Working in the Louis Armstrong Program

Where the Real Magic Happened!

It is really no surprise that the most rewarding part of our service was the work we did with the children in the Manhood Development Program.  Ever the worrier, Joe held a session before our work at Milne, where he addressed possible problems that could occur with us, twelve very white strangers coming into an all African American program.  Boy, did he feel foolish after the first five minutes with the kids!  From the first time we met them, the boys were open, friendly and inviting.  Their hospitality was disarming, and it allowed us to fit right in to the program.  We were able to help the students with homework, tutor those who needed it, and, most importantly, play with them.  There are too many wonderful connections to recount here, but all you need do is to look at the joy in the faces of the kids, and in ours, to understand the degree to which we were touched by these terrific people!

One of the kids in the program plays it cool for the camera.	Mike enjoys a happy moment during dinner.
Jess, Dan and Mike clown around during recreation time.
	Terry, Brian and Mike join "Coach" and some of the boys in a mug for the camera.

One of the more magical experiences was on the basketball court, where the older students were very kind to us, but also where we made connections with all the children.  Maybe there is something to the argument about finding our "inner child."