One of the children, Alejandro, getting knocked down by the surf.
Dance party at the Salvation Army in Compton!
More dancing!
Some of the kids started arriving for our day at the beach :)
California waves-- 3, brave children-- 0
My apologies for not updating until today. As you can see by scrolling through the pictures above, we had a blast with the kiddos! :) But working at our "mission sites" was not the only goal of Urban Project, Los Angeles. If you're like me (before the trip) and you aren't sure what Urban Project is, you can click the link above for more information. I'll also try to explain UPLA to the best of my ability as I understood it from my short time there.
Urban Project strives to not only serve those in need, but to push its participants to live in the midst of those they serve; to experience (or at least get a glimpse of) what poverty might look like lived out. How is this possible? Well, while on project, everyone lives in tight quarters. For example, our room was about as big as a typical dorm room, and we managed to fit 4 inflatable mattresses, 5 sets of luggage, and 4 sleepy people within its walls. We had good reason to be sleepy. The majority of those living in poverty are hungry, tired, and typically work two or more jobs leaving little time for rest. The UPLA staff attempted to mirror this in our diet, schedule, and service. We woke early every morning to a sugary cereal breakfast (the discount stuff). After breakfast, we had some form of discipleship, interaction and discussion, study, and so on. After this, everyone grabbed a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, chips, and maybe an apple (again, limited in nature). Soon after, we loaded the vans and headed out to our ministry sites where we served different communities by spending time with children, painting, cleaning, and organizing projects and events that the children could enjoy. Dinner followed--by this point we were all ready for a good meal. After dinner was another session of discussion, study, lecture, etc. So, you get the picture. I only lived by this diet and schedule for 5 days, but most had been living it for 2-3 weeks. Lack of proper nutrition and a busy schedule leaves one easily tired, stressed, stretched thin, and pushed to seek God in the middle of it all; to overcome the physical and continue in service despite perpetual exhaustion. This is hard--no lie.
Other than the physical state of the UPLA participants, their mental, emotional, and spiritual states were addressed, as well. During the "study sessions" each day, participants were asked to look at the world in a new way--a way that is Biblical, based on Jesus's teachings, stories, and prayers in the Gospels. Different speakers focused on redemption, relationships, relocation, redistribution, prevalent needs in the world today, and (most importantly) the power of God's love for us and displayed through us when we make Him our main priority and focus.
This was such a well-organized, thoughtful, and life-changing project for those who were willing to give up 3 weeks of their summer to serve in L.A. If you know a student in college who might be interested in participating in this or a project like this, I encourage you to read more in the link posted above and share. :)
I was asked what my favorite part of the mission was... I struggled with this question because I truly enjoyed so many aspects of Urban Project. However, there is one thing that truly stands out among the rest--the genuine fellowship of believers. Their examples in struggle, in faith, in genuineness, and in community shined as the most wonderful gift (I didn't expect to receive) on this trip. God bless you all, if you're reading! I am truly blessed to be able to call you all sisters and brothers in Christ.
Romans 28:8
For everyone at home, thank you all so much for your prayers! As always, the power of prayer is an awesome thing. Your long-distance encouragement was fully felt. :)
If you have any questions about the project feel free to post here or contact me, personally.
Always in His love,
Meredith
1 Corinthians 13:13
