It was a very good day

Anticipating how our School’s Out Event would turn out, trying to know if anyone would show up, I had to let go of being able to forecast the result. This was hard for me. We had sent out invites and reminders to the families of our students who participate in our Wednesday afterschool reading program, “Read Around the Block,” we canvassed the neighborhood, set out several yard signs throughout the community, and sent out announcements through the Next-door App and our Hope House Montgomery Website. I have never thrown or organized a block party, and that’s what this was. Would our neighbors and friends come?

I had heard from a couple of neighbors who were committed to coming. We had a face painter coming and a craft where people could stencil or paint free tote bags.  We had a book giveaway, and we had FOOD. At the last minute, I remembered I had contacts for a petting zoo, and they could come at the end. I knew I needed to be okay with how things turned out, but admittedly I was a wee bit anxious. 

Friends from Nashville, the Woodmont Hills Church (photo above), were coming to help host and work the event. Our Woodmont friends canvassed the neighborhood Friday evening, and then on Saturday morning, as soon as Jim, Varina, Keith, and Angela (Hunter Hills Church) arrived with grilling goods, we began to set up.

The smell of grilling and having several volunteers visible in the front yard might encourage participation. We had a welcoming committee on the street, and soon friends and neighbors began to trickle in.  Regardless of who and how many came, I had to tell myself that we would enjoy the beautiful day, and it was a perfect day.

Things turned out wonderful. Grateful to have met so many new neighbors and friends. Thank you to all who joined us and those who couldn’t attend but supported us with their thoughts and prayers.

It was a very good day. 

We were good and tired by the end. Thankful for the people I believed God called me to love and interface with and the many people God called to love and interact with me that day.

Yes, it was a very good day.

Photo Gallery