School let out this week on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday because the temperature dropped into the 20s! On Wednesday Houston experienced rolling blackouts because of the heightened electricity use of people trying to stay warm, so schools closed early.
Backyard Bible Club experienced an attendance drop to match the drop in temperature. We discovered that one of the girls who had never missed a session had been extracted from her house by Child Protective Services at the beginning of the week. We are praying for her and hoping she is well wherever she is now. Many of the children stayed home because of the cold, or their schedules were altered because of the school cancellations. But the Children who still came were welcomed by the volunteers and enjoyed all the extra attention they received!
As February begins Black History Month, Backyard Bible Club begins Black History Month sessions. So far we’ve read stories about African tradition. We read a story set in Tanzania about a father’s love for his son and we read an African folk-tale about Anansi the spider. We’ll also read a poem written by a black author at the beginning of each session this month. We’re excited to get into more stories about black leaders and innovators as well as the history of segregation and emancipation. We’re excited to recognize the accomplishments and achievements of black figures throughout history, and to show the children we work with that they are part of a long tradition of beautiful people with tremendous hearts.
