Saturday Conversations

Every Saturday my team and I spend our afternoon out in our neighborhood. It has been a great way to start relationships with those who live near us. At times it can be awkward and uncomfortable, but overall it is a highlight of my week. I like to share highlights, so here are some of my encounters.

Janelle and I went to visit Mama Liz with a Sprite in hand. (during our last visit she made sure to tell us to bring her a Sprite -- not in a can, but in a bottle. Oh what a sweet woman.) She greeted us with hugs and invited us into her small and hot apartment. We laughed together as she shared stories from her week and we listened intently to her words of wisdom. This Saturday I plan to call before our visit so Mama Liz can get ready for us.

We also met our neighbors who live on the end of our street. As I walk to the church every day I greet the two young girls who sit on the porch. They are soft spoken and reserved. On Saturday I decided to ask if they wanted to paint nails. Their immediate response was yes. My heart leap with joy and Janelle and I quickly grabbed our finger nail polish. As we came over all the kids came out (8 in all). We ended up playing Skip-Bo together and I met their mom Lisa. I have a feeling these kids will become dear to my heart. Mary, one of the older girls showed up at our doorstep later that evening. That action meant so much to me. She felt comfortable enough to come over after the few hours we spent together. I opened a door to develop deep relationships as I painted nails and played Skip-Bo. Mary and her friend Diamond are two teenage girls I want to invest in this year.

Walking up to a door and knocking on it for some reason is a bit out of my comfort zone. As I mustered the courage to knock on Miss. Lillian's door last Saturday I was richly blessed. She invited me into her home where we sat in her living room and talked. She shared her photo albums and life with me. I left her home that day with a dinner invitation.

These are a few stories of the relationships I'm starting to build in Atlanta. This is what God has called me to. To develop relationships that are deep, loving, and encouraging.