City Lights

Tawny's Story

...by Gerry Chappeau

Tawny came here for spring break in March for 6 days from Ft Dodge, Iowa. Never had been that far from home before. Never for that long either. Never been in a big city. Two years of Junior College without knowing why. Planning to attend cosmetology school.

Wants to be a hairdresser. And a mom. That's it.

Tawny cried as she left 6 days later. Confessed to the struggle of going home. Her world had been turned upside down in 6 days, and she was somewhat afraid she wouldn't fit in Ft Dodge after being here. She was hesitant to ask, not being a `regular student' or anything, but wondered if there was "anything at all someone like her might do for the summer".

Tawny joined 24 other interns to become the summer intern team: Asians, Africans, African-Americans, Texans, Ivy League Coed, Pre-meds, and Architects, Musicians and Teachers from 13 colleges and universities across the country. Tawny was afraid she was in over her head, but timidly confident she was exactly where God wanted her. Tawny was selected for a teaching team of 13 to lead the summer day camp for 50 inner city children from one of the poorest zip codes in all of America. Most of the children attended the "worst elementary school" in the entire state of Missouri (later in the summer it was actually closed down-2.3% of its kids performing at grade level by the time they're 10).

Tawny came to "try" to help make a difference. She did. She really did.

Her kids fell in love with her, her gentleness, her faithfulness, her sacrificial efforts, her vulnerability, her encouragements and hugs, her laughter and tears, her love, (and her ready testimony that it was really His love) were used by God to care for and encourage scores of people. And Tawny found, to her surprise perhaps, that she could make a difference. God could use her, and others could be changed through her gifts. Her astonishment led to tears, and gratitude. She went home 2 months later knowing that the biggest difference from the summer was in her. And that she could never be the same.

She had no idea what that could mean in Ft Dodge, but now she is determined to find out.

A couple days ago, I received an email from Tawny. She had just been recommended to help develop and lead a K-8 after school ministry outreach that God is raising up to work among the vulnerable and (euphemistically called) "at risk" children on the edges of the Ft Dodge community — in the neighborhood they call "The Flats". Well, they hired her to direct this new work. They said she seems 'perfect'. "Oh, and God willing, I will start back to college in January. A 4 year degree in Early Child Development and Elementary Education." Tawny found gifts she didn't know she had, and God's calling on her heart at the same time.

I wonder what that is worth? Priceless, I think.