Learning to Love a Community

Written by: Jungsoo Shim | Intern at Willowtree

Time goes by so quickly. As I reflect on the past two weeks of Sonshine Day Camp at Willowtree, I realize how blessed I am to serve there. 

Willowtree is a neighbourhood of housing complexes provided by Toronto Community Housing. There are multiple low-rise buildings, 4 parking lots, a playground, a swimming pool, and 2 basketball courts. It’s a little confusing to navigate through the area, but I have grown accustomed to it. The community is small and friendly. I learned not to be so shy whenever I walked around the neighbourhood. People are welcoming, they like to smile and greet one another. I was encouraged to initiate greetings with people I’ve never met before.

The kids love coming to camp and are always eager to join. On Mondays and Wednesdays, we have two sessions. For each session, we start with a fun activity, then go into our Bible lesson and activity, and end with snacks. On Tuesdays, Katherine (the Outreach Worker of the Willowtree site) teaches the kids to play ukulele and I would play basketball with the kids at the court (2:00PM - 4:30PM). On Thursdays, we meet with the kids online (4:30PM - 6:30PM) to tutor and play some games.

I think the most rewarding moments come from spending time with the campers. Whether it be listening to them speak, playing games with them, or teaching them something new - these moments allow me to get to know them and build a