Day 76

Everyone has a gift

     Today was Belt Line day with Jon! It was super awesome and might I say super long (but that's not me whining because I would be breaking rule #3!) It really was awesome though. We probably walked the farthest I've yet walked but I was also able to get to know several of the people from our mission team. I talked to Luke for awhile and we shared our lives and what he was doing and what I was doing. We talked about how God works in mysterious ways and at the times when we need it the most. That's how I got to be in this internship now. I placed all my trust in God and prayed that He would do what is best for me... and crazy enough He did just that. With this internship I am able to not only become more independent in myself but more dependent on God. Sounds kind of like an oxymoron doesn't it? But if you think about it, it's true. I love taking control of my life and others' as well. That's gotten me in sticky situations some of the time. But this year I really focused on relying on God... and everything (and when I mean everything I mean everything) has worked out perfectly. It's crazy how God works in mysterious ways.

     Later that day the teams had the homeless walk. When we met them at Krispy Kreme we debriefed and gave them all a chance to speak. To be able and hear the different stories that many of them were able to share and how they were able to see God through that really made me thankful of what I'm doing. Each of the story spoke of different gifts that each person had. One man could distinguish the weeds from the tomato plants to thus help weed the roof garden. Others was simply to talk. But everyone was able to contribute and show God's love through their actions. That helped me understand how God shines through everyone, and through a particular way as well. But we must continue to show God's love through our actions and words everyday. We can never stop loving people. As an intern that sometimes gets hard to do because I think how sometimes I'm "off the clock". In reality we should never be "off the clock" to love people. Why? Because loving people shouldn't be hard. But it is. But that's why we have to keep loving people, because you never know how God might want to shine through you and change someone's life. 

Jenny Sample

Day 74 & 75

Keep your head up

     So Monday night the 2 mission teams arrived! Both from Indiana! Woohoo! We had orientation Monday night and took them to Kroger for breakfast!

    

Tuesday

     Today we climbed Stone Mountain. It was pretty humid... but something I loved about both teams this week is how they waited for the entire team as they were climbing up the mountain. Pastor Andy always says how as a team we are supposed to be together as a community through the good and through the bad. Seeing that these groups have already begun to do so... well that just makes us interns happy :)

     After Stone Mountain we hit up Cici's where I always eat too much... the dessert pizza is the best of course (even though I had to wait like 10 minutes for a brownie... ) After lunch we returned to our parish and hit the streets! Our group started at Peachtree and Pine. There I was able to go to the top of the Lot to talk to several of my friends who welcomed me in. I introduced them to the team and we just began to talk. I talked a lot to Vesta who told me about her new job at Evo's and one day we interns are all gonna visit her. She was able to give a group extremely good advice about the city. She told them how we each choose our decisions and it's up to us to want to make a change in our lives. A lot of the guys from the street accept that their life will always be how it is now. But, like Vesta, people can decide to get out of the situation they are in and, like Vesta, can continue to make a positive impact in her life and others. 

     I also spent time with Tonette! She made sure I had a place to sit and we had a nice conversation! She told me how she is waiting to get her SSI and I told her I'd keep her in my prayers- so please anyone and everyone who's reading this do the same :) After the Lot we went to Peachtree Center for dinner and Joshua and 'Dre surprised us there! They walked with us to Woodruff where we let the team separate into their groups and talk. I was also able to find out how someone who I am extremely close with manipulated me. I am not gonna lie I was kind of sad to find this out... but it is times like this where one has to rely on God to make things better. I know that everything happens for a reason and that through all this something good will come out of it. Until then.. what can ya do but pray?! Manipulation hurts and it feels crappy... but so does a lot of things in life... and what doesn't kill ya makes ya stronger! That's something that I was able to take in as an intern this summer. Everyday there are good and bad things that can and will happen. You can either make the best out of a bad situation or let it take you down. Well lemme tell ya, no matter how much you want the bad situations to take you down, as long as you trust and confide in God, He will always bring you up. 

