Gallaway

This week we took our youth to participate in local missions project. First Baptist Church Gallaway is a local church that our church helps support. The pastor and his wife also run a small school and summer camp for the children in this area. It is a beacon of hope in this poor community. The Gallaway area reminds me very much of the Tillman Rd. area of Memphis.

This past week was our church's week to "adopt" them. We came in and helped any way we could. This summer camp is free to any child from 4-12 years old. It's essentially like a 6 week long VBS. D was in charge of the bible study and recreation time. We did everything from play with the kids to organize cabinets.

This was a very eye opening experience for us and our kids. It amazes me what kind of homes that these kids come from: lice infested, mom's in jail, dad's an alcoholic. Yet, these kids get themselves up every morning in time to be ready to get on the bus. It was obvious they loved coming to the camp.

These kids are definitely troopers. They've been through some tough stuff yet most are very loving, enthusiastic, and funny....whether they meant to be or not.

For example: One little girl came up to me, put her hand on I guess what appeared to be a protruding stomach and said, "You got a baby in there?!" I said, "No sweet girl.... thats just fat." But thanks for reminding me I have got to start running again!

One little boy came up to D and said, "How old are you?" Before D could say anything the little boy said, "You're old! You must be 40!"

This experience though heartbreaking at times was one that I was very glad to be apart of. This ministry that Gallaway has is changing lives. These kids can come eat breakfast and lunch for free and know they are safe and loved. The staff that work here are truly heroes. They make close to nothing yet spend countless hours investing in these kids. It's amazing.

This experience, though glamorous in no way, was a great one.