A few weeks ago, some kind students from Alliance Fellowship at Penn State University showed up. They were on Spring Break, and with many other college-age groups from different parts of PA, came to Philly for various service projects. Our dear lot across the street was one of them. So we spent our morning making muffins, making friends, and sharing the "story" of how we came to live at Large & Arrott Streets. I don't mind picking up trash every now and then in our neighborhood, but it really spoke volumes to my heart that these kids, who don't even live in my neighborhood, would give up their time to serve us. Grace was in on the action too (she loves to sweep) and made friends with a girl named Charlotte.
Our landlord & friend reminded us of the real "story" behind our apartment - he'd bought this property over 5 years ago, at that time it was known as a "problem house" on the block. He had the place gutted out and then began renting it out to people from Grace Bible Church, for the purpose of having Christians in the neighborhood...This is the story I was telling the kids who cleaned up. They were very intrigued. Some really big things are happening in Philly. It is amazing to me how God is putting Philly on people's hearts and leading people here from all over the country - not just to visit here - but to live here and thrive here even!
Thankful for our little apartment here...