      Through this specific situation... He will bring all of us up. So please continue to keep us in your prayers :)

Jenny Sample

Day 69 - Day 72

Everyone enters and leaves our life for a purpose

     

     With each mission team coming and leaving you might think that it gets hard getting close to the people and watching them leave. I look at it a slight different way. This week we had 2 teams from Michigan, both of them extremely awesome! I, along with Lauren and Jesse, were with Sparta Baptist Church. The first few days were incredible as you could tell by my last blog. The rest of the week was incredible as well! Wednesday our team walked through the city with Big Jon where we were able to go under the Auburn bridge. Now even though we weren't able to talk to many guys throughout the morning, Big Jon said how most of the time it isn't about finding a lot of guys to talk to- but just one. He explained it further with the parable Jesus tells about the 99 sheep and finding the 1. Throughout our life we constantly want to meet new people, experience as many things as possible and keep things coming. Sometimes though it makes a greater difference when we find and help just one person. When we really care and love that one person, even though we leave the 99, that may change that entire persons life. Later that afternoon the team went on their homeless walk. This helped them gain a perspective of how the guys on the street get around the city. One group actually talked to a police and he then commenced to scream at them to tell them they shouldn't be walking around those areas because the people that live there are "animals" even if God is on their side. When they told us that... I was pretty flustered. But I knew that for the team it was just a taste of how people view the homeless- not even as people but as animals. 

     That is why we have mission teams and take them around the city. Because like myself, it changes how you view things. It's pretty crazy to see by the end of the week that many, if not all, of the teams say how talking to the guys changed their lives. How easy it was to talk to them. How... they were just like us. Crazy huh? Like I said, I was like that before I began working for COTS. I looked the other way and pretended they didn't exist. But being with them through the good and the bad for an entire summer made me realize just how similar we all are. Sure, they may not have the same things we do, but they sure do feel the same things we feel. Being able to show mission teams this helps them draw closer to God and His community. It helps them reach out and love them. To hug the hug less, love the unlovable, and touch the untouchable. You may be surprised how much this can change people's lives- it sure has changed mine. 

     On Thursday we took the team to Taskforce (the Shelter) and I took a group to Retreat. I love Retreat. The group I took loved it as well. Being able to talk to the guys and women there is wonderful. It's a place where they are able to retreat from the street and be vulnerable- talk about their troubles or how their days are going. I was able to talk to a few of my friends that I haven't seen and it's like reconnecting with an old friend. After we had a block party at an apartment complex with little kids. They did my hair again and we played kickball, basketball, checkers and what not. We had to cut it early because it started thunderstorming. But even when it began to rain, the team was still out playing with any kid who was still outside. That was great :)

     On Friday we visited the MLK Center where the team truly saw the reality of what we do and connect it with something MLK did. How one person can change a nation's view. Being able to connect things with a cause that America is still struggling with today helps you realize just how important this is. Later we had a picnic with our friends from the street. That's always my favorite part. Throughout the week the team gets to know many guys who come to our picnic. Being able to reconnect with them and engage in games, eat lunch with them, and love them helps them see how friendships can be built. Once the picnic was over we went to another block party that the Community Church of God hosts. I always go straight to the face painting where I get to be creative and just go :) I love it- even though I end up getting paint all over myself! Haha. 

    That night the team was able to share their experiences. Which is always awesome!!! We see happy tears flow and wonderful stories shared and God's love shine through. We pray that they are able to continue what we do in their own hometown and hug it out. 

