“Lights In Dark Places”

By: Le’Jon April

It was a sunny morning and the damp roads were covered with mud. We were anxious to get to JEHO for Day 2 of the Necessary Arts Outreach program. I looked out the window in the Pipeline District and watched the members of the community begin their day. There were men washing cars, women carrying baskets on their heads and lots of cars at a standstill in traffic. I was so excited, I thought to myself, maybe we could get out and walk the rest of the way? I didn’t want to waste any more time and I wanted to make sure we maximized all of our activities today. But my patience would have to kick in because today would be met with many challenges.

After turning around several times because of  huge sink holes and gigantic mud puddles that were making it hard to cross the road, we finally arrived. As we arrived Pastor Joseph escorted us inside through the mud puddles that led to the doorway. The children were all standing inside of Jeho in the dark. We looked confused wondered what was going on. Pastor Joseph quickly explained that the power was out in the neighborhood and hopefully would be restored soon. Today we were memorizing theatre scripts and assumed that this would be a difficult task to do without any lights. We immediately went on with our schedule and made the best of the situation with natural sunlight. It appeared as if, the sun was rising  and setting over and over again over Jeho today. What would we do? How would we accomplish our task? These are the questions that ran through my mind.

The kids gathered together in a circle and we began our warm up games and practiced our scripts. They were still engaged throughout the entire process. I was amazed. Their hearts were there and so were their minds. We went on to learn our scripts and were able to record them as well! As we were practicing our lines, every 5 minutes the second youngest in our groups Grace, who is 2 years old, would interrupt the children. She wanted a moment to shine as well. She took their scripts and began to laugh and dance. It was as if she was acting out the behaviors she saw the others acting out. We were all amused by her. Soon it was time for the students to share their gifts and talents. The kids ran up to the front of the stage and began to sing and dance and soon, baby Grace came up in front of them and took the stage too. They all began to follow her lead. The kids asked us if they could play musical chairs. Our first thoughts were, we don’t have any way of playing music? They began to make music with their chairs! My heart was overwhelmed, these amazing children, have mastered making the best of every circumstance with just enough, they were the bright lights shining in all the dark places that surrounded them.

As we ended our day Pastor Joseph brought baby Grace over to us and gave her many kisses. He told us how when they found Grace near by, she was covered in ants, face down, with her mouth sealed shut. It was a miracle that she was alive. He explained that she is always the “life of the party.” His words were humbling. We smiled and hugged baby Grace, we were equally glad that she lived through such tragic circumstances. Grace and all the wonderful kids at JEHO have overcome various circumstances and have learned to make the best of their circumstances. They were absolutely the light in the darkness that surrounded them, in their home and their community. I was very excited and enjoyed the privilege that the Necessary Arts team was considered family and able to share in these priceless moments with the JEHO Family.