I’m writing to you on a glorious Spring afternoon here in Philadelphia. These last couple months have been quite a journey for me. God had definitely shown me a lot about who I am and how I want to interact in this world. I’ve been able to get a lot more settled in the job and rhythm of what an apprentice does.
Basically my time during the week is split into two different places: CSM and the afterschool art program.
At CSM (Center for Student Missions) my main responsibilities include buying food for groups at Aldi’s, leading pre-visits for leaders serving with us later in the year, and putting together packets for groups coming in during the spring. I’ve also been host a couple groups that have come in through these last couple months. I’ve really enjoyed being able to see the behind the scenes of how CSM works, since being a city host this summer. I’ve also enjoyed reconnecting with ministry sites as I host sporadically throughout the spring.
But most of my week is spent at the afterschool art program I volunteer at in North Philadelphia. The program comes out of a larger community center (Ayuda) in the neighborhood of Hunting Park. Part of my job with them has been to help brand the art program itself, which is called orange.korner.arts (OKA). This has been a really great experience for me, since I enjoyed studying graphic design in school. I was able to help create a logo and add an identity to this particular space.
At the OKA house, kids are able to come and hang out in a safe, encouraging space. Most of the kids that come through the house age between 10 and 14 years old. There are also art classes offered in the spring and fall. Right now, I’m actually teaching a Graphic Design class and have four students in my class. We’ve just finished up working on our personal logos. It’s been really great to see how the kids respond to what we’re teaching and talking about, not just in the classroom, but also in the house itself – just in the day to day.
It’s been great to interact with these kids, not just on a basic level of helping with homework and playing games, but also on a spiritual level of really being able to invest in their lives and talk openly about what God is doing in them, in the house, and in the neighborhood. I’m so often blown away by the power and wisdom that these kids speak with. It really is incredible the perceptions they have on life, at such a young age. This spring we look forward to having our spring show where the students will be able to showcase their work.
Life in Philly has been pretty busy these last couple months. It’s been great to have the weather changing and see the leaves and flowers blooming in the city. It really does change the feel and rhythm of this place. I look forward to the next couple months as spring continues to descend upon us. As the projects in the art classes come together and students begin to better understand their identity in God. As new hosts come in to the city and are guided and prepared for their summer. As God continues to show me how I fit into the make up of this big crazy world. I look forward to these things and put my hope and trust into what God is going to continue to do in that time.
Thanks for journeying with me. If you feel like you would like to help support me financially in whatever way you can, please check out the CSM website to donate. When you enter the information, just make sure that you specify it is for Tricia in Philadelphia.
If you’d like to support me in prayer – please continue to do so! And if you’d like to let me know or get specific prayer requests, just shoot me back an email. I always love hearing from people. Thanks again for being a part of what I’m doing here. It’s so great to know that I have support from friends and family all over the country.
grace&peace.
t.
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