    Sautrday on the Street

     It's Ainsley's birthday!!!! And my mom came!!! This was by far one of the best SOTS ever because of the wonderful people that came. I was so excited my mom was able to come and finally see what we do. She met a lot of my friends and was able to talk to many of them. I really hope she is able to come again :) Ainsley- Pastor Andy's daughter- also turned 4 today! We celebrated all those who had July birthdays and played chess, checkers, and games. Even though our snow cone machine broke, another group came and joined us with some clothes, water, and cool aide. That just goes to show that God is good and works in mysterious ways :) 

Jenny Sample

Day 68- Tuesday, July 19

Be proud of who you are

     What a simple yet powerful saying, right? Be proud... of who YOU are. Many people, including myself, don't really appreciate ourselves. We say we're not good enough for whoever we are aiming our eyes to, we say we aren't pretty enough, skinny enough, perfect enough, we ask who would want us for our past?. Who would want to be with us because of the family problems we've been in? We have too many imperfections and we are just never good enough. I can attest to the fact that I have felt it all. And lemme tell ya... God is beyond great. Who should we aim our eyes to? GOD. Who says we are beautiful, both inside and outside? GOD. Who says we are perfect just the way we are? GOD. Who forgets the past and focuses not on family problems but on our own problems and trying to conquer them with unending love? GOD. 

     It's beautiful to be able to see and be a part of God's unending love. Seeing how He works through each and every one of our lives. Separately and individually. With patience. But with His patience we must have patience as well. This week we have two more mission teams- both from Michigan. I love to see how even though most of the teams come from the same state- or states right next to each other- they each have different stories and different things to contribute to our community. The amount of stories I heard today was beyond incredible. Each one touched my heart. Each one made me realize how fortunate I am to be where I am today. To be able to overcome the trials and tribulations that God has put me through and to be able to be carried by His love. 

     One such story was with Tonette. Like I said in previous blogs.. she is called Hell Raiser- and she lives by her name proudly! I had given her my spoon ring which she absolutely loved. Later last week one of the guys from my team wore a cross necklace and Tonette wanted it. I told her I that I would find her one towards the end of the week, and she got upset. I told her to be patient though! So the end of the week comes and still no cross necklace. I wasn't able to find one. I was going home that week and figured I could get her a nice one she would really appreciate. But of course I see her before the end of the week is up. She had been looking for that cross necklace day after day and when she saw me she wasn't happy. She probably thought I was another typical "Christian" who gave false promises and never carried them out. Or someone who wouldn't go through with their word. It broke my heart thinking about that. I don't want to be that to somebody- especially someone who has gone through so much her as Tonette. She wanted that cross necklace to "protect her from the evil spirits at night" and when she saw that I couldn't help her I understood why she was upset- I was just another disappointment to her. I let her be and promised myself I would find her one. 

     Come today I took 2 of my groups to the top of the hill and saw her. She saw me and pulled me aside and I told her I had something for her. I showed her the necklace and she became a small girl. I put it on her and from then on she showed everyone her new necklace. She made sure that every person that walked by the spot talked to me or if not, she introduced them to me. She took care of me and said God bless you. She also gave me a hugee hug and a kiss :) This probably made my week. I knew that through this I was able to show that Christians aren't just there to make false promises- we are there to show our love through our actions as well as through our words. I pray that I can continue to get closer to her and help her know that she should be proud of who she is because God loves her. I pray that one day she can see the love God has for her and that this cross necklace can be a step towards that path. 

     Please continue to pray for our mission teams as they're doing a GREAT job so far! I am excited to see what God has in store for us next! 

     P.S: shout out to my past mission teams! From Tennessee, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio - I MISS YOU and y'all are awesome and helped inspire me ten times more! You will all have a special home here in Atlanta, Georgia so keep in touch :)

Jenny Sample

Days 63-65

"Words that soak into your ears are whispered... not yelled."

"Meanness doesn't just happen overnight."

"The best sermons are lived, not preached."

