MYF Newsletter
A look at social justice in Washington, D.C. from June 30- July 5, 2010
by the Raleigh Mennonite Church Jr. and Sr. High.
Can Soccer And Fireworks
Change The World?
By Janelle Bitikofer, MYF Leader
We spent Fourth of July in the
U.S. capital, dishing up lunch for
more than 150 homeless
women and men, in a soup
kitchen in the basement of a
church with stained glass
windows. The tables were full,
and the holiday chicken dinners
celebrating the founding of one
of the richest nations on Earth
disappeared quickly into hungry,
reaching hands.
The lunch crowd arrived, some
alone, some in groups. Over
100 men, a few women, and
one little boy, aged three, slid
into seats at long tables. They
stashed their few possessions
beneath the chairs by their feet.
Some greeted each other,
already aquainted from the
streets, or from eating here
before. Five middle-aged Latino
men hurried through their
chicken dinners, then started
their weekly card game at their
notorious table by the door.
There was a community here.
But for us, it was only our
second day. We were visitors.
All we carried were trays of food
in clean, white, latexed hands.
As an outsider I appreciated
how much the staff really cared
about the lunchers here. They
spent their days-off from other
jobs, every week, handing out
meals, hand-shakes, and
smiles. But of course the
volunteers were mostly white,
and the lunchers were mainly
African-American, with tiny
groups of Latinos scattered here
and there.
I wondered how all these folks
could celebrate "Independence
Day," with enthusiasm, in a
country where they were clearly
living on society's bottom rung.
I could see that many in our
volunteer group felt out of
place. We were helping, but not
much. A chicken dinner is only
a band-aid to hunger and
homelessness. And we knew
nothing about these peoples'
lives. Could we ever make an
impact? Were we just token
middle-class folks spending a
few measley days handing out
food, as if that was fixing the
problem of poverty? There was
a silent barrier between the two
groups -- the helpers and the
helpees. And what was the
point in that? There was no
way here to make a permanent
change in a life, because we
were new, and there was no
relationship to build on.
But there were two things we all
had in common that day at
lunch, I found. Despite the
inequalities; despite the fact
that so much in our country and
our world still clearly needs to
improve and to change. Still, no
matter what color our hands
were, and no matter which side
of the dinner plate those hands
were on, we all cared about at
the same two things on that
July 4th afternoon. 1.) It was
the day of the World Cup
quarter-finals, and 2.) the fouth
of July fireworks were
coming soon!
People tell me it's hard to talk to
"the homeless." It's "scary" to
try to start a conversation with
people who are different from
me and you. We don't know
where to start. It's even harder
if we find ourselves members of
the middle class or the wealthy
minority, trying to come along-
side and build friendships with
people who we think might be
offended by our wealth and our
questions, or upset by our clear
lack of understanding about
what their lives are really like,
and what their dreams are
really about.
But on this day, at this soup
kitchen, with just one question -
- "Where's the best place to see
fireworks in DC?" --- my friend
Natalie and I received a wealth
of guidance, wisdom, and a few
invitations to join our
welcoming, lunching friends. We
got invited to dance with a
group of Latino's beneath the
fireworks down at the river's
edge at 6pm. We jotted down
directions to several great
"family friendly" picnic spots
shared by a group of seemingly
single, homeless, men --- one of
whom said he missed his eight
year old son very much, but
that he and the son's mother
had gotten a divorce and now
he didn't know where they lived.
We also got insider-advice to
watch the fireworks from atop a
bridge over the water. This was
recommended to us by a
lunching man who "used to
work down that way when I
worked for the city, before I lost
my job awhile back."

