The Littlest Star in Brightmoor

My Tuesday afternoon class of Urban Art students at City Mission not only performed at Kensington but they performed for the tutoring classes at their Christmas party. They performed The Littlest Star. We had a ton of fun and the kids did a great job reading their parts!

Pictures Worth a Thousand Words

Tonight was the City Mission Urban Arts performance at Kensington with the New Community Kids. It went really well and my kids were on their best behavior! I am so proud of them:) Here are some pictures to enjoy.

Rehearsal Rehearsal

Have you ever needed to be in two places at once before? Well, we all know that it's really not possible but if there was a night I could have picked to be in two places at once, it was tonight. My City Mission kids had their dress rehearsal for the performance at Kensington Church and my Central Detroit Christian kids had their dress rehearsal for their performance the following week. I ended up at CDC. We had a lot of work to do, but the volunteer teachers were amazing and helped me out soo much! After a very long rehearsal, I think we are ready for the performance next week!

God Works in Monetary Ways

I have to wonder what other people are thinking when they see a person listening on their cell phone and the individual gets a HUGE smile on their face. I would probably get happy and smile right along with them! Well, I was that individual that people were probably staring at today. As I was listening to my voicemail, the message that was left said that a family from New Community Kids is donating $200 to cover the expenses of purchasing new dresses, pants, and dress shoes for our Urban Art kids to perform in the Christmas performance in December. What an AWESOME blessing! I wasn't sure how we were going to get the outfits, but I knew the kids would end up wearing something. Now, these girls and boys have a brand new Christmas outfit that THEY OWN! Don't worry, pictures will be posted as soon as we get them:) And THANK YOU to whoever the family is who is so generous by giving the money!

Working Hard

I love these kids! They're practicing for the Christmas program at CDC.

Mixing it Up

You have 45 minutes to complete the tasks on this piece of paper. GO! A video scavenger hunt was in the works for Urban Art students joined by kids from New Community Kids at Kensington Community Church. This was our first time mixing it up with other students who love performing arts. The kids had a great time getting to know their new friends and learned how to work together as a team. For many of the students it was their very first time doing a video scavenger hunt. After the hunt we had doughnuts and cider while we watched the videos. Just looking at the faces of the kids was precious. They were so excited to see themselves on camera! (what child wouldn't:) A good day was had by all. We had an awesome team of volunteers come to make it happen! Thanks guys!

What We Take for Granted

How many of you guys out there own a white button down shirt? a pair of black pants? a pair of dress shoes? I would guess that most of you would have this in your wardrobe, even if you don't wear it all the time. And ladies, what about a nice "Sunday" dress, dress shoes, a pair of tan pants?

This past week, I was working with my elementary kids at City Mission and they wanted to know what the costumes were for our performance in December. Since we are partnering with KCC, we are matching their costumes. It's pretty basic: girls wear pretty party dresses, boys wear white shirts and black pants for the first set. The costumes for the second set are tan pants and a solid color shirt. As I explained the two different costumes, I began to see some worried faces and a few hands began to raise. I knew then, it wasn't going to be as simple as opening up the closet door and pulling out one pair of many tan colored pants. These kids don't have that luxury. Once again, my heart broke for these children. But, they will not go without this Christmas performance if I can help it! Thrift stores here I come!:) If any of you would like to help out by letting a child borrow a piece of clothing or buy them a new item for this performance it would be the best Christmas present they could get!

The Grinch

Last night I held auditions for the Grinch play at City Mission. This is the program that the junior and senior high students will be performing at Christmas. We only have 3 rehearsals but I have a feeling it's going to be a smashing success...as long as the kids are quiet long enough to hear the instruction..(that would be a prayer request:)

Rooftop Networking

Yesterday I had the opportunity to meet others who have a passion for the city of Detroit and the people who live there. I sat at the 'arts' table and listened to the struggles, hopes, desires, and gifts of each individual. It was encouraging and inspiring. I was able to share a little about Urban Arts and had a few people interested in volunteering. I can't wait to see how the Lord will use these new friends I have made!

The Best Story So Far...

So on Tuesday night, I handed out 54 CD's to the kids at CDC so that they would be able to practice their music at home. I wasn't really sure how well the music was going over with the kids after the second week, but after hearing this story, I know! Laura, who is helping teach the classes with me, relayed this story to me after talking with a CDC staff member. This staff member was driving a van full of kids home after the program and as soon as the kids hopped in the van they started saying, "Mark! We got our very own CD's! We get to take them home and keep them and listen to them and practice with them!" They then proceeded to ask Mark to put the CD in so they could jam to it. So as the kids were being dropped off at their homes, they were singing along to the Christmas songs!:) I guess they are liking it!:) That was such an encouragement to me and put a smile on my face, so I just wanted to share it!!

Do we have to add the little kids?

