The Joneses'CLG visited Reid Park today. We took some sidewalk chalk, a kickball, boomerang, and other outdoor gear to the park at Glen Arbor Outreach Center   Some of our Reid Park friends suggested that location for our next get together the last time we hung out at RP.

We had a wonderful time, hanging out with Shell, her family, and a few others at the park.  Shell, a mother of four, and some of her children and extended family members spent a lot of time with us last month when our CLG brought hot food to the Amay James Rec Center.  We were delighted that they wanted to hang out with us again today.  We chatted, played games, and began to really connect with them.  Shell was there with her son Leary (14) and her nephews Antonio (13) and DJ (about 10 months old).  We also met three siblings and their father-- Sammy (11), Stephen (13), and Kayla (2)-- and a middle aged man named James Heath.

While Shell chatted with some of us, the kids played four square on the sidewalk with another group of us.  Then we headed to the softball field to teach the kids (and James) how to throw a boomerang.  After many good laughs doing that, we played a short kickball game.  Shell played also, but complained afterward that the other team cheated-- "they kicked too hard," she said with a fake pout on her face.

We said goodbye after about 2 hours of hanging out, promising to be in touch again.  Shell was also excited about the upcoming free yard sale.

Our new friend Paul Price was not home during our time at the park today.  But he did call us later in the afternoon.  He sounded genuinely sorry to have missed us.  We talked with him about the painting he needs done and invited him to hang out with us the next time we visit RP, which we hope will be in two weeks, when we host an afternoon/evening cookout and softball game at the park.  Paul said he was eager to meet us.

Based on our experience so far, we really believe that we can make a difference in Shell's life and in the lives of her family.  She is related to so many people in the neighborhood.  She and many of her family members have expressed a willingness, even eagerness, to get to know us.  We have already established relationships with 10 of them.  We will continue to reach out to Shell and her family.  We have enjoyed them at least as much as they have enjoyed us, we think.