Thursday, June 14

       Today we took FFC on the Belt Line with Big Jon. We actually went under the tunnel full of graffiti where many rap videos are recorded. Walking through it was like entering a valley of darkness really... The entire tunnel was full of gang graffiti and different meanings that I didn't know. I just had an empty feeling inside as we walked passed it and I kinda wanted to know what went down during the night.. I'm usually that girl who is very curious.. sometimes too curious! Ha ha. But the rest of the Belt Line went pretty well. Big Jon took us through different parts that I hadn't walked and we were able to see the homeless fort. We actually saw a few of the homeless guys in the tunnels as well. During lunch I had the best falafel wrap ever with Jesse and Mr. and Mrs. Baab. We then got together with the rest of the team and I saw Paul, one of the guys from the street. He didn't want to talk to me so I kind of let him be. I also saw one of my old high school friends who I hadn't seen in over 5 years. That was a nice surprise :)

     When we got back from the Belt Line the team had a 2 hour rest and we then left to go to a Safehouse block party. There the team was able to play with the kids at an apartment complex and I was able to get hit in the eye with a dodgeball. It hurt pretty bad. But before I was talking to a lady named Martica who has an apartment infested with mold and mildew. She told me that it had taken over her entire apartment that she couldn't live in it anymore and her little daughter, who has asthma, had to be taken to the hospital several times throughout the week. I was talking to her to try and help her when the ball hit and even though it hurt.. a lot... I just contained that pain and kept talking to Martica. Please pray for her so that she can find a new home for her and her little daughter. 

     After we went to Jason's Deli to debrief. We chose that over the Varsity because we wanted to switch it up. The debrief went awesome! Our team all participated and shared different things they saw throughout the day. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Friday, June 15

     Today we took the team to the MLK Center. Every Friday we do this to each mission team to ask the question so what? So what if we help the homeless? So what if we do anything? So what? At the MLK Center the question of so what is answered with the life of Martin Luther King Jr. He decided that "so what" wouldn't go unanswered. So he gave his entire life in dedication to something he believed and stood up for. Because of that he was able to change the views of an entire nation. At the end of a video we watched they asked us the question of what will we do for something that we believe in? For me and the interns, we'll be "for and with our most vulnerable neighbors". But what we want to leave the mission teams with is a yearning to stand up for something they love. 

     After leaving the center we had a picnic in the park. I was able to see Jimmy and he gave me the biggest hug ever. He entered the Salvation Army and was going to enter it today. We talked for awhile about his goals of seeing his family and how he has people who love and care for him that will help him whenever he is struggling. I could see in his eyes that yearning to change his life and I am excited to be a part of his life. I was also able to talk to Jennifer and help her out as she struggled with a few more things. I told her that I love her and care for her and we were able to share what we were feeling for over an hour. I also noticed Joshua hang out with the team to make spoon rings. Each time a mission team comes and we debrief, they always mention Joshua. They always say how he is inspiring with his story. I think of Joshua as an older brother and I was excited when my mom got to meet him on Saturday :) 

     After the picnic we had a parish walk and went to Woodruff. Joshua came and I got to meet his friend Scott. Scott was an awesome guy who had so many interesting stories! We probably talked the entire time I was there and they walked back with us to St. Paul. I'm excited that I get to talk to him more on Saturday! After the walk we had another block party with Community Church of God. There I face painted and played ring around the rosie. After the block party we went to the Varsity to debrief. Both teams hung out throughout the day and the debrief was beyond amazing. Several of the guys shared their experience- each with what they got out of it. It just amazes me each time to see how each person was touched differently and by different people. It's great :) From there I had to say bye to the teams - which is sad as usual. I love my team because they were so kind hearted and such hard workers! They always put their best foot forward and always gave it their best. It was hard saying bye but hopefully I'll try to visit them sometime or they can always visit us :)

Saturday, June 16

     Saturday on the Street! Several new people showed up today so that was really great. I also was able to talk to Mother Theresa and she told us her story of her son and how she knows that God strengthens her day after day. When I talked to Eddy, he told me the same thing. He told me he knows that God does everything for a reason and that he has to trust Him but that sometimes he struggles. I told him I'd pray for him and then I went and talked to a few more people. Carey was there and I talked to him for a bit. I was also able to talk to Manny a lot today and he helped me with a lot of things. Scott came and I talked to him and played checkers with him. He is pretty darn good! We had to call it a tie because everyone was already packing up but Scott starts his new job today! He's working at Taco Mac as a cook! I was so happy to hear that and I'm excited to see how it goes :) After SOTS my mom came and met several of my friends! She met Joshua, Tony, Reggie, Steve, Manny, David, Gary and a few others. I was excited about that and hopefully my family can come one day to SOTS :)