Since we only had 9 kids at City Mission's Urban Arts last week, I felt the led to open it up to the third grade class for the fall. When the six kids walked into the class, the first question from a fourth grader was, "Do we have to add the little kids?". Of course, I was smiling inwardly, but I had to keep a straight face as I explained that we did "have to add them" and said how it would be even more fun with them! After we began playing our first drama game, I think all 15 kids were happy to be together.

We handed out the practice CD's for the kids to begin listening to and learning the music for the Christmas program. I was actually a few CD's short and felt awful, but promised the kids they would get them next week. They were very understanding. One little girl came up to me after class and asked what she should do if she didn't have a CD player at home. I wasn't sure if she was telling the truth or not, but I believe she is and it broke my heart. I'm going to confirm with her teacher at school and see if I can get her a cd player.

Meet & Greet for Urban Arts @ City Mission

This past Thursday was the first night of the mentoring/urban arts program at City Mission for the junior and senior high students in the Brightmoor neighborhood. There are 35 kids signed up for the program. I've been working with the director of the mentoring program to smooth out a schedule for all these kids since I am the only one teaching on this night. The way that everything falls for this term it looks like we will have 5 non-consecutive weeks to provide the program and then have a performance in December. With God all things are possible, right!:) Technically, i'm not starting until Oct. 23, so i'm still working on choosing the content that will work the best for this schedule. It's not been easy, so i'd love your prayers! Also, please pray that each of the kids in this program would have the desire to be there and have a good attitude shown through action and word. It makes a world of difference to the atmosphere of the class!

Opening Day for Urban Arts After School

Yesterday was the kick off for the after school programs with Urban Arts. I did double duty in the city starting with the program at City Mission in the afternoon and then jogging over to central Detroit to teach at CDC. Both programs ran pretty smoothly. My friend, Laura, who is helping me on Tuesdays did a great job team teaching with me!

At City Mission, we are working with the 4-6 graders at the academy. It's a small group of kids, but they are wonderful! We are focusing on drama and vocal music this fall. A good friend of mine directs a children's program called New Community Kids at Kensington Community Church. We have decided to partner with them and give the City Mission kids a chance to experience a performance on a "real" stage with the kids from NCK. I think this is going to be such a great experience for them!

Central Detroit Christian has us working with kindergarten through 6th grade. We have a lot of kid! Two grades rotate at a time to us for a 30 minute period. The other two segments they get are Bible and Academics. It's really a neat way to provide all three elements for the kids. The only downfall is the 30 minutes feels like about 10 after we start working with them. I know I am going to be asking the Lord to multiply my time!

In both programs we are focusing on our Christmas performance at the beginning of December. City Mission is learning a Christmas medley that will tie in with the kids at KCC and then will be working on another Christmas song and short drama for their local performance. Central Detroit Christian kids are working on a 5 song Christmas medley with choreography and props. Both are going to be pretty cute!

Writing curriculum-sounds like fun, huh:)

I had a good meeting today with CDC, Central Detroit Christian. I was asked to create the curriculum for the K-5th grade arts portion of their Breakthrough Enrichment program that is held on Tuesday nights. I was planning on teaching an Urban Arts class for middle school girls already, but when I was approached with this task, I prayed about it and felt like this was a greater need in CDC's ministry. Since I am partnering with different ministries in Detroit, I believe strongly in being sensitive to the needs of the ministry. So, for at least the first term, through Christmas, I'll be focusing on the elementary kids.

I am going to miss my summer staff. I have only one volunteer who is available to serve with me on Tuesday nights. Thank goodness though! She will be focusing on the music and I on the drama. As I type this, my brain is going in a million directions thinking about what the kids will perform for the program. Pray that the Lord continues to give me creativity in designing a program for this fall and for the next term. (and of course, those of you who have creative minds, feel free to comment with any ideas you may have!)

Phase 2

Today I'm headed to a City Mission program meeting to propose my Urban Art after school program for this fall. After a successful summer camp program, I'm excited that they are interested in us continuing the program. There's a lot of work to be done, but please continue to pray for this whole adventure as I am learning what it means to daily walk by faith.

Victoriously Persistant River

"A river reaches places where its source never knows."
After a few weeks of questioning, wondering, arguing and doubting, this phrase of Oswald Chambers put everything into perspective. In John 7:38, "He who believes in Me...out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." I have no control of the outflow of the "river" in my life. God is in control of that and I need to accept that I may never see how great or small the outcome of the outflow is.

"A river is victoriously persistent, overcoming all barriers."
Everything was moving along at a good pace. Until certain obstacles began to pop up, like rocks in a river that barely touch the surface, but can do enough damage to and appear to immobilize. But the river doesn't become immobilized. It finds a path around the obstacle. "The obstacle will be a matter of total indifference to the river that will flow steadily through you if you will simply remember to stay focused on the Source."

No matter the obstacle, stay focused on Christ who is the director of each vein of the river in your life.

