God is SO amazing! Words cannot describe the beauty that He has painted in the Santa Cruz Mountains and the beach! For the first time I walked on a real beach and immersed myself into the cold, icy, and salty ocean water! Well these past three days I have spent time focusing on denying myself and taking up the cross of Christ, learning about the East Palo Alto History, and planning for SAIL (our summer enrichment program for East Palo Alto grade school students)/RYAA (A one week summer camp for the kids). SO many things to keep me busy this summer! Whew!
Ok, so for those of you who do not know of East Palo Alto let me begin that it is NOT Palo Alto, California! East Palo Alto is completely different in people and culture. It is truly a blessing to be here but like any other inner-city City, there is much to be done. East Palo Alto was ONCE recognized as the murder capitol of America (It is no longer as bad but has typical inner-city crime). It has changed over time from predominantly Caucasian, then to African Americans, and then to Latinos. There is a small amount of Asians beginning to come in but none the less this city is predominantly Latinos and African Americans. The education system in East Palo Alto is not the greatest and often many parents prefer to send their children outside of the EPA school district. EPA does not have a high school so the students who do go onto high school typically makes a 30-40 minute commute!
Alright now about BCM (Bay shore Christian Ministries) BCM has been around for 30 years, which btw is the same amount of time since EPA has "officially" been a city. BCM exist "To equip our youth to grow spiritually, gain life skills, and develop as leaders so that they have a hope and future" BCM also partners up with various ministries like RYAA. This summer I will be working as a intern in the SAIL program. At this point I do not know which specific age group I will be teaching but I can expect from 1st to 5th grade. I will also be a camp director for the Tennis section for 1 week! I'm SO excited! So many things to plan for and I'm not sure how often I will be updating my blog but i'll try my best to update everyday. Continue to keep me, my intern friends, and BCM staff in your prayers! We need A LOT of prayer and encouragement! I know this summer is already starting off well and Gods presence is definitely here!
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