Day two of picnics in the park went well. Most of the time we played one intense game of UNO which lasted until we left a few hours later. Cadet Julie who is here for the Summer to work with us and get some more hands on experience in ministry (She is in school to become a Salvation Army Officer) joined me at the park.

Later on, I took her and Anni (her daughter) on a tour of some of the neighborhood. We ened up at the park again where there was a basketball game going on and a lot of families playing in the park with their children. I ended up opening up the building so that the kids could get some ice water which ended up taking about 45 minutes! We had some good conversations with the kids about their behavior and respect, as well as with some observing parents who were surprised at the behavior of some of our neighborhood kids.

Lately there has been a lot of people coming to the park from other parts of the city. They have parks in their areas but they are not kept up or are havens for violent crime and drugs. Upon learning this, we had some good discussion about our city's problems and how we should address them. It's good to know that through our struggles we are united. All possible tensions, be it race, age, gender, whatever... don't matter.

I wrapped up my day by ordering some take out from The Torch, and having a good conversation with our neighbors across the street about music, Oak Street, and the neighborhood. It was a long tiring day but it was awesome. I love living in my neighborhood.