Running with the Horses

I cannot believe that this was my sixth trip to Ireland. This year our team went a little later, during the Galway Horse Races. It was so neat to see everyone dressed up in their formals while walking around the downtown! The plan for this summer mission trip was the same as the last few summers; support Discovery Church. I'm going to give you just a little snippet of what we did here.

Our flight arrived in Shannon on Friday afternoon. After a nice lunch at a good friend's home, we pulled out the leaflets (flyers for kids camp) and went door to door in Athenry to let everyone know we would be holding kids' camp the following week. On Satruday, our team went to Shoppe Street in Galway with a team from Discovery Church to support a prayer ministry. A few of us took cards with the church's information to pass out on the street and we informed people that 'just down the way' there were people willing to pray for them. After supporting the prayer ministry, our team went to Westside, our second location for kids camp and passed out the leaflets.
On Sunday, our team gave the 'regular' Sunday School teachers a break and taught the classes. I had the 3-5 year olds. Absolutely adorable:) We made paper crosses and hearts and talked about how much Jesus loves us, sang songs, had treats (of course), and peeled paper off of crayons...you know, the usual! The rest of the day was spent getting everything together for the week of kids' camp. This year we were going to be holding camp in two different locations. One area, Athenry, was very familiar to us and the other location, Westside, was new. The theme we chose was based around the 10 Commandments. Seeing the kids in Athenry was so neat. I heard from a resident of the estate(neighborhood) that the kids started asking last fall 'when are the Americans coming back?'. So when we arrived there were kids already waiting for us on the green(large grassy area where we hold camp). It brought tears to my eyes. We set up a tent for the kids to sit under, since it rains so much, but we were blessed because we had very little rain during the actual camp. The kids worked on a craft every day that tied in with the commandment they were learning. Here they are showing the puppets they made from the first day. As usual, we had game time, but this year we were able to pack a large parachute to play with. The kids had never see this before and were loving it! Everything went pretty well in Athenry. One day we had something happen that we could only laugh at! I heard a familiar ring of the bells and realized that the ice cream truck was turning the corner. Well, this must be the highlight of the day for the children of Athenry because as soon as that truck was in sight, they burst up from their seats and ran toward the truck. We were in the middle of our program! But after about 10 minutes the kids came back, sat down, licked away at their ice cream and were ready for us to continue. I could only laugh. We did have a few bullies this year, but after prayer and moving the camp to the backyard of a private home, we didn't have any more incidents.

Westport was a new 'estate' for our team. There were a few families who lived in the estate that attend the church so their children came to the camp, but we also reached out to several other new families. On the second day of camp we arrived at the green and it was pouring down rain. We saw no one there and knew that the parents would probably not allow their children to come to the camp in this weather. Our team was invited to go for tea at one of the homes where a church member lived. They had a few children, and we though why don't we just hold the camp in their front room? As part of the team drove ahead to ask permission, I was walking with a few people (under a very small umbrella) and Nathan, a new little boy from the neighborhood ran up to me from the playground on the green, soaking wet. He said in the cutest little Irish accent, "Isn't there going to be camp today? I've been waiting on the playground for you to set up." At that moment, I knew we were at Westside for Nathan. I told him that camp would be inside and he ran home to get changed into dry clothes. That was my favorite day of camp. The fruit of Nathan loving camp is that his mother saw how much he enjoyed the program and we were able to share about Discovery Church and extend an invitation. My prayer is that Nathan's family will accept Christ and attend Discovery Church.

On one of our days driving home from camp, we saw an amazing, full double rainbow. I really wasn't able to capture the beauty on camera, but here's a picture for all of you who have ever wanted to see an Irish rainbow:)

I'm sure the racehorses for the Galway Races in Ireland gave it there all that first week of August, but I'm pretty confident that our team did the same for the race we were given to run. Thank you to everyone who prayed for us and encouraged us!

Urban Arts Camp Video 2008 (short version)

Here's a look at this past summer working with the kids in Detroit. There are video clips at the end including the three different performances.

God's Week of Camp

This was by far the hardest week of Urban Arts camp. But it taught me so much and streached my character in ways I never would have imagined. The entire week was constantly changing minute by minute and I was having to remind myself to be "flexie cookie". (that's a whole different story for another time)

I found out on Monday afternoon that the kids would be only having four full days of camp because the ministry we were partnering with had a roller skating field trip planned for all 175+ people on the last day. Since we lost a day this drastically changed our game plan for teaching the performance pieces to our 45 kids.

On Tuesday I wanted to get confirmation about our performance time and location. The church we were holding the camp in was not open on Friday so we would not be able to do our afternoon performance on their amazing stage. Plan B-find another location. Ha! It sounds simple, but then we have to think about a dress rehearsal and transportation for the kids, etc. The decision was made that the dress rehearsal would take place at our original location on the stage on Thursday if we could get permission. We would use the sound equipment from another church volunteering at the elementary camp that week. Pushing the dress rehearsal up a day cause the class schedules and art classes to be bumped around again. Once that was all settled we continued to move through Tuesday and Wednesday fairly smoothly. Thursday came at us more quickly than realized. All morning we worked with the kids on the stage, blocking and rehearsing where they would stand for the OTHER stage which was a different size. All in all, it went fairly well. Some of the boys didn't want to participate and were acting up, but I believe it is because they were nervous about practicing in front of the girls and other helpers. As we went through the rehearsal, they became more comfortable and started to participate more. Thursday afternoon was spent finishing the t-shirts the kids would wear for the performance and completing their art projects.

