“Oh shoot- I forgot to ask you to get chicken while you were down at the Duka earlier…” I found my friend Courtney sitting at a picnic table with about six teens watching the soccer game on the field down below. “Are you going to feed me? Because if you are, I’ll donate some chicken to the cause.” I respond as I sit down with her and the students. “ABSOLUTELY. I’ve been wanting to make Chicken Alfredo for way too long.”

The eyes of six teenagers widened with longing, “Can we come have some alfredo too?!?” I glance sideways at Courtney as we laugh nervously… unfortunately, neither of us are prepared to feed six hollow legs at the drop of a hat.

As the soccer game wraps up and they head off to the cafo, we meander up to our houses. I grab some chicken out of my freezer and plop down at her kitchen table as she tosses broccoli in oil for a healthy addition to our carb filled main dish.

“We could do it ya know.” One of us mentions contemplatively. We start talking about the vision that was cast as we began our support raising journey- hosting students on a regular basis, spending time with them outside of our regularly scheduled duties, and a plan was birthed. We had a long weekend approaching, a Monday off for some time of rest for the students and staff alike. After much debate, we decide on a dorm of girls that we’ve both connected with and began to divvy out duties: I’d make the pancake batter, she’d make the raspberry compote. I’d make egg casserole, she’d make the veggie hash. Together, we’d pull out blankets and chairs and host in our shared green space between our houses.

Monday came and we planned a walk down to the Duka’s and Veggie Mama’s for some last minute grocery shopping. We made it a party, bringing along some friends and stopping at the plant shop to spruce up our gardens on the way. My favorite part was definitely carrying sweet baby Khi for the duration of the journey.

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After recovering from our walk, Courtney brought her veggies to my kitchen and we began cooking! What fun it was to sing along to Disney’s “Tangled” while cracking eggs and shredding potatoes! Five ‘o-clock rolls around and girls start trickling into our yard space. My heart fills with joy as the girls stomachs fill with breakfast foods. I’m so thankful to be building relationships with these girls- pouring homemade lime-aid into their glasses while pouring truth into their lives.

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As Courtney and I clean not one but two kitchens together, giddiness bubbles out as we recount each laugh and each anecdote the girls shared while sitting cross legged on blankets on our lawn. “This is the dream.” The consensus was unanimous. As we sweep vegetable peels off the ground, wipe dried raw egg off of the table where dozens of eggs were cracked, washed, and dried dishes, we revel in the privilege we have to serve these beautiful teens together.

Prayer Points

• Praise God for the relationship building opportunities we’re able to cultivate, which lead to greater discipleship opportunities on a regular basis.
• Pray for more chances like this to show love to our teens!
• Please pray for our students as they have a lot of final tests this week, and exams next week- that they would be diligent in their work, and that they would lean into the Lord’s peace and strength as the stress of finals sets in.