Red Beans and Rice

It’s come to my attention, friends, that some of you are losing sleep over being unable to see my new “doo.” May you sleep well :)
Other than the daily questions, “but WHY cut your hair???” we’ve been pretty busy. Johnny’s continuing to pump out material with his cyber band “Synthar,” as well as golfing in our mild Mississippi winter weather, and remaining committed to the kids in our neighborhood. Last week we were able to take several kids to hear the famed African Children’s Choir. The kids sat crisscross applesauce in the front row enchanted with the sounds and movements. We were reminded of the power of exposing these kids to new experiences.
My Martin Luther King event was a success! There were roughly 75 people who participated, including 25 white college students here from Washington State and 25 black Americorps members. John Perkins held every ones attention with his moving words about service and love. The neighborhood clean up went well and especially impacted the youth that showed up from my school. By the end of the day they proudly boasted to their parents that they were life-long volunteers. Other activities included hearing from a black historian about Jackson’s past, and listening to Kings’ Dream speech. We broke up into intentional diverse small groups following the speech to discuss various topics surrounding racial reconciliation. This was the highlight for many of the adults. Johnny and I both led groups and were encouraged to see young people interacting who normally would never have a reason to.
Today we took 10 children to church with us. The word apparently spread since last week when we took just a couple kids, so we ended up driving all over town and late to church. The unrestrained joy consuming the kids as we pulled up in the van caught me off guard. They couldn’t contain themselves. Youth ages 4-13 sat wide-eyed in the front row during the service flipping through bibles and staring at people. De’Anthony looked especially sporty in a blue pin striped suit passed down from his grand dad. It appears that church and McDonalds will become a weekly ritual.
Other weekly highlights for me include fighting a cold, working long hours and cooking. I’m convinced that being a vegetarian makes life more interesting-it’s a good challenge at least. I also just finished reading Crime and Punishment (thanks Luke). Any time I get done with a book I find myself depressed and directionless. I would really appreciate any fiction recommendations people might have. I’m going through withdrawals.
I’ll leave you with this…if you are fighting exhaustion and burn out like me, here’s a word for you:
“Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Mrs. Bertram