My team arrived at the performance location (new church) about 12:30. The kids were arriving at 1:15 from roller skating and we were going to run through the program before the 2:00 performance. At 12:45, after things were loaded in and we were going to check the sound, I realized something was missing. The sound equipment. Um, major problem. I contacted my "go-to" person from the ministry and found out that the volunteer church had already packed up their system because they thought we would be using the church's equipment. My "go-to" person said that we did not get permission from the church to use their sound equipment. I admit, I started to freak out. How do you have a quality performance that is dependent on sound without sound? A good friend of mine who was there took me aside and said, "Katie, we need to pray. God has this figured out." She was right. As people were praying, others were on their cell phones pulling out all of the stops to get favors owed to them and ending up owing favors. Central Detroit Christian, the ministry we were partnering with this week, had a Fender portable sound system and 2 mics we could use. That was a good start. I knew though that we would need monitors as well as speakers. That system only had 2 speakers. Kensington Community Church agreed to let us use their portable Fender system as well. Someone actually drove it 40 minutes down to the performance location within minutes of getting permission from KCC. Here's the cool thing-we didn't know that both systems were the same and could work together. When we hooked everything everything up, it worked beautifully.

The kids were excited to perform and as I looked at them fueled up in their seats, ready to go, I realized that what matters the most is being a light to these kids. Giving them an opportunity to grown in Him and encouraging them. I God did that this week. It was His week.

The Long Defeat

I have joined the long defeat
that falling set in motion
all my strength and energy
are raindrops in the ocean

so conditioned for the win
to share in victor's stories
but in the place of ambition's din
I've heard of other glories

I pray for an idea
and a way I cannot see
It's too heavy to carry
and impossible to leave

I can't just fight when I think I'll win
that's the end of all belief
and nothing has provoked it more
than a possible defeat

I pray for an idea
and a way I cannot see
It's too heavy to carry
and impossible to leave

We walk a while we sit and rest
we lay it on the altar
I won't pretend to know what's next
but what I have I've offered

I pray for a vision
and a way I cannot see
It's too heavy to carry
and impossible to leave

I pray for inspiration
and a way I cannot see
It's too heavy to carry
and impossible to leave

If These Walls Could Speak....

If these walls could speak they would share how loud it was when over 40 middle schoolers walked up 3 flights of double stairs to get to Urban Arts today.

If these walls could speak, they would share the excitement they saw on some faces of kids when they found out what their camp was about this week...and the groans on a few faces when they found out they had to perform.

If these walls could speak, they would share how extremely hot the third floor is without central or unit air.

If these walls could speak, they would share the incredible imagination some of the girls had in drama class when they had to "become" a piano.

If these walls could speak, they would express in amazement the talent some of the boys have when it came to dance class-like standing on their own hands and flipping backwards.

If these walls could speak, they would tearfully share that only a handful of the kids had breakfast and probably would not be getting dinner at home.

If these walls could speak, they would thank the kids in art class for decorating their walls with colorful pieces of art.

If these walls could speak, they would continue singing the songs the voices raised up in their music classes today.

If these walls could speak, they would say they are eagerly awaiting 9am tomorrow morning.

Urban Arts Camp Week 2 (middle and hs age)

The second week of Urban Arts at City Mission was so different from the first week. My team arrived on Monday morning, knowing that we had 2 kids registered and not sure if there would be any more. I was praying that there would be a camp! When I walked into the building there were already 4 kids there. I knew then, in my spirit, that it was a go. By the time 10am hit, we had 17 kids! I was elated!

Having learned a few things from the previous week, we went ahead and split the up the guys and girls in two groups. They rotated to the different art elements together. Over all, they were excellent listeners and quite respectful. (I always knew I loved this age:) My dad was able to come down one day and share some of his life story. The guys really gravitated towards him. It was neat to see how the Lord used that short period of time to create a bond between them.Throughout the entire week, whenever the guys would see my dad they would always have a smile on their faces and go up to talk with him.