Jenny Sample

Days 60-62

Never Stop Lovin'

     On Monday we went to Retreat for a bit and hung out before our mission teams came. I got to see Jennifer and talked to her. She told me that she considered me one of her closest friends and that touched my heart. Later when  we were at the Lot I saw Tonette and she was wearing the ring I gave her awhile ago. I seriously thought she had lost it or sold it. But she didn't. Before we left I mentioned it to her and she smiled and said that she appreciated it so so much :) 

     Later our two mission teams came! Jesse and I are the leaders for Faith Fellowship and yesterday we climbed Stone Mountain and took them to Woodruff and the Lot. During Woodruff they split up into groups and talked to several of the guys and some got to play chess After our dinner at Underground we went to the Lot. I took a group to the top of the hill and we saw our usual friends that we hang out with. 2 of the girls were actually talking to Tonette and I noticed she still had my ring. I introduced these two to her and she showed them my ring and she still loved it. We talked to Will and some of the other guys from the Lot and left after 20 minutes. When we went to the Lot I realized how I didn't even consider it my job anymore. I literally walked right up and began talking to my friends. Just hanging out. It was extremely awesome to be able to think that. 

     Today we all worked at Taskforce. We had to sanitize 400 mattresses. Even though that took one hour (because I have an awesome team!) I realized just how fortunate I am to not have to sleep there. Cleaning those mattresses kind of disgusted me with the dirt and rust that was on it. I tried my best to avoid it! But I thought back and thanked God that I only had to clean them... not sleep on them. After coming back from lunch the team got a tour of the Shelter. I believe that helped our team gain perspective of just how the Shelter worked. After we cleaned the clothing closet and we walked to CNN for the homeless walk. During our debrief, we asked our team where they saw God present and absent during their days. They told us about the people they met and we told them how important prayer is even after they leave. How God can and does listen to our prayers and He answers them in His own time. This mission team really seems to love what they do and I'm excited to see what God has in store for us throughout the rest of the week!

Jenny Sample

Days 54- 58

Keep Your Head Up

"You only ever grow as a human being if you're outside your comfort zone."
- Percy Cerutty

Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore. 
- Andre Gide

~ Both of these quotes were inspired by the work we do on COTS. It's when we are out of our comfort zone that we are able to grow and see the greatness God has for us and how He pushes us through and through. Once we lose sight of the shore we are able to discover more shores that will be worth it in the long haul. Sure you may confront many storms, but with the help of God, He can help you navigate the way to a brand new world. COTS has and is showing us this by letting go of the control we want to have and giving it all to Him. Letting Him steer our wheel not only takes stress off of us but guides us to new paths that create opportunities to help other people going through similar problems that we are going through. So let go and let God. :)

     As each day passes I realize more and more how God works in everyone's lives. Whether many of them are "Christians" or not, being able to see the smallest miracle work through and around people really helps keep my head up. Though sometimes, as I've said several times, it's hard to keep a positive attitude, having faith that God will work in our lives helps keep me moving. Throughout this week I mainly talked to Jimmy. We got really close and Andrew and I were able to get him his ID. The process however was far from simple. That Friday we arrived at St. Paul and Gary handed us the letter that the elders had written for Jimmy, letting him use their mailing address for his ID. We headed over to the DMV and while we waited for Jimmy's number to be called out I prayed and prayed that everything would work out just fine. Going through so much the day before, like a roller coaster ride of emotions, I don't know what I would've felt like if they wouldn't let Jimmy get his ID. Then his number was called out. It was like it was too good to be true.. the lady was actually nice and asked Jimmy to sign in a few places and to stare at the camera until it flashes. I seriously didn't think this was going to happen until the camera actually flashed and that flash was also my sign that Jimmy had actually received his ID. When he got it he was BEYOND happy and we took him to Dairy Queen and returned to St. Paul's where he showed his ID to a few of the guys there. 

