For me it's hard to think of anything better than smack talking with Jovante & Ramone and listening to Ms. Moore, Minerva, and Ms. Reese tell stories about the neighborhood in one day. Plus, not to leave out the fact that I got to play cornhole, hold babies, and eat corn dogs and a lot of other delicious food.
So this is the second year that Catherine and I fell (in the
semi-finals) to the amazing skills and talents of Jovante & Ramone.
Which I think his 8 foot wingspan should make him a great prospect for professional cornhole--possibly on ESPN de Ocho.It was an incredible battle to the end but more than that it was great to celebrate, and be apart of a tradition as a community. This year I felt that world's collided where neighbors that I have know for a long time were there, as well as new neighbors I had never met.
One of the highlights for me this year was sitting with Ms Moore, Ms. Reese, and Minerva on the grass. As we talked it was really beautiful seeing them get excited and watching cornhole--cheering the different teams on, telling stories, and sharing how encouraged they were, that God was working in the neighborhood.
Ms. Reese leaned over and said "This is what King talked about". Hearing her says those words and getting to connect with the body of Christ in the context of our neighborhood was just incredible. I know that there will continue to be tough days, where there is suffering, hard conversations, and exhaustion; but I am really thankful for the days like Cornhole! I felt just an amazing joy, comfort, and love for the community God has provided here in Vine City.
Before I drove Ms. Moore, Ms. Reese, and Minerva home we stood out front and they pointed out what used to be on Sunset when they were young and growing up. As we drove by the new house Eric and I are renting, we talked about the yard, the wedding, how great it was that we found a place, and the future dinners, long talks, and celebrations that we would have together.
As I see myself as a small part of the long legacy of rich community here, I just get so energized and see God's hand at work. Days like cornhole enable me to experience joy in the Lord--to be reminded of what God has done, what he is doing, and what he will do.
