King for a Day

This week we, as a nation, celebrated the life of one of my all time heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. There was no better way to celebrate the legacy that he left then by taking part in a community garden project that was going on a couple of blocks from where I live.  The project was a ton of fun. The garden will be open to folks that signed up for the plot. If the first plot is successful more will be put in, and they will be opened up to more members of the community. 

There were plenty of volunteers there. They ranged in age, sex, and race. Some people lived within English Ave, and others drove in from around the area. It was great to see so many folks come together to work for the good of the community.

It was nice to get to work with my hands. There was plenty of work to be done. I started the day by clearing brush and debris from the landscape, then went to putting compost onto the garden plot, after which I started digging the walkways in between the rows of plants, and ended the day removing leaves from MLK's adult house in the neighborhood next to ours. It was great to get home, and be wore out from manual labor. 

After working on the garden Brian and I headed up to the King center here in Atlanta where the parade would end. We visited the Ebenezer Baptist Church where MLK was associate pastor under his father. Then went up the street to the first integrated fire station. Both were great experiences. Finally, we went to watch the parade. It was really neat to get to see all the organizations and groups represented in the festivities. 

It was an amazing day all around. It was great to honor MLK with a day of service. I feel that justice was served in a little dose to Elm Street in English Ave. I really enjoyed being a King for a day.

Thank you for reading. 

May grace and peace fall upon you!

Shalom,

Adam

 

 

It is football season!

     


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I'm sure your wondering why I would write on football. What could that possible have to do with being a neighbor? It actually has a ton to do with being a neighbor especially being in the hometown of one of the teams playing for a spot in the super bowl. I can barely walk down the street or ride MARTA without hearing someone mention the Atlanta Falcons. It is donned on every bus marque and on the clothing or cars of many Atlantians.

I also live about a mile away from the Dome so on game day our neighborhood gets a lot of traffic.The parking lots near the Dome become crowded with folks celebrating their teams rise to the conference championship.Although I have to admit that I am not pulling for Atlanta to go to the Super Bowl it is very exciting to see how the sport has pulled so many people together for a common purpose. It reminds me of the many children of God celebrating the common purpose of Christ.

Football has given me many opportunities to spend time with one of the families in my neighborhood. They have invited me over every Sunday to watch the game. I'm thankful that they are were willing to open up their home, and invite me in to spend time with them. I'm even more excited to continue the relationship after the season is over. God is doing huge things here in Atlanta, He is doing huge things in my life, and I cannot express how thankful I am for his love!

May grace and peace fall upon you!

Shalom,
Adam Q.

Back to the City

I got back to Atlanta on Sunday afternoon after a great time with friends and family! Although, I had an amazing time in Tennessee I am very glad to be back in Atlanta. I have already had the opportunity to visit many of my friends here. I'm very excited for this coming semester.

 It was great to be back with my family here in Atlanta!

It has been a very quick transition back into life here in Atlanta. I got back to volunteering on Monday and it has been a great week. We spent the week preparing for the upcoming semester in S.A.Y Yes! We are titling it "Imagine Me" which will deal with cultural identity and the students identity in Christ. I'm very excited for this coming time with the students. I have also been given the honor of being the team leader for the K5-2nd graders. To be honest this would not be my first choice for placement, but I know that God has something planned for me to learn from the children! I pray that my relationships here in Atlanta continue to grow, and that God does amazing things through them. I also pray for everyone back in Tennessee, and I thank you all for what you have done for me here!

May peace and grace fall upon you!

Shalom,
Adam Q.