I am so thankful God keeps allowing me to return to Parmelee. I was so worried I wouldn’t be able to make this trip due to finals week. Although the timing was not perfect and probably should have spent the time studying, I knew I could not miss the opportunity. Of course, with snow on the ground, snowballs are going to fly. The first day we arrived we had the world’s longest snowball fight. I had such a blast even though it was freezing cold outside and the snowballs left bruises. I definitely learned and experienced the meaning of “white washed.” The boys that joined us were around eight years old.
There was an older boy that was about 15 years old who caught my attention. Sometimes it is rare for older guys to go to the Boy’s and Girl’s Club, so I tried to spark a conversation with him. He was very quiet, so of course being my talkative self, I tried to talk to him. I noticed him and a friend were making snowballs and storing them in a sled for backup ammo. I thought it would be a good idea to try to steal the sled and of course, it did not work out too well. He still struggled talking to me. He returned later that evening, and I asked him if he would like to play basketball with me. I continued by asking his name and he answered simply, “Jeremy.” Automatically was surprised. Could it be “thee” Jeremy, the Jeremy would we called the police on the first time we visited Parmelee? The Jeremy who stabbed someone the week before we arrived in July? The Jeremy we witnessed being taken to juvie for his warrant? Yes, it was him. I caught myself regretting every conversation, every sled I tried to steal, and every snowball thrown in his direction. I was worried. He was not allowed on the property and is now playing basketball with me. How does this happen? It still bugs me that I judged Jeremy that night. I realize how judgmental our society is. I can’t even imagine going through what he goes through on a daily basis.
He has completely changed, for the better. I loved to see the difference in his personality and life. He is an amazing young man and I learned so much from him on this trip. I realize my life is okay. I shouldn’t complain. My struggles in my life could be so much worse. They aren’t bad compared to others. Jeremy has hope; he wants to change. I can see God working in his life and it’s amazing. These kids are strong. They continue teaching me, not only about their culture, but mostly about myself.
--Maggie
