turn

on friday i had the opportunity to walk back into the gym of the reservoir ave school. (this is the where put on afterschool arts clinic. 85% of the families that send there students there love below the poverty line - large refugee population - complicated social and economic needs - no substantial art or music program.)

it was beautiful. the school was hosting a small, fall festival in the gym and i went to help run a few activities and touch base with some of the kids from last year. ENTER: MUSICAL CHAIRS. no one has ever had as much fun as i had that evening playing musical chairs. we played over and over and over again. the game kept getting bigger and bigger as we laughed our way to greater joy. my friend and i were targeting the kids we wanted to win (small children who looked like they'd never won anything) with our stopping-of-the-music and traffic interference. the kids are so excited to have us back this year. i couldn't be more excited. (i received a call from a projo journalist who is anxious to do a story on the afterschool arts program and sanctuary!)

this was one of two events this week that have "primed the pump (ha)" for serving the city this fall.

the second was this...
















(click for a few pictures)





hundreds of people come out for a block party we helped put on at mansion park. the event exceeded my expectations. love, community building, and hours of face painting (amongst other things), took over a rough neighborhood in providence on sunday. [the kingdom]

a mexican woman of great repute said this about the day and the afterschool arts program: "at least this church knows what to spend it's money on. not forcing people to convert to something, or making themselves appear more pious than others. and who knew white people could through a party like that."

i am jack's giddy heart. pretty tired at the moment. still recovering from a long weekend - but i was anxious to get these pictures up quick. i'll tell stories from the day soon.
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a seasonal rest (my today)
monstrous breakfast
allergy medicine
candy corns
candy corn distribution
vampire movie
exchange cider
dinner with friends
dinner with friends children
a pleasant surprise.

rest our souls.