WELCOME TO MEMPHIS

For weeks I have been terrified of going on with this immersion. I had no idea what to expect or what kind of new environment we would be entering. Getting off the plane hit me with a terrible feeling in my stomach. Then, when we got on the bus to drive to the bunk house, driving through the neighborhood provided me with a sense of comfort that everything would be ok. I was fascinated by all the different houses, new restaurants, scary buildings, but the most striking were the people. They made the environment appear more normal and seem more like a place that could be considered a home. I felt God in that moment telling me that my uncomfortableness would be put to ease and I am here for a reason. Although that reason does not seem clear to me yet, I know that God will reveal it to me in time.

 

This immersion has been wonderful so far. I’ve been very excited about this day, as after bringing together enough boys to sign up for the trip, it was cleared to become an actual immersion. Admittedly, there are some things that worried me, seeing as it is the first Civil Rights immersion. Though I was worried something might go wrong, my worries have been in vain, and the trip has been smooth so far. In addition to that, there is a lot more to be excited about! Tennessee is the first state in the US other than Colorado that I have visited, and the activities Mrs. Vela and Mrs. Behrendt have prepared for us give me a lot to be excited about. The first of them was today, where we were tasked to think of a meal, given a budget of $35, and “let loose” at Krogers (King Soopers) to buy ingredients. This activity was significant to me because it gave me—someone who has never truly had to worry about food insecurity or managing a budget—the opportunity to experience a little of what it might be like to live under those conditions every day. I am very grateful for this opportunity, and excited for the many more that will come over the extent of this immersion!