And the Light Comes Flooding In…
This week was an exciting week. We started getting new windows at Porkland and started our 2024-25 school year. Both of these things were incredible to see and are beautiful moments of community transformation in different ways. They are also great parallels of one another.
The old windows at Porkland are remnants of an era of fear in our neighborhood. Chain linked with a mix of translucent glass, frosted plexiglass, and plywood, they were made to do the job: let in some light while offering maximum protection. For six years I have seen cars enter the parking lot, only recognizing them as distorted shapes through the windows. A couple of years ago we were able to replace the basement windows in the Mackin, a remnant from the same time period, blocked up and covered out of fear. But as is said in 1 John, there is no fear in Love, but perfect Love casts out fear. And as our team strives to Love perfectly, it was time for fear to be cast out and light to be let in. And in it came, with only half of the building done still, it is amazing how much light it has let in and how much of a difference it makes in the atmosphere. Stop by the Fish Fry today to check it out in person.
A view of the new windows at Porkland, windows by Kentucky Mirror and Plate Glass
Letting this light in is also what happened at the school this week. The first week can be stressful for staff and teachers. Minds wander trying to figure out what hasn’t been thought of. Teachers scramble to try and plan for optimum education and perfect classroom setups. But none of it matters when the light comes in. When the joy of the kids radiate in this first week, as they return and get to see friends, and once again receive the Love that Mighty Oak excels at delivering. I tried to think about my own open houses, I couldn’t remember seeing myself or many of my peers running up to hug teachers, much less staff members. But as I got the opportunity to greet people at the open house, all I saw was kids running up and jumping into the arms of our whole team. Their Love casting out all fear, the light in their eyes filling the whole building with their anticipation. There will still be kinks to work out, kids having bad days, and those days that feel like there are a million fires to extinguish, but through it all, there will be Love.
While the windows help to create an amazing bright feeling in Porkland and help with energy efficiency, they also serve another important role. Getting the new windows upstairs lays the groundwork for us being able to build more classrooms above Porkland. The ultimate goal of the school is to have PreK-12th grade: diapers to graduation caps. A system that will let kids spend their first 18 years in an environment that surrounds them in Love and empowers them to change their community. A whole generation of students that will go throughout the whole neighborhood, tearing off boarded up windows and any remnants of fear, and offer restoration. A generation that will spread their Love and take their light throughout the whole of the neighborhood, a Kingdom generation that will do in Portland as in Heaven.
A group of families listening in to some information about the school year at Open House
Weeks like this week, while hard, busy, and at times chaotic help give us glimpses into what the future holds. Encourages us that real change is happening. Allows us to share with you how much your support is doing in our community. It is so good just to see the light come flooding in.
Ethan
Merriment!!!
Merriment is open for business Thursday and Friday 11am-6pm and Saturday from 11am-4pm. Donations can be dropped off Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am-4pm. If you have any questions or to confirm a drop off time please call (502) 901-1105. We hope to see you soon!!
School Supplies List!!!
A great way to help support Mighty Oak Academy is through our Amazon Wish List. We have items on there for $1 and items on there for $200 so no matter how much you are able to give you can get involved. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far. We appreciate you, support here https://a.co/4IDGPaN.
Fish Fry OPEN!!!
Stop by the Fish Fry to grab lunch, or bring the family for dinner, or just grab a bite while you check out the new windows!! Churched Up Tots or a Fried Fish Sandwich. However you do it, We’d love to see you!!!
If you are interested in volunteering or to find out more information about supplies needed please email: info@lovecityinc.org or call (502) 272-078.