The summer season brought exciting news and new opportunities for our students. We were delighted to see our Citizenship Program continue to grow and reach more people who wanted to take the important step toward becoming U.S. citizens. As part of this growth, we opened a new class schedule on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., thanks to the valuable support of our volunteers, Donna Devine and Priscilla DiPasquale. We had four students enrolled in this morning class.
Those of you who read my blog in February (check it out here) know that our adult ministry team has grown. The team of me, myself, and I became Erika and me in August of last year, and with this expansion has come more POWER, more brainpower, and, of course, more (wo)manpower. As we wrote our goals at the end of last year, I believe Erika and I both sensed that 2026 would bring new experiences and learning opportunities; however, I don't believe either of us envisioned that expanding both our ESL and Citizenship programs in the same trimester would be a "thing".
As our annual Arts Camp approached, I'll admit that this year stretched my faith.
Planning an event is never simple, but this season brought unique challenges. Finding enough volunteers, reaching families, navigating people's fears about leaving their homes because of everything happening around us, and trying to think through every small detail so the week would run smoothly - all of it felt like a constant roller coaster (and I don't even like roller coasters).
There were moments when I wanted to have every answer, every plan finalized, and every problem solved before moving forward. I wanted to know that everything would work. I wanted to know that enough people would come, that we'd have enough volunteers, that the students would enjoy themselves, and that all the little pieces would somehow fit together.
You know that moment when you see a loved one, donned in their cap and gown, walking with pride as they step across the graduation stage? They're filled with joy as they're recognized for years of hard work, while also looking ahead with excitement for what’s to come.
