Alana’s thoughts on the day-
Today’s conference really inspired me. Not only did it give ways in which we can empower others to build a greater community, but it gave us the chance to make relationships with some of the people in Mendenhall and surrounding areas. We met two girls, Julie, 10, and Lilly, 11. A few of us had walked to the train tracks that used to separate the White community from the African-American community. While there we met the girls. Lilly’s shoe got dirty with tar, so I helped it off her foot and tried to clean it off as best as I could. After this we talked as she rode her bike next to me, back to the 1 Genesis School where the conference was being held. Lilly told me her sister had been shot in the eye with a bb gun on March 3rd. I did not ask how or why she was shot, but merely asked if she was doing alright. Lilly told me her sister will probably never be able to see again, but she had and will continue to have surgeries to try to revive her eyesight.
Hearing this brought me back to a book we read in my University Foundations class this quarter, The Chosen. It spoke about how much eyesight affects us, and once it is taken away we view the world through a different perspective. Most often it opens us up to realize the beauty of the world. I told Lilly that my prayers are with her, her sister, and the rest of her family. I hope God brings them hope and joy through the midst of suffering. We shall see what tomorrow brings.
For more on Christian Community Development, check out www.ccda.org/philosophy.