The kids rotated between art, music, drama and dance just like the previous week, but they seemed to be more detail-oriented and it took longer in each of the classes. I decided to add poetry in the drama rotation for this age group. I took a poem by Maya Angelou for the girls and one by James Weldon Johnson for the guys and adapted it as a readers theatre. The girls caught on right away. I knew their performance was going to be nice. They guys had a harder time. Some were not strong readers and they struggled to pronounce words correctly. By the middle of the week, I wasn't sure I had done the right thing, wondering if I had given them something that was too difficult. But I am so glad that we stuck with it. During the dress rehearsal the guys and I both knew it wasn't the best it could be. So I decided a little "unspoken, friendly" competition wouldn't hurt. I put the girls up on stage and they rehearsed. This totally fired up the guys! They were like, "man, we can do that". I was laughing inwardly. So I told the boys to show me something. They got up on the platform and it worked! There were some rough spots, but overall the boys had a decent performance. I was really proud of them for sticking it out!

Another difference with this camp of older kids was giving them the opportunity to design their performance t-shirt. I bought white t's for each kid as well as fabric markers. The only guideline was that it had to have "Urban Arts" on the front of the t-shirt and the designs had to be approved. There were some amazing artists in the group!In the middle of the week, one of the teens approached Renee, our music teacher. He said he had gone home from camp the day before and thought about what we were talking about throughout the day and he had written a Christian rap. We were able to incorporate it into the final performance. The moment when Larry and Troy were performing the rap was the best feeling in the world to me. So many thoughts flashed through my mind at that moment. "They want to be here. These 16 year old guys are actually listening and applying what we are teaching them-not just the art elements, but about Jesus. These guys are developing gifts God has given them." And the thoughts kept running. I think that was one highlight for me during the week.

Granted

Several months ago, I was told that I should apply for grants to help fund the Urban Arts ministry I am starting in Detroit. I smiled and said "ok" and figured that I just had to fill out some forms to be approved. Boy was I wrong. Grant writing is a foreign language. Well, it use to be. But now, at least, I can understand a little with the help of books.:) So I set my mind to writing a grant proposal for the two week camp at City Mission. I scurried around to gather the information I needed to write the proposal before the deadline approached. The day of the deadline arrived and I was satisfied that everything was in order. I faxed it in. I waited in anticipation for a month before I received the letter in the mail. The proposal was rejected. It was a huge disappointment. I think it was more of a disappointment because everyone I talked with was so positive that the grant would come through for our specific program. Now, understand that in my eyes, this did not determine whether we would run the camps. I serve an awesome God and knew that I was called to run the camps and didn't let money (or the lack of it) make the final call.

The week before camp, I was talking with someone at City Mission and they asked about the status of the grant. I said briefly that we did not get it, but we decided to do garage sales. (for 5 weekends). The person was shocked. They said I should reapply. But the foundation doesn't run that way. You have to wait a year. Well, the Lord didn't want us to wait that long because someone from City Mission took our grant and reapplied it for us under their ministry. By the end of the first week of camp we got news that we had been awarded the grant! I was so excited. The Lord truly went before us!

So at the end of the two weeks, I set up a meeting with someone who was going to help me finish the evaluation for the foundation regarding the program. The morning I was to meet her, I called her and she said, 'I have some bad news.' She proceeded to tell me that someone from the foundation said that they would not release the grant to us because our program had already ended and there was miscommunication. Once again, I was shocked. What could I do though? Pray and ask others to pray. So we began praying. I rescheduled the meeting for a week later. (which was this past week) When I arrived, my contact still was not very positive about us getting the money but said we could go ahead with the evaluation. At the end of our meeting she made a phone call to the foundation about a question we had. In the conversation, the lady who works at the foundation said, 'oh, by the way, your check is in the mail for the grant'. Unbelievable! It was prayers and God's GRANT!

So, to say the least...I learned a lot about grants, foundations and the likes! I have just turned another grant proposal in that is on a larger scale to cover the expenses of our start up for fall. Please be in prayer the the Lord has His way in that as well.

First Article for Urban Arts

I had my first interview for Urban Arts last week. The content was put on the website for City Mission. Here's a look at the content!

A Glimpse of Reality

Ralph, Rayshaun, Larry, A.J., Destiny, and Takyea didn't show up to camp today. The day before our performance. The last full day of camp. I was so disappointed. I started asking the kids where they were and the responses varied. Everything from a doctor's appointment (they thought) to one of the families driving out of town. I decided to speak with Ms. Kat who is my City Mission contact for this week. She offered to give a phone call to each of the kid's parent, grandparent or guardian. As we went down the list, most of the kids had a legitimate excuse for not being there. We found out that some were even coming later in the day. That made me feel a little better.

But one phone call broke my heart. One of the boys who wasn't able to come answered the phone when Ms. Kat called. He said he wasn't able to come because he was babysitting his brothers and sisters. Ms. Kat asked to speak to his mama. As the mama was coming to the phone Ms. Kat heard her cussing this boy out. Once she got on the phone she was a sweet as she could be, but drunk. Ms. Kat invited her to the dinner and performance and then proceeded to explain that this lady's son had a solo part in the performance and we really missed his leadership at the camp. She said he wouldn't be there and he probably won't be at the performance. My heart broke when Ms. Kat told me. This young man was exemplary in his action, leadership, words and attitude. But I was told that this is typical for their community. Today I saw a glimpse of reality in the neighborhood. I pray that the work we did the last two weeks would stay with the kids the rest of their life to give them Jesus first and something worth holding onto.

