This morning after eating breakfast and starting to clean up, we went to our final session of Poverty 101 with Tim. We reviewed the ten assets that Shepherd fosters to break the cycle of poverty and learned more about the mindset that people in generational poverty often develop. Then we were able to ask questions to Jay, the executive director of Shepherd, and also heard about future internship opportunities from Allen, who recruits interns and fellows. We joined our classes for the final time to eat lunch and play outside with the kids. The interns and kids had planned a talent show at the church on the last day. Many of the parents attended, and we watched various performances from all the grades, including two renditions of “Waka Waka.” Instead of helping out with Summer+, some of us helped set up for the food pantry distribution in the parking lot. Others helped carry backpacks full of school supplies to the center for the Back to School Blast event. After having pizza for dinner, we cleaned up the church and had a final debriefing with Mike. We finished the evening by handing out the last few “paper bowl” awards (the plates ran out).
From Hser Nay
I helped out with the Class 3 this week. It was a very different experience from last year when I was with the 6th graders, and they were more independent and calmer. It was a bit difficult for me to help out with the kids when they were busy being very excited or uneasy since this was the last week of Shepherd. Yet, when it was time to say goodbye to the students, I realized that I had been able to help out with the kids by listening to them and helping out in little ways.
From Matthew
I helped in Class 6. Several of the 6th graders are very enthusiastic about soccer. One of them is a Barça fan and is repelled by Real Madrid shirts. They play soccer or discuss their favorite players during recess, Summer+, and whenever they have time. We and kids from all the other grades had great fun playing, and many of them, though they may not have had a lot of friends, connected and found camaraderie over the game.
From Sonya
This week I helped in Class 1. Although 1st graders have no concept of personal space, I was able to connect with many of them on a much deeper level than I expected. Throughout the week, I could see the Holy Spirit at work and was even able to lead one girl in praying to accept Jesus on our bus ride to the pool.