Email: Alicia Janzen

Wonderful Family and Friends,

A month full of many adventurous learning and growing experiences is coming to a quick close. Yet with the close of another month I know it does not mean many of these things are ending but just beginning. As I continue to immerse myself in Miami and my experiences here, there are lots of things to learn and grow from, through, and towards.
This month I have spent time working with the kids at Branches, volunteering at Habitat for Humanity, visiting the Florida Center for Theological Studies, starting piano lessons, continuing my church search, having people over for an open house, and simply living. I have had many thoughts and conversations about how my job can be done, how it fits into the organization, and what gifts and strengths I bring to it. I continue to grow in community with my housemates and others that I relate to while we strive to grow closer to God. All of this has seemed to create a sometimes challenging, sometimes beautiful place to be, yet I know that I continue forming and being formed through this experience.

I have done a lot of thinking this month about Branches, the work that goes on there, and the kids that I work with. Though it is sometimes hard to understand why they act the way they do, the kids are all wonderful, talented, and special to me in their individual ways. I am challenged daily in how I relate and understand each child as I strive to provide unreserved love. I am in a continuous process learning how I relate to my coworkers and kids, and I would appreciate your prayers.

One exciting thing this month was meeting a few grandparents who responded to a newsletter to send home with the kids. I compiled stories from each of the staff members that I work with, put some pictures together of the kids unloading pumpkins at the church, and published a calendar of upcoming events. At times this was a frustrating project: I wanted to connect with families, and saw this as a possible starting point, yet I was torn about what to include. Even if my attempt at connecting was just seen by a few people, it is an exciting process of continuing to build communication and relationships with families. This all takes time, patience, learning, mistakes, and growing.

I thank you for your continued prayers, encouraging words, and donations of support for me. I would appreciate your prayers that I may be open and listen to what God is revealing within me in this space and place. May I be open to God’s presence as I continue to build community and look for a church to connect with.

Peace, love, joy, and prayer,

Alicia
 
P.S. Donations may be sent either to me or directly to:

DOOR
430 West 9th Ave.
Denver, CO 80204