Our church has become very active in a public housing community in our city, and although I’m aware of the great stuff they’ve been doing, for some reason or another, tonight was the first time that we’ve gone to help out. I wasn’t sure how much “help” I would be with four out of five monkey boys in tow (the oldest is at camp), but we went, anyway.
The guys had a fun time, and I think they made some friends with the neighborhood kids. This suburbanite was a bit nervous about the community, b/c it’s a bad part of town, but I know that shouldn’t keep us from reaching out to the families there. The church hosted games and served dinner to 50 or so kids (and a few parents).
As much as the monkey boys drive me bonkers sometimes, our experience tonight made me appreciate a few key things:
- They sometimes need to be reminded of their manners, but more often than not, they do say “thank you” and “yes, ma’am.”
- They don’t always listen the first time I tell them to do something, but they do not have the nerve to roll their eyes at me.
- They don’t always like everything they are served at dinner, but they know that they have to try it, and it is never ok to say that what I have worked hard to prepare for them is “yuck.”
I understand that being a positive adult role model is a big part of our efforts in that community. I guess I just wasn’t mentally prepared for a few of the kids’ attitudes. Two kids actually mouthed off in line for dinner, “I don’t want spaghetti,” or “Do I have to have spaghetti?” and it made my eyes bug out in amazement. It’s a free meal, for crying out loud.
I was pleased that the boys didn’t whine too much about not being able to eat there. I told them in the car on the way over that we would eat on the way back home, but the meal we were serving was for our new friends and not for us. I had to remind them when they saw everyone else getting in line – I know they were hungry, and it was much later than we normally eat dinner – but when I reminded them quietly that we would eat on the way home, they backed off and didn’t fuss about it too much.
All in all, it was a good experience, and we’re planning to go back on Tuesday evenings throughout the summer for games and backyard Bible club type of activities followed by dinner for the neighborhood kids. Please pray for the “C4” ministry (that’s the nickname).
faith, sweat & tears 
I will just mildly scold you for a “beggars can’t be choosers” attitude. Yes, those kids maybe need to be appreciative, but they’re also allowed to be themselves & not like what is offered.
captcha: the castanet. this comment brought to you with a little spanish flair.
Mild scolding duly noted. Do I lose a paperclip? 😉
There’s a phrase that the little ones learned at preschool that has become household language: “You get what you get, and you don’t throw a fit.” It makes me chuckle when they self-police and call each other out on it – like fussing over which color popsicle someone wants or grumbling about dinner.
I guess what I was getting as is that I *hope* they would mind their manners if the options were something they’re being given vs. perhaps no dinner at all. Kids will be kids; you’re right.
It was good for all of us to serve for an evening, and although I felt a little out of my element, I came away with a better appreciation for my rowdy monkeys. Isn’t that like God, when we think we’re doing someone a favor and come away with a lesson learned, ourselves?