Email: Alicia Wilson

Friends,

As I look back over the last month, two experiences stand out to me. First, another intern at Central Outreach and Advocacy Center and I attended worship twice at a different homeless outreach center in downtown Atlanta. Several of the guests at Central who worship there frequently invited us to attend. One of these men helped to lead the spirited praise and worship music that opened the worship service. About a hundred homeless men and women gathered for worship, which was followed by a meal. The worship and preaching style was very different from what I am used to, and even though the theology of the sermon was not in line with my own, it was a powerful experience to be able to worship with many of the people I have been serving. Attending this service has opened the door for new relationships with guests, in which we could simply talk in a more casual setting. A couple of them have even engaged me in theological discussions prompted by the sermon.

At the end of April, the church that I am attending showed Darfur Diaries as part of our ongoing documentary film series. This film shows interviews with people in a few different refugee camps telling their stories of living through the ongoing genocide. The account of the atrocities was difficult to watch, and it was clear how pervasive the destruction is. Even the smallest children showing off their artwork had drawn their villages being bombed and Janjaweed soldiers riding in on their horses. After the film was over and we were discussing the situation, the conversation quickly turned to what we could do to help. One woman was insistent about wanting to send money to help. I realized that she was member of one of the church’s food co-ops, which means that her own income is very limited. It was very to see how this woman, with so few resources, was so eager to do what she could to make a difference, while many of the people in power appear completely unmoved by the situation.

This month I have continued to play in the ultimate Frisbee league and am looking forward to the upcoming end of season tournament. I also had the opportunity to attend the year-end dance performance for Moving in the Spirit, where one of the other YAVs serves as the mentoring program director. The show was fabulous and featured dancers ranging from as young as three or four to the very talented staff of the organization. Thank you again for your ongoing support.

Alicia