Smile:)

Today was a good day. I kept trying to figure out why things felt so different. Smiles. I saw so many more smiles on faces of the kids today. What a difference that makes! I felt the joy of the Lord filling the day.

I honestly can't believe i'm headed toward the end of my second week of Urban Arts. I wish I could do this every week of the summer. (maybe next year:) Please continue to pray for the 21 kids we had today. Asking something as simple as for them to arrive at camp safely. Most of them walk from their house. I never really thought about it until I drove around the neighborhood this afternoon. That short, simple prayer is a serious, relevant prayer.

Tomorrow is our last full day of camp. Please pray that the kids focus and learn everything they need for the performance on Friday. We are fired up!:) Anyone who would like to attend the dinner and performance is more than welcome to come. Dinner is at 5pm and the performance follows at 6pm. Location is at Leland Baptist Church on 22420 Fenkell in Detroit.

Step It Up

Day 2 of middle/high school Urban Arts camp completed. I think the phrase I heard most throughout the day from the teachers and counselors was, "step it up". The girls took it seriously. They focused in each rotation today and I saw huge steps of improvement that will paid off during the performance on Friday. The guys....well, their focus was somewhere else today..the girls, themselves, who knows! (for most of them anyway). I think they are getting more comfortable with us and feeling like they can get away with more. WRONG:) I was laughing so hard when the guys were in their dance rotation, because Vicky, the dance teacher, was making them do push ups, crunches and all sorts of other things that they didn't think they needed to do. Their was some pain happening there!

Another change that I decided to implement last night was to introduce poetry to the girls and guys classes. It's a challenge for me to get them to the level of understanding and performance in the next 2 days, but i'm going to try and pray that it comes across well. The kids need this exposure on stage. Performing is more than singing and dancing so i'm "stepping it up" as we say:)

I did have some disappointing news: we don't get to use the public middle school this Friday. I guess they are on vacation and don't have anyone who can be there for us. So, we have found a church that i'm going to take a look at tomorrow. I'm a little skeptical because they are going to put us in the "lower level"...my interpretation of that is the basement. We'll see....

More tomorrow on our progress if time allows:)

Pleasantly Peaceful Middle Schoolers

Camp starts at 10am. We had 2 registered middle schoolers for this week of camp as of last Friday. At 9:50am this morning 4 kids had already shown up. Not too long after 10am we had 16 kids! By lunch time we had 19 middle and high school campers. Our team was ecstatic! The ratio of boys to girls was about equal. We decided to split them into two groups (guys & girls)and have them rotate similar to the style we laid out last week. The whole day felt very peaceful. Several of the teachers and volunteers and I were a little apprehensive about this group of kids. Everyone gave us the impression that they would be rough, rude and rebellious. They were pretty much the opposite. Of course, there were a few kids who liked to be the center of attention, but overall everyone was very well behaved. We have added one new thing to the camp since the kids are older. They will be designing and making their own t-shirts for the performance this week. Tomorrow we will see how everything goes!

Recap of Urban Arts Camp Week 1

I made it through the first week of Urban Arts camp!:) There are so many things that happened throughout the week that are so amazing, I can't even begin to imagine where I should start. So, i'll be typical and start from the beginning (since most of us follow well in chronological order).

As you may have read from my previous entry, there were some major storms coming across Michigan which stole our power from Sunday through Wed. of the last week. (yes, the first week of camp). The neat thing was that we had power at City Mission in Detroit, where the camp was being held.

Early Monday morning, Renee, Vicky, Kathryn, Wally, Linda and I, piled in two cars with all of our supplies and drove the 48 minutes down to City Mission. We held most of our camp in the City Mission Academy building, but art was special and it got it's own house:)

We had about an hour to set everything up before the kids began showing up. The first day of camp, we had 27 kids. I had set the day up to run on rotations. We all started out together and my parents did the object lesson and devotional. Then the kids were divided into 3 groups based on ages and they rotated to music, drama, art and dance. Lunch was in the middle of the day and we came back together for our "closer" of prayer, a song and announcements. All in all it went pretty smoothly. The youngest class was a handful and we had to adjust and add more volunteers to them.


On Tuesday, we had 30 kids show up for camp! That was the expected number so we were excited that all of them came. Each teacher continued to work on projects and look for those "kids who stood out" to give solos or pair up for routines for the performance. After camp that day, I went over with a City Mission lady, Kathy, to take a look at our Friday performance location. A Detroit middle school was allowing us to use their cafeteria/stage room at no cost. It was my first experience in a Detroit public school. To be honest, I was very sad. There was no air, it was old, and there were airport security stations to walk through...in a middle school. I was aware of the conditions via tv and the news, but to actually walk in a USA school and see the conditions first hand, made me hurt. We found the principal and he was a very kind man. He showed us the area we would be able to use. It really was perfect for the size, stage and area to hold the dinner. There were only a few glitches....no sound equipment, no kitchen, no air. I had some scrambling to do to make this work. It was only the Lord that brought everything together so quickly! A friend took off work on Friday, agreed to drive down from Lansing and provide all of his sound equipment and run it for the performance. We used large fans to give us some circulation and Betty, who volunteered to cater the dinner, adapted the meal so it was "mobile" and didn't need a kitchen. All of that was only God!

