Impromptu Art Class
Our girls had an impromptu art class this afternoon, taught by our sweet neighbor across the street.
Looking for a sunny spot, they had decided to set up a quilt on her driveway, and within a couple of minutes our friend came out with her art supplies in-hand. They chatted for a bit as she showed the girls her most recent pictures. They asked lots of questions, telling her several times, “You’re so talented! I love that picture!”
Then, she sat down and joined them! She turned to a page in her notebook and started giving them a little instruction on how to draw an angel. They watched her every move, asking questions and following along as she guided them through the process. “Mom, we’re learning to draw an angel. This is so fun!” Kristin exclaimed.
They continued chatting and drawing, adding details to their art as they shared details about their days. They changed topics easily, from favorite foods to books they’re reading, to gardening.
At one point, I noticed Kaylynn asking really specific questions. Knowing our girl, I figured out quickly what she was doing. She was subtly taking notes about their conversation, jotting down a few of our friend’s favorite things, saving up ideas for later. She somehow even managed to get her shoe size.
“Maybe we can do this again another day!” Kristin said, as they wrapped up their time together coming inside for dinner.
“I’d love that,” our neighbor replied.
They began to clean up their supplies, Kaylynn running back across the street, telling me what I already knew.
“Mom,” she said quietly excited, “she really loves paint! I wrote down a few of her favorite things, and I’d like to buy her a couple of surprises the next time we go out. I can use my Christmas money.”
As they finished folding up their blanket and said goodbye to our friend, I sat across the street, tears forming in the corners of my eyes. “This is all because of those years around the table at Breakfast Club,” I said to Dustin.
All of those Sunday mornings we spent sitting around a table with our friends in Peoria who were homeless. All of those hours filled with chatting and listening to stories and connecting over biscuits and gravy. In all of those moments, we were learning so much - the importance of really seeing people, the power of giving AND receiving, and the beauty in honoring the Imago Dei (the image of God) in every single person. We’re thankful for those lessons and love watching our girls flourish in this village we get to call home.