And beyond the discussion of
fireworks there were the
rivalries that got people
laughing, arguing, and punching
each other lightly on the
shoulder regarding that
morning's winners and losers in
the World Cup in South Africa.
As we cleaned up after the
meal, one of our teens stood
outside the kitchen door joking
with a group of Latino guys
about a recent World-Cup loss.
As their laughter and banter got
louder, the kitchen crew, both
staff and volunteers, turned
toward the chatter, pausing
their work. I smiled.
It seems conversations that can
put us all on equal footing are
not hard to initiate after all.
Most everyone loves a
celebration, a good sports
game, a certain kind of music, a
pet, a child, or an old friend or
relative who used to make fresh
baked rolls. All we have to do is
start with a simple conversation
and build the relationship from
there. And while a plate of food,
a puppet show at the shelter,
and a bed to sleep on are great
beginnings in the fight against
poverty, I believe it is
relationships that change each
one of use. Perhaps it is also
our relationships that can finally
have an impact on the problem
of poverty -- one person, one
conversation, one friendship at
a time.

Sojourning with Sojourners:

A DC Memory
By Ari Chenlo, Age 16

After a five hour drive, the Raleigh

Mennonite youth quickly unloaded countless
bags of empty oatmeal cans, snacks to last a life
time, and more sleeping bags than one could
imagine. After the twenty minute unloading
adventure, the youth took a quick bathroom
break and munched briskly on a snack as
everyone prepared to embark on their first true expedition in the city.
Anxiously waiting to see the capital of the country, the MYF went
on a fifteen minute walk to the nearest Metro stop; Prince George’s
Plaza, better known as Prince Charming to the youth and their leaders.
As the group purchased their metro passes and figured out where their
next stop would be, a security guard approached them to inform them
that the station where they were wishing to get off was closed due to a
bomb threat. Suddenly squirming to find an alternate route, the MYF
finally boarded the metro on their way to Sojourners Magazine’s
headquarters.
As the doors of the elevator opened, it was evident that
Sojourners was a place for hard work and rich history, and the MYF
learned so through listening to three staff members;
Sojourners magazine, which appears monthly, was first
published in 1971. Originally known as The Post-American, the
publication began when a group of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
students began to meet regularly, discussing the relationship between
their faith and politics. Thus, the first publication of The Post-American
emerged. Currently, the magazine chooses to focus on social justice,
life and peace, and environmental awareness. Alongside their
commitment to the written word, a handful of its staff members live in
community; sharing their faith, getting involved in their neighborhood,
and organizing events, while working for the magazine at the same
time.
Sojourners’ work with community is amazing. Living in
community really reminded me of our own Service Adventure except
for the fact that they work for the magazine rather than do service as
their work. Talking to the interns allowed me to see how they use their
own talents to do something awesome for God and the world. Many
times I sit and wonder what in the world I’m good at and how I can
use that for God’s kingdom. I’m not going to lie, I have a hard time of
thinking of these sometimes, but I realized that the things I’m good at
don’t necessarily have to be singing or dancing or be brilliant. Rather,
the mere fact that I can be a complete goof helps others open up
making it easier to share God’s love with them.

