood. Today we were able to do 2 project. The first was painting in the morning. Freedom and Nancy had us refreshing old murals and painting one wall a solid color for a fresh start in the room they usually teach in. And they were adding a new mural in the dance room. I love getting to contribute a couple of brush strokes to a masterpiece!
The second big project was called a “Spa Night” for the ladies that work at this community center and the church. It takes a lot of volunteers to make a church run, and these ladies are some of the hardest working around. We wanted to bless them and encourage them in their work. We’re here 2 days and they are here all year.
Spa Night looked like 5 stations: Foot Washing, Manicure, Chiropractic Adjustments and/or massage, Prayer, and a creative project for while they waited. The ladies could choose which stations they wanted to do or choose all. It was a beautiful night. So many smiles and hugs. Hopefully they felt loved and honored. It was humbling to hear some of their ailments and no money to go to the doctor. The long days they work on their feet, cleaning houses, making shoes, carrying cement, cooking. Hard jobs that wear you down. We were so glad to spend time with our sisters in Christ and encourage them, although I’m pretty sure they encouraged us and blessed us more.
Pray for the children and adults of Carmen Bajo. Pray that the Lord meets their needs and gives them hope. It’s hard to live without hope, and we know the One who gives us all hope for the days ahead!
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Romans 15:13 ESV
Today we went to Carmen Bajo, the community center that Freedom and Nancy have been involved with the longest. This place is massive and it serves a community in need. 75% single mothers, lots of alcoholism, many parents working long hours to provide for their families. This community center is a beacon of hope for the kids in this neighborhood. Today we were able to do 2 project. The first was painting in the morning. Freedom and Nancy had us refreshing old murals and painting one wall a solid color for a fresh start in the room they usually teach in. And they were adding a new mural in the dance room. I love getting to contribute a couple of brush strokes to a masterpiece!
The second big project was called a “Spa Night” for the ladies that work at this community center and the church. It takes a lot of volunteers to make a church run, and these ladies are some of the hardest working around. We wanted to bless them and encourage them in their work. We’re here 2 days and they are here all year.
Spa Night looked like 5 stations: Foot Washing, Manicure, Chiropractic Adjustments and/or massage, Prayer, and a creative project for while they waited. The ladies could choose which stations they wanted to do or choose all. It was a beautiful night. So many smiles and hugs. Hopefully they felt loved and honored. It was humbling to hear some of their ailments and no money to go to the doctor. The long days they work on their feet, cleaning houses, making shoes, carrying cement, cooking. Hard jobs that wear you down. We were so glad to spend time with our sisters in Christ and encourage them, although I’m pretty sure they encouraged us and blessed us more.
Pray for the children and adults of Carmen Bajo. Pray that the Lord meets their needs and gives them hope. It’s hard to live without hope, and we know the One who gives us all hope for the days ahead!
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Romans 15:13 ESV