At the end of the day, we try to process through what the students are seeing and feeling, what they’re being taught. One day I did this simple little exercise called, “I saw, I felt, I learned…” Here’s what one of my girls experienced…
"I saw...a woman excited from a bingo prize....a man blessed by a smile...joy. contrast...love....a school with every kind of wall....a drug deal....Christ being the bridge....a park with the deepest contrast...a child's smile. a dumpster full of cardboard...beautiful people...work...a home. peace in the face of greed...a man with no home. a tent as a palace...brokenness....I felt...touched. pain...joy...privileged...the cold concrete...the thick air....the tenderness of a lonely heart...the tears of the people...unworthy of my wealth...ashamed....and a need of compassion....I learned...that brokenness looks like many things...a smile is God's compassion....the non-wealthy are worthy.....to forget myself....to focus on the things inside....to look past dirt, grime, poverty, cardboard, darkness and to see the light."
Through her eyes, I saw hope. Each student that comes through our doors has a different experience. Hers encouraged me and renewed a sense of purpose. God has called me to the city for such a time as this. In Isaiah (58:5-12), the writer talks about being a “restorer of streets to dwell in”; I feel like that’s what I was made for.
-Britani Wade, CSM Houston Associate City Director
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2 comments:
I wrote this "I saw, I felt, I learned" four years ago and I want all CSM to know that my experience with you just one weekend my freshman year was life changing, I am writing a college application essay on this experience now as a Sr. four years later. Thank you for your hard work for the kingdom of God.
That's wonderful, Jenna! Thank you so much for loving on the city with us. Praying for you as you enter into this new season.
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