Jamila Larson
By Sharada Weaver, Age 11

Jamila Larson is one talented

person. One of the great things
about her is she cares for young
kids and families who have
trouble but who also don’t have
homes. Jamila got interested in
helping children when her
godmother suggested being a
social worker. At first she didn’t
really want to. Later on, she got
interested. One of the things
that got her interested is black
and white pictures spoke to her
and meant something to her.
They told her that she should
help. Or consider it. So then she
moved to DC, to help the
Children’s defense center, after
college.
Her parents suggested doing
something called Habitat for
Humanity. While she was
interested in helping homeless
kids, she volunteered to help
with Habitat. Later, she went to
a homeless shelter and she saw
rows and rows of metal beds.
Most homeless kids were
barefoot. Another thing at the
shelter that didn’t seem quit
right was the people there kept
the toys locked up so the kids
wouldn’t make a mess. Now,
kids today probably all have
toys to play with. And it isn’t
fair if these kids don’t have any
toys to play with. Jamila knew
that wasn’t right. So she
decided she should ask people
to help. Jamila knew that the
kids should have a room to play
in. And she announce to the
staff that the kids should have a
play room. The people also
thought the kids shouldn’t have
many snacks, toilet paper, soap,
and other things, so that the
homeless families would not get
too comfortable, and would not
feel at home at the shelter.
Sometimes in homeless shelters
if there are families with maybe
an older boy, like age sixteen.
They can’t stay with their
family. The reason is because
the people think that older
boy/s could scare the younger
kids. So older boys have to go
to a different shelter with
homeless men and care for
themselves.
When you walk down the street,
you usually see homeless men.
Right? Why is that? They say
that homeless men are more
visible than families. They call
the families the hidden families.
Later on, when Jamila worked
and helped the kids at the big
DC shelter, they had to switch
shelters, and put the kids
somewhere else, because the
shelter wasn‘t good for kids. At
the new shelter, some of the
helpers there wanted to cheer
up the kids, by having a
carnival, and sometimes they
had an ice cream truck come by
with free ice cream! The
volunteers of Jamila’s
organization, the Playtime
Project, go every week to play
with little kids at the D.C.
shelters.
I think what Jamila has done is
a great thing. It has inspired me
to be more open to homeless
people. And that they probably
have more trouble than us. And
I think we shouldn’t be as upset
about the little things that we
loose, because if you think of
people who don’t have homes,
it’s different. For example, in a
big storm we can loose power
and yes, we complain. But if you
think about it at least we have
shelter and a home. Some of
these people don’t have homes,
which is sad to lots of people.
We know that the world has
changed a lot and still some
things haven’t. But the Playtime
Project people try to make the
world a better place, especially
for these kids. And we know
that Jamila has helped changed
the world for some of these
kids, here. And we know that
she will never give up trying.
She is amazing at her job and
always will be!

Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen

By Anali Martin, Age 13

After taking the metro to Colombia Heights, we went to the ground

floor of St. Stephens Episcopal Church to serve at Loaves and Fishes
Soup Kitchen. We came into the kitchen that resembled a regular
cafeteria kitchen. Waiting for us to serve were four other volunteers
and three massive trays of Shepherd’s Pie. We put on our latex gloves
and got to work putting together about 300 plates of food and serving
almost 150 people.

On our second day there, serving around 250 people and having about
10 more volunteers, we served a hearty meal of chicken, green beans,
rolls, and festive cookies to celebrate the Fourth of July. In the kitchen
it was packed and toasty with a group of 12 people in the assembly
line making about 350 plates of food, along with people doing
inventory of giant cans of baked beans and boxed instant potato
flakes. Nearing the end of our time, we were interrupted by people
bringing communion down for the volunteers and homeless. Most
people stopped the lunch preparation to take the offering.

This was the normal routine of Loaves and Fishes that started in 1968.
We got the privilege of working with some of the people who had been
there since the beginning. Loaves and Fishes was started at St.
Stephens when people from the streets to the afternoon coffee social
on Sundays, going there for a free meal. Most DC soup kitchens serve
only on the weekdays, so Loaves and Fishes serves on the weekends
and federal holidays that land on Mondays. There were various jobs
like serving, making plates, dish washing, inventory, and talking with
the homeless. It was cool to chat with the people you would see
sleeping near the metro or living in Moore Square here in Raleigh.

After serving the yummy smelling food until 2 o’clock with no lunch,
we were ready for a rest and meal. But after we left we were still
talking about it that evening at our discussions. Some people as I said
had been able to talk with the lunchers about their day and casual
conversation. We also talked with the volunteers about their time with
Loaves and Fishes. We learned that treating everyone equally made
serving and conversation easier and more pleasant. It was another
experience with the homeless that gave us an opportunity to learn.

Bill Mackaye
By Leah Weaver, Age 14

When asked his profession, Bill

MacKaye will tell you that he’s
an editor and writer, and
occasionally a guest greeter. If
you visit Loaves and Fishes
Soup Kitchen, however, you’ll
soon learn that Bill is much
more than that – he’s a
dedicated volunteer.

For over forty years, Mr.

