Community

This week at Preston Taylor Ministries was a busy one.  In addition to the Summer SaLT class every day, we took the kids on 3 field trips.  We went swimming, took a tour of a bank, and arranged a science experiment conducted at a Belmont University laboratory.  We also worked on a business project this week, designing a business and creating a "billboard" for each one.  The kids were exposed to many amazing opportunities this week, and hopefully, with many more to come.

In my own experience, this week was significant because on Thursday night we had a large community supper that I got to plan and organize.  All PTM kids and their parents were invited to cookout and hangout at PTM's main building.  I was in charge of creating a flyer to advertise the dinner, buying the supplies, setting up, and even helping cook!  It was quite a responsibility, but it was an enlightening experience, seeing the amount of planning and organization that goes into an event of that magnitude.

When everyone arrived, we had probably close to 75 people come and go throughout the evening.  It was a great chance to get to know the kids outside of a classroom or day-program setting and just have fun with them, as well as to meet some of their parents.  I also got to meet some older kids in the neighborhood who are involved in PTM's older program, the Calvin House.  It helped me understand even more the community I am blessed to have become a part of this summer.  Everyone was so friendly and accepting, even though I was obviously new.  It was definitely an uplifting experience and prime example of fellowship.

I am so thankful for this opportunity, and I cannot say that enough.  I have learned to take nothing for granted, especially the value of community and fellowship.  People really are stronger together, and having a community like that makes life so much better.  I am thankful for being able to expand my own personal community while also feeling included in the community of Preston Taylor Ministries.