May 1, 2015
Dear Family and Friends,
I remember going to school when I was growing up. I always loved my teachers and thought they were so nice, and beautiful, and perfect. It always threw me for a loop, however, when I would see them in public (outside of school hours)—the grocery store, the park, or some sort of event. It was so strange to know that they had other lives outside of just teaching us. They were normal humans!
I believe my students here at Los Angeles Christian School know very well that I am a normal human, and that makes me so happy. They see me outside of school all the time since World Impact has created an interconnected environment for our school families. This year in particular, our administration asked us to make it a priority to make “home visits” to each family at least once. With only 10 students, it’s not extremely difficult. And for me, I couldn’t have been more excited! I love when I am invited to a family’s house for a birthday party, for dinner, or just to hang out. But this year, the families who sometimes try to fall between the cracks would not have that option.
So far, my favorite part of setting up “house visits” has been seeing and sensing the excitement from the students and their families. As I showed up at one of my student’s houses (who I have visited other times interestingly enough), I knocked on the door and heard running footsteps of three children. Literally, all the siblings were bolting to the door screaming, “It’s Miss Hammond! Miss Hammond is here! Open the door, hurry!” I could not keep from laughing and feeling so loved.
As we ate dinner her parents shared that not only my student but her older brother (who I had in my class three years ago) and her older sister couldn’t stop talking about my visit since they had gotten home from school. They were so ready to host me in their home! In fact, my student was finding it hard to even eat her dinner because she was so distracted and excited to have her teacher eating dinner with her. She was scolded a number of times for playing with my hair, laying in my lap, and just wanting to hug me and hold me while I was trying to eat. It was honestly one of the most precious moments I have ever experienced. Just simple, pure, comfortable, uninhibited love.
I am continuously blessed to be a part of this ministry, and I enjoy learning more about the Lord even as I minister. I would love for you to partner with me in transforming this community for Christ if you are not already. Feel free to email me at jhammond@worldimpact.org or call me at (213) 434-7486 if you would like to hear about how you can be a part of my support team here in Los Angeles. Thanks for your prayers and financial support and of course, your unconditional love.
In Him,
Jennifer