MacKaye has been giving up his
weekends – and the occasional
To me, this is just amazing.
Monday – to come and serve
How could someone stick with
food to the homeless at Loaves
one thing for so long? With all
and Fishes. He’s been here ever
the change taking place in the
since the program began, and
world, it takes a lot of
he doesn’t think he’ll be leaving
dedication to stay steadfast and
anytime soon. “It’s not a burden
loyal to one place and a group
[to come and serve]; it’s just
of people. For MacKaye, the
the way I live,” explains
programs he volunteers at
MacKaye. “I don’t see a point in
become part of his life. So much
looking for a new thing.”
so, in fact, that he is on the
management board for Loaves
and Fishes. The board raises the
money for the program – it
costs about $120,000 a year –
and brings in other churches to
help support and provide the
weekend meals.
Loaves and Fishes is an
especially important food
kitchen, according to Bill,
because most places are open
only Monday through Friday.
There has to be a place for the
people to eat over the weekend,
and it is for this reason that
Loaves and Fishes is open solely
on Saturdays and Sundays, as
well as federal holidays that fall
on Mondays.
Loves and Fishes is also unique
because of its dislike for
regulations. “We don’t ask
questions, we don’t check ID,”
says Bill. It’s because of this
that anyone – even people who
aren’t homeless – are able to
receive food at the kitchen. This
is also why, despite the
kitchen’s wishes, people could
be selling the free meals on
street corners, or fibbing about
a sick friend to get an extra
meal. “We provide what we
can.”
The volunteers at Loaves and
Fishes, especially Bill MacKaye,
are focused on one thing: to
carry out their mission. And it’s
what they’ve been doing, ever
since 1968.

The Love of God and Sock Puppets

By Erin Martin, Age 16
“Cinderella, dressed in yella’” rang
throughout the first floor at the DC
General Shelter. The kids were busy
jumping rope, making sock puppets and
drums, putting on puppet shows, chowing
down on pretzel sticks and carrots, and
playing all number of games. We thought
because we had gone the night before to
work with the kids, today would be a
snap; little did we know that five little kids
could be such a handful. Even though
between the 11 of us “supervisors” we
were all almost always busy, I had time
enough to learn a little about myself, my
peers, and the children we were working
with:
1. Amy is a master with the glue gun,
 and Leah makes awesome sock puppets.
2. I am not as good at jump rope as I thought.
3. These children are just like any others I’ve met. You would
never guess that they live from meal to meal every day, not
knowing if they’ll be able to sleep in the same place that night.
They’re full of so much happiness and love that you can’t help
but want to snuggle them up and take them home.
4. God’s love shone through to me in the kids smiles, in their hugs,
and in their constant eagerness for my attention and approval. I
felt loved and wanted, felt like God was telling me “These kids
need you, these kids are my sign of love to you.”

The Children of DC General

By Hillary Lobar, MYF Leader

The new grass

stands tall, frosted with dew
as if the tears of God himself have blessed it
or marked it with the Curse.

Our feet
nestled warmly in our shoes, tread upon it.
It’s certainly not our fault, we say,
The seeds which gave rise to the grass
should have been more careful
about where they had fallen.
The grass
should have chosen safer soil,
somewhere less in our way.
 After all, it’s certainly not our fault.
We do not sin walking upon it.
It will spring back up—
Grass is resilient, isn’t it?

Isn’t it?

Eating is Fun- by far the cook-out at the home

of Erin and Anali’s aunt and
damental uncle. Thanks, Martin Claasen
By Amy Vercler, MYF Leader family!

The willingness to try new Latin America

things in general and the
willingness to try new foods in
particular are valuable life skills,
particularly when traveling.
Washington D.C. is a delicious
melting pot of cultures and food
from around the globe.
Thankfully, the MYF was
adventurous enough to try food
from four different continents
during our visit. Our culinary
travels covered North America,
Latin America, Europe and Asia.
One of the highlights of our
victual visits was the empanada
restaurant in Columbia Heights.
Empanadas, baked dough
pockets filled with sweet or
savory goodness, are a
traditional staple in a number of
Latin American countries. Our
brief stop at the Smithsonian
Folklife Festival also yielded
some of the group a tasting of
authentic Mexican soda and
burritos.

