Look at me! Look at me!

Rejoice always! Pray constantly. Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

28, 24, 18.  The numbers read like a gym locker combination and while they had a lot to do with running around and a daily workout, they do not, in fact, have anything to do with a lock.  Each year, Graffiti 2 has an intake process to sign up families for our after school program and every year I go over the number I expected to register.  Experience has taught us that throughout the year, for  various reasons, our numbers will likely go down by a couple maybe even a handful.  

Reasons for leaving program vary.  Some families relocate and it is no longer feasible for them to attend after school in our area.  Other students are enrolled in their school after school program closer to state testing.  Occasionally work situations change and families require different days or hours from an after school program.  While it always stings  to lose a student, it is almost never a surprise.  You learn to read the signs. This year has pulled the rug out from under me over and over again. We started with 18 students and currently have five students enrolled. FIVE. I have wrestled with how I feel about this. If you have spent much time with me at all you are aware that I get so very attached to my kids, so while there have been many tears, I have felt like the Lord has directed each change in my roster.  

As we meet together, the staff at Graffiti 2 has consistently agreed that our ministry seeks to have big impact, not big numbers.  Sometimes those two things coincide and sometimes they do not.  It has become so very clear that the students we have for this last semester of the school year have very specific needs that would not have been able to be addressed to the extent needed if we had our original roster.  Some students are in need of very intensive educational intervention while others have deep emotional needs.  It is a common to walk in and hear a student yelling out "look at me" as they master the hula hoop, shoot a basket, or dance to celebrate finishing their homework. They are crying out for attention! I rejoice in the Lord for the opportunity to be a part of these families' journey.  Please join me in praying for our G2 Kids and families to see God's love through our daily interactions.