Wednesday was a tired day for everyone. You could feel it in the kids when they walked in, I felt it, and other teachers were walking around with coffee cups glued to their fingers:) Everything was still running smoothly though. The dances and songs were coming together well and I was beginning to see some attitude changes for the better. Oh yeah, we had 32 kids that day!

Thursday was crunch day. It was our last day to get everything worked out before the performance. For our closer, we had the kids perform for one another and they loved it! The staff from City Mission even came out from their desks and watched.

Friday was laid out totally differently from the entire week. The kids didn't come to City Mission until 12:30. We transported them a few miles away to the middle school for our dress rehearsal. When we arrived at the school, the kids ate lunch and then we did a blocking run through of the performance. It went pretty well. The kids were pretty hot and tired, but troupers. After our run through we set up stations for them to go to before dinner. A friend brought his electric guitar and pedals and took groups to play around on that and show them stuff. We also had an art station set up to do sand art and a "thank you" card section for the kids to write thank you's to their sponsors. It worked pretty well. After that all happened, I took the entire group out into the hallway and showed them my violin and played a little for them, then let some of them play. It's amazing how quite a group of loud kids can get when they are interested in something. I found that when I was showing them my violin. Dinner was at 5pm..it was a smashing hit of tacos and chips and dip. We were worried that the parents wouldn't come. I think someone from every family showed up to support. That was another answer to prayer. When the kids were done with their meal, we took them out into the hallway and passed out their performance t-shirts. A church had donated them last summer. They were very cute--white t's with stars and glitter on them. The performance started about 6pm. They got a standing ovation! My heart was bursting with pride:) Our team did an amazing job!

And that, my friends was our week in the abridged version. I now begin a whole new week with all new kids tomorrow.

10 Minutes of Power

I have less than 10 minutes of internet usage left before Panera closes, but I have so much to share after the second day of Urban Arts! I'm at Panera becuase on Sunday afternoon most of the county and surrounding counties lost power. It's now Tuesday night and we still have no power. What a way to start the first day of camp! Things have been going really well. We have been handed some challenges, but have sought the Lord and are seeing Him answering. As soon as I am able to take a longer breath and get some power at home, I will be sharing my heart out about the kids at Urban Arts! So for now, i'll keep you wondering and waiting:) Please keep praying for the City Mission kids, teachers and volunteers!!

Pick Up Sticks

I spent the weekend in Lansing, on a friend's family farm. She and a couple other friends were helping prep stuff for the Urban Arts camps. One of the projects required 100 tree sticks that needed to be a certain length and width. What better place than the woods! Our timing was a little off though when we decided to start. So, to document this adventure better than a suburban girl could tell it:), I thought I'd show some video. Be sure to watch it in order from top to bottom!
It begins at the Brook Farm on Saturday. We are just setting out on the John Deer Gator to get around.





Before you view the next video in the series, let me explain what happened right before we turned the camera on. Melissa and I stepped out of the Gator, toward the pile of sticks and as we did, there was a huge rustle of leaves and the sounds of scurrying animals. It was quite freaky!



The next day after church we were counting the number of sticks we had gathered. Not enough:( That night we went over to a bonfire with some people and decided to pick up sticks on their farm. It was quite late, we were pretty tired, and we couldn't see anything once we got out of the workshop. If you are wondering what my one friend, Brie, is doing, she is singing to the music on the radio that is playing in the shop. It's funny though cause you can't really hear the music and she just looks goofy:)


I thought I'd throw these next couple of short videos in even though you can't see too much, it's part of the adventure you don't want to miss!




When we finally got the trailer full of branches and sticks, Derrick was kind enough to turn on the band saw and cut the sticks to size and cut off all the little knobs.


And that is the story of my weekend. When we get pictures of the actual art project I will be sure to post them so you can see what all of this craziness was for:)

Garage Sale Entertainment

Tomorrow will start day 7 of the garage sale fundraiser for Urban Arts. I'm pretty exhausted from setting up, tearing down, moving from drive way to drive way, and doing it all over again...but it has been worth it. We have raised nearly 1500.00 over 6 days for the camps! That will cover art supplies, t-shirts, lunches, and a little more!