North America Europe

Unfortunately, our interaction
with North American food was
mostly the stereotypical fast
food fatty fare. Our stops
included Wendy’s, Chick-Fil-A,
Subway, a mall food court, and
Ruby Tuesday’s. The ever
health conscious youth,
however, chose wisely and
avoided the dread obesity. The
best meal in this category was
Maybe this is a stretch, but we
ordered pizza one night. Pizza
is generally thought to have
originated in Italy. Italy is in
Europe. It was delicious.
Asia
An evening meal at a
Vietnamese restaurant with
Jamila Larson from the Playtime
Project expanded our horizons
to Asia. Although the service
was so slow that some members
of our party did not get their
food until it was time to leave,
those of us who did get to eat
really enjoyed it. Noodles,
spice, vegetables, spring rolls…
yumtastic. On another day, the
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
served up chicken masala and
mango lassis for part of the
group. The classic Indian dish
of spicy sauced chicken with rice
and cooling mango yogurt drink
hit the spot on a steamy
evening.
While not everyone liked the
food at every place we ate, they
all demonstrated a remarkable
aptitude for adapting to the
situation. And best of all, no
one got food poisoning!

Recreation
By David Allemang, Age 12 & Sam Weaver, Age 11

The Zoo
One evening we decided to go to the zoo because Natalie wanted to
see zebras, Anali wanted to see giraffes, Ari wanted to see elephants,
and Leah wanted to see seals. When we went to the zoo, however,
there wasn’t much to do there. It was after 6 so most of the exhibits
were closed. First of all, Sean gave bad directions so we walked a mile
out of the way before we got to the zoo. Then, there were only two
animals there: an Emu, and a type of cat. To make up for the lack of
animals, everyone there was joking that there were a lot of “baby
cheetahs before the cocoon stage.” The only animals there were an
abundance of small songbirds. We (for some weird reason) started
calling them baby cheetahs that had just hatched, but hadn’t reached
the cocoon stage. Other than that, there wasn’t much to do, since
everything was closed.

The Fireworks
The fireworks on July 4th were amazing. We watched them sitting on
the mall, looking toward the Washington Monument. When we got
there it was rather crowded but we found a good spot to lay out the
stuff. We had brought a soccer ball so some of us went to pass the ball
around. When it got darker everyone grouped up and sat in wait of the
marvelous show that was about to unfold. It was not short in coming,
and soon the sky was filled with bursts of blues and greens and other
magnificent hues. We sat awestruck until it was finally over 13
minutes later. We then got up and had to wait in a line for the metro
and took about thirty minutes getting back.

International Spy Museum

At the International spy museum busy days are incredibly busy. The
line that covered most of the first floor also extended out onto the
street. It probably took about forty minutes to get into the museum
part of the building. Once we were inside,we were supposed to pick
an undercover identity. My name was Billy Henderson. I was 13.
Afterward all the “undercover agents” entered another room to watch
a video about spying. Honestly I didn’t really get the point of it. At
the very end of our self guided tour, we had to take a test about our
secret identity. I lost. We then stopped by the gift shop, and each of
us got a souvenir.

Metro
Our main source of travel was of course the metro. We would walk
from the house where we were staying to the metro station at Prince
George’s Plaza. We used mostly the green and blue lines.
This was how we got to many places including the homeless shelter,
Fireworks and the Soup kitchen. The main thing we will probably
remember about the metro is how crowded it was after the fireworks. I
remember being able to pull myself up with the bars and let go and
still be elevated!
Hillary Lobar and friend Angel at Serving up lunch at the soup
the Shelter kitchen on July 4th.

Ariana Chenlo with a youngster Making Shepherd’s Pie at

at The Playtime Project at DC Shepherd’s Table July 3rd.
General Hypothermia shelter.

Playing and making friends at

Teaching Puppet and Drum- the Playtime Project
making at DC General