Darina-7

            Unfortunately, I did not get to complete the distribution partner outreach project that I’ve been working on; however, I did leave my boss with enough and am sure that the organization will soon establish a partnership with some of the churches I’ve contacted. 

During my last two weeks in DC, I got the opportunity to be involved with Beacon House Summer program. Beacon House is “a non-profit, community based organization that provides tutoring, mentoring, cultural, athletic, recreational and nutritional programs to at-risk children, ages 5-18.” I worked in a classroom of children that were about 9 years old. My first day felt very awkward (as I always do around children). I hung back a lot of the time and really had a difficult time approaching the kids as they engaged in computer games and Lego-building. By the third visit I was familiar with most of the kids and did not feel as stiff and uncomfortable. A very shy girl, Kayla, and a rather outgoing boy Michael became particularly fond of me and would always ask to be my partners when we went on field trips or to the park (we have a buddy system that keeps the kids together when they walk). Something that was new to me is seeing the kids are like one big family—well some of them are actually cousins but that’s not what I mean when I say this. They sometimes argue and they sometimes fight, but they all know where the other lives and are always cracking jokes and inviting each other to play. Such a happy and carefree community which makes me want to be a kid again.