     I saw him again the next day for Saturday on the Street and I could still see the joy in his eyes. He helped Lauren make snow cones and always asked me if I wanted anything- until he actually gave me some water :) Jimmy has become an extremely close friend to me. I care about him so much and I'm excited that he has become a part of my life and that hopefully I've become a part of his. This is exactly what Church on the Street is; to be able to create strong friendships and stay in touch with each other throughout time- and that's what I hope will happen to Jimmy and I's friendship. I also have become close to Manny (The Hawaiian as I like to call him haha ), Joshua, Tony, Reggie, and Moe. Each of theses guys have opened my eyes incredibly and touched my heart. They also encouraged me whenever I was down and always knew how to bring me up. We now have a few inside jokes that we use on a regular basis :)

     I also ask that you keep a woman named Jennifer in your prayers. We had been praying for her to show up to Retreat since she had been gone for a few weeks. She showed up on Friday and at first she was doing ok but one thing led to another that made her tell me that she's not going to Retreat anymore. She struggles with a few things in her life and I just pray that God can help her through all this and lead her to people that will care for her. Hopefully she'll come back in a  few weeks. Other than that we have 2 more mission teams coming in tomorrow- so keep Church on the Street in your prayers as well as the mission teams! I'm excited to see what will happen within the next week! 

Jenny Sample

Day 50 - 53

People need to be loved and valued by others. They need to see what love looks like.

When we allow ourselves to be disarmed, we become both vulnerable and strong.  

 Difficult choices humble us and force us to rely on God’s grace and to see God’s wisdom.

      Internship is going so awesome right now. But I'll be honest.. sometimes I  feel like I'm worn out and have nothing to give. I wake up every morning and pray for strength. On Wednesday (June 6) I really felt like going back to the office after Retreat. Luckily I went on a parish walk with Hana and Andrew where we went to St. Luke's park. Jimmy, Moe, and Daniel were there. I always love talking to those guys so Andrew and I went over. We began talking with Jimmy and he told us how he's trying to get his ID and birth certificate. We told him we would help him and drive him over and to see Jimmy's face.. that was awesome. He couldn't really describe how happy he was just that he is ready to make a change. So today we did just that. We took Jimmy and got his birth certificate. He was so excited!! So after that we went to the DMV for his ID.. but of course we ran into some red tape that in the end have to come back tomorrow. So please please keep us, especially Jimmy in your prayers, so that he can be one step closer to entering a program! Even though I was tired throughout this week, seeing Jimmy and being able to help me out gave me strength. Being able to help out a friend in need... is beyond amazing. Jimmy has helped me value my life and family and to be able to do something in return is the least I can do for a friend. 

     Today I also saw Janice. I haven't seen her in a long time and have been praying for her safety. Today she showed up when Gary was talking to Jimmy and I. She said she found a place to stay but she wanted to find a Women's Christian Center so I told her I'd find one. Gary got a few numbers and I called Odyssey III to find out that they have openings. So please pray for Janice. She is one of the sweetest women I've met who really wants to get out of the streets. She is one friend who is close to my heart and I want what's best for her and what God wants for her and I pray that little by little God reveals Himself to her. 

     Throughout this week we also went on parish walks, especially to Retreat. On the Fourth we walked around and talked to a few people and took 2 of our friends out for lunch. Apparently the police are enforcing the rule of not feeding the homeless. So many of them are struggling. 

     But I know that we just have to be patient and do what we can. Like the 3rd quote says, we must rely on God through our difficult parts in our lives. I pray that throughout these difficult times that many of our friends are going through, that they rely on God and that we can comfort them and show them God's love. Please keep us in your prayers because they help more than you can imagine!

Jenny Sample