Email: Mary Hartman

Hello dear Friends,

First I again want to say thank you for your support this year. I have definitely experienced a wide range of emotions over the last four weeks. There were times I was filled with lots of laughter and others when I battled with depression. This month brought some emotional baggage with it, and I continue to work through it. Even through the hard times, I feel so blessed to be here and serving.

A few nights ago my housemates and I (four of us) hosted an impromptu game night. I was actually walking the girls I had been speaking with back home, when some of the boys asked when the community house was going to be open. I asked if they wanted to come over, and they eagerly said yes. I made them all go ask their parents, and off we went back to the community house.

As we had nothing planned, I quickly grabbed appropriate board games, “Trouble” and “Sorry.” A lot of laughter was shared as we played. Popcorn, thanks to my quick-thinking roommate, was our snack. After a while, one of the boys noticed the guitar we use for worship. He asked me to play for a bit. I was able to show how a guitar works and explain the different pitches. The bright moment for me was when a younger boy spilled his popcorn. Most of the kids laughed at him. Zuri, one of older girls, helped him clean it up. I noticed when she got down to help him clean it up, the laughter at him stopped. I was impressed by the act of service. Over the last couple of days, when I have been out in the yard working, couple kids want to help. Through Zuri's example, it is becoming OK to ask and provide help to others. I love the tone it sets for the community. Obviously this dynamic was present previously, but it was brought back in through courageous action.

I serve in a community agency called “My Friend's Place.” I work with homeless youth and their children. I am continually reminded of the simple gifts I have. We often see shelter as necessary and a given, yet for a lot of the youth I work with, it is never a given. While My Friend's Place is a day center, we work closely with other agencies to find shelter for those who are willing and able. I take so much for granted and often fail to realize the costs. This month we are reading as a group a book titled Irresitible Revolution. The author quotes another source that really encapsulates my feelings for the month of October. “Live simply, so others may simply live.” I am unsure what this means, particularly in the long-term, but I am excited to explore.

On October 31 we host our first event: a neighborhood fall festival. We are excited about it and looking forward to getting to know more of neighbors. Please join us in prayer for safety, fellowship, and fun on that evening.

Once again thank you for your support.

Mary