I have to say though, that I have been able to do something the last few weekends that I rarely make time to do-people watch. What intriguing individuals. I remember one of my assignments in grad school was to people watch. I thought it was hilarious at the time. Once I started the assignment though, my mind was opened to the complexity of the individual. God created some crazy, funny people! It has been amusing, sad, enjoyable, and fun to meet the hundreds of people who have stopped by (or drove slowly by). I may be a little sad for my weekend sales to come to an end. Oh well, off to bigger and better things and the reason I am doing the garage sales in the first place!-Urban Arts Camps!:)

An Unknown Hero

As I was going through our family's library I came across an old envelope. In the envelope were aged, torn newspaper articles. As I tried to decipher the articles, I realized it was some of my family history. I was so proud as I read the obituary of my great-great grandfather on my father's side of the family that I thought I would share it. How blessed I am to have a family who came from Christian heritage.

"Mr. W. T. Stapler died at his home in this city at noon Friday of last week-March the 19th, 1926, following an illness of several weeks duration. It had been known for sometime that it was only a question of time until the Christian patriot would reach the end of the journey and enter a land where disease and suffering are unknown. He was a patient sufferer, and inasmuch as the inevitable could not be forestalled it was a comfort to the members of the family to see him cross the river on placid waters without a struggle and as peacefully as a babe asleep in its mothers arms. At his bedside stood the companion of his long and useful life who had been to him a companion in every sense of the word and also his children and grand children scattered here and there in different states, were near him to witness the transition from all that is mortal and earthly to a realm to immortality and heavenly atmosphere.

He first saw the light of day near the spot where he bid farewell to the world that was all bright and new to him, when near 74 years ago, he was born within a few miles of this place. All of these years he has lived and labored and while he traveled much here and there...(newspaper clipping torn here)...but one place that (...torn again)...him, and that was the community in which he was born and where he planned to die and be buried.

Fifty two years ago, he was united in marriage to Miss Harriett Elizabeth Burns, who survives him, and to the parents, God has given the following surviving children: Mrs. Emma Jackson of Miami Fla., Mr. Odell Stapler of Mobile, Ala., Mrs. Gussie Lowe (my great grandmother) , of Washington, Ga., Mr. Carl Stapler of Meridian Miss., and Miss Hallie Stapler, the youngest daughter and baby girl.

He has been a loyal member of the Presbyterian church and a devoted Christian practically all his life. For possibly fifty years he has been an elder in the Presbyterian church. During all these years he has gone in and out before the world and his brethrenments. No shadow has fallen across his pathway by reason of a fatal moral or religious blunder. And yet he was the soul of the highest quality of natural witticism. He loved the sunny side of life and lived it. It may be a difficult matter to find pleasure in writing of the death of any person, but if it is ever either possible or permissible, it would be in this instance. For: "How blest the righteous when he dies, When sinks a weary soul to rest." He possessed the happy faculty of making friends and holding them. In all probability he has never had what might be termed an enemy. Everybody loved "Tom" Stapler who knew him. He represented B. F. Avery & Son, manufacturers of implements for thirty five years, and the manager in a letter a few days ago paid a high compliment of Mr. Stapler, stating that of all their traveling salesmen no one was held in higher esteem than was Mr. Stapler. He paid exceptionally high tribute to his consistent and outstanding life as a Christian gentleman.

Well, there's nobody left in Commerce to take the place of Tom Stapler. His was an outstanding personality. We shall miss him, but we know where to find him."

The article went on to share the details of the funeral and burial.

As the Ruin Falls

All this is flashy rhetoric about loving you. I never had a selfless thought since I was born. I am mercenary and self-seeking through and through: I want God, you, all friends, merely to serve my turn. Peace, re-assurance, pleasure, are the goals I seek, I cannot crawl one inch outside my proper skin: I talk of love --a scholar's parrot may talk Greek-- But, self-imprisoned, always end where I begin. Only that now you have taught me (but how late) my lack. I see the chasm. And everything you are was making My heart into a bridge by which I might get back From exile, and grow man. And now the bridge is breaking. For this I bless you as the ruin falls. The pains You give me are more precious than all other gains. CS Lewis

Sista Circle Class 7-PERFORMANCE

"My arm hurts." "Well, you can still get up there and sing." "My throat is really sore." (said in a raspy voice) "Well, you can just mouth the words." "I think I broke my toe." "Then I will help you up on the stage and hold your hand."

I heard these excuses for first 30 minutes while the girls were waiting to go on stage. They were nervous, as was I, but I new it would be a good experience for them. After a long wait, the girls ended the program with their reading of the Maya Angelou poem and singing a Kirk Franklin song. The poem went pretty well. The sound wasn't that great, due to the system, but the girls stuck with it. The song started off really well, then all of the sudden, they came in a measure early and wham...the words were off with the music. I do have to say that they continued to sing and had great attitudes all the way through. Even if the performance wasn't perfect, i'm happy the girls got up there in front of the audience and did a great job! Here are some pictures to enjoy from that night.Laura, Eyvette and me after the performance.(Renee not pictured)
Sista 2 Sista Group with their paper plate awards.
Reading the poem.