Hope Horizon East Palo Alto

Today is Day 4, our last day at Hope Horizon. Talking to my teammates, the majority of us are ready for break but also sad to say goodbye to the kids. 

Since it was raining at the start of day, our team worked inside and made personalized cards for each of the students at Hope Horizon. It was pretty cool to see how each of us connected and made memories with the students. While we worked, we played some music, laughed together, and bonded. After we finished our cards, we passed them down the table for each person to sign. We would later give these cards to the kids at the end of the day. 

As the majority of the team prepared to tutor the elementary and middle school students, I, alongside five other teammates, prepared for one of the most important jobs of the day: setting up snacks. Luckily for us, not much cooking was required, as Mrs. Loy already prepared the chips, cheese, and toppings for the nacho bar. Initially, I was disappointed that I would not be spending the last day with the kids, but God reminded me that my work in the kitchen was just as important as working inside of the classroom. Snack time was a success, as the students and staff all enjoyed the food and came back for seconds and even thirds. While we cleaned up, the students began an Easter egg hunt around the campus after being reminded several times to not run around the halls. 

When the students came back from their hunt, they spent the rest of their free time playing games with us and decorating eggs. I had a lot of fun playing Hedbanz and Connect 4, but as time went on, I started to feel a cloud of sadness come over me. I realized that this might be the last time I see these kids. I just started to get to know them, and now it was time for me to leave. I could tell my teammates were feeling the same, as the students gave them long hugs on the way out the door. These moments show how much love was formed between the team and the students. 

We ended the night with a celebratory dinner of BBQ ribs, chicken, and “bussin-bussin” (delicious) macaroni-and-cheese. Before we went home, each of us wrote a word of encouragement for one another. I might be biased, but I really believe that this is the best team and best service trip. I loved every moment of it, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to build relationships with my teammates and students. 

Joe

Today we started by doing an immigration activity. We did a PowerPoint where we talked about immigration with Mrs Amy Joh. Afterwards, we went with our spiritual program groups. The middle school group had already prepared so we connected with each other through some fun board games. Then we went outside and got ice cream for our snack! We played soccer until the kids started arriving. 

Once the kids arrived we went up and started helping them with homework assignments. While we were working on a spelling worksheet, I bonded with a boy over our many shared interests. We also played outside with them. We played volleyball and soccer with all the middle school kids. For dinner, we had Panda Express. 

Afterwards, we began our spiritual program with the kids about Good Friday and Easter. I had a great conversation with the boy from before. We played some more volleyball together before they had to leave. We went inside and had a devotional with Mr Hill. He told us how we are all immigrants to the Kingdom of God.

Overall, it was a great day! Can’t wait to go back tomorrow. 

Ian

Today was another fun-filled day. We started the afternoon cleaning up the HHEPA property, like raking leaves and clearing weeds. After, we had a little snack break of Italian soda and breakfast empanadas. The food team once again battled the wind as we all struggled to keep our paper trays on the table. With a little time to spare before the students arrived, we ran around on their field, playing some sports to keep warm.

Once the kids arrived, we helped them with their homework, such as math and reading. When they were done, they read books to us to practice their reading comprehension. Snack time came again, and we gathered with the middle schoolers outside for more Italian soda and empanadas. They were soon up and running to stay warm. There was a game of volleyball that quickly turned into soccer and another game of basketball. It was clear that the students were happy just to have other kids to play with. After snack time was over, we went back inside to finish up their homework.

After the students left, our parents joined us for dinner and a presentation about poverty presented by Amy Joh, the Director of Partner Engagement. We all enjoyed chicken enchiladas catered by a local restaurant. We then went inside to talk about poverty, specifically the different types and causes. It was an eye-opening experience where I realized that poverty is not exclusive to financial circumstances, but also includes mental and spiritual aspects, among others. We reflected on how, as Christians especially, we should support the impoverished and work to amend the divide between the wealthy and poor.

Overall, it was a great day and can't wait for tomorrow!

Phoebe

Today, we went to Hope Horizon EPA with a little idea of what we would be doing, but got a chance to go out of our comfort zones. I got assigned to the food prep team and helped Mrs Loy with serving the nacho bar to all the kids, staff, and our service team. We had to be a bit flexible after lots and lots of wind outside where we had been serving the food, which meant we lost quite a few chips! But the kids loved the food and came back for seconds and thirds.

We also played outside with the kids in huge, hectic games of soccer. Some of the kids who wanted to play tag also began their own game tagging many of us playing soccer, adding to the fun! 

My favorite part of the day was the spiritual program with the Middle school kids. It was their fellowship night, so we played a fun card games with them. We mainly played throw throw burrito and it was so fun, but also very intense. Sadly for our service team, the kids won every game we played, but it was super fun to play with them and watch how invested we all got! It was the perfect time to connect with the kids over throwing squishy burritos at the kids. The room was filled with so much laughter and overall a great time for all of us! 

-Anna

"For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all mankind."         1 Timothy 4:10 (NASB)

The excitement is building throughout the TKA campus as we prepare to serve our local communities in the name of Jesus Christ! It has been over two years since our students have had the privilege of serving beyond our campus. And although we may not be traveling beyond our borders this year, we have the honor of serving locally throughout the Bay Area! 

Hope Horizon East Palo Alto (formerly known as Bay Area Christian Ministries) has been serving East Palo Alto and the surrounding community since 1984. This beautiful organization is located in the heart of the East Palo Alto community and provides EPA youth with after-school and summer programming. Hope Horizon EPA desires to be an open door for EPA youth where these students, and their families, can experience the transformational love of Jesus Christ, gain life skills, and develop as leaders.

Our amazing team of 20 TKA high school students will be serving the elementary and middle school students at Hope Horizon EPA by providing daily academic tutoring, connecting with the students through outdoor games and activities, serving fun snacks and dinner, and leading a Spiritual program each evening. 

My prayer for our service week is that our students not only make deep connections with the Hope Horizon EPA students, but that our students' hearts will be impacted for this beautiful community. I pray that our students will keep the words found in Hebrews 6:10 in mind as they serve:

"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them."

We invite you to pray alongside us as we serve! And may God be glorified in all we do as we serve Him with all of our hearts!

Blessings!

Michele Duncan

Keep an eye on our daily activities! 

Hope Horizon EPA Service Trip Photos