Summer Highlight Reel

Drew is right--summer has been packed. I heard someone say it was August 3rd today, and I couldn't believe it.

All summer I have been meaning to post something--but between the hot days, pool times, and out of town trips it got lost in the shuffle (along with too many other things).

As I get ready for the coming fall, school starting up and the small of sharpened pencils; there are so many things I have been thankful to have been a part of this summer. Therefore, I find it fitting to give a highlight reel of some of the best moments of being in the neighborhood and with neighbors this summer.

(1) Memorial Day Weekend












We had a blast from the onset of our road trip to Barnesville, Georgia to the swimming, kayaking, playing softball, eating, more swimming, more eating. This was kind of the moment that kicked off the summer for me; when my professor Dr. Hankins (on the right with nephew Alex and partner Andy) opened an invitation for her families annual weekend celebration to Eric and Deante (see on the left); and Pookie and myself (seen below).



















(2) Mason and Eric fixing Miss Moore's Wall.
Although I don't have pictures...this was one of the best moments of the summer. Miss Moore's house is one of the oldest in the neighborhood; she was born in 1919 and still lives in the same house in which she grew up. In early June, Eric and Mason got together and fixed up a wall that had collapsed in her front yard. I have yet to attend a social gathering or even go one visit with her without her sharing how much it meant to her.

(3) Ashview Heights Painting Days (Part I and Part II)
In June and then in July there were some clean up days and painting days in the neighborhood. I got to meet a lot of neighbors I had never met before; and show some TLC to some forgotten areas in the neighborhood. I felt empowered and grateful to have such great neighbors (and I also felt pretty sweaty).

(4) The Fourth of July
So Jamie, Eric, Catherine, and I celebrated not only the failure of the British Government and the tenacity of America--but Eric's birthday. We lit fireworks, sand happy birthday, went swimming, ate cupcakes, and laughed--a lot.

Granted--we had a few close calls and firework fiascos...but peppered with a good sense of humor it was a memorable occasion on our front porch; saying hello to neighbors and sharing in the love of sparklers and good times in the street.



(5) New Neighbors to Vine City/ Washington Park
Welcome to Andrea and Clay, Jamie--as well as Dan and Edward! (Soon to be Sarah and Jarrett!!! I can't wait!) Wahoo! It's totally awesome to get to learn from people that are working out what it means to love God and their neighbors in our community. Yay!

(6) Girls Bible Study and Vacation Bible School
I have learned so this summer from time at Girls Bible Study in the neighborhood. Plus, we had vacation bible school for a week through Trinity. I loved getting to know more kids and youth in the church; and work alongside of Ericka one day as she helped lead a group for VBS. I will never forget her giving me helpful tips on how to show more patience and be better with kids.

(7)National Night Out
This was one of my favorite events of the year; and one of the hottest. I attended one in DH Stanton Park supporting Vine City, Pittsburgh, Peoplestown, English Avenue, and Mechanicsville neighborhood. It was great to see all the families and kiddos running around, playing in fountains, catching up with some neighbors and meeting new folks too. Then, I went back the to the BTWCA and sat around talking till it got dark. We listened to music and ate fried fish, fried chicken...and some jambalya from one of the best cooks in our community.




So--that is just a brief recap of some things that have been going on. Not to mention God's Farm camping trip, fun walks and jogs with neighbors, and so many more.

**Plus there were quite a few more personal highlights:

(1) Finishing my M.A in Applied Anthropology on faith-motivated neighboring in west Atlanta! (I will be continuing research and presenting key findings at this years CCDA as part of a panel this October--so excited about that!)

Cheryl Case, 2011, Strategic Neighbors and “Beloved Community” Development in West Atlanta Neighborhoods. http://digitalarchive.gsu.edu/anthro_theses/55

Cheryl Case, 2011, Appendix E: Recommendations for Strategic Neighbors. Strategic Neighbors and “Beloved Community” Development in West Atlanta Neighborhoods, pp. 143-148.

and (2) Getting engaged to Eric! Pretty exciting stuff :)

I would love to hear from more people about the highlights of their summer and what God has been doing. For me, I think it has certainly been a season of blessing and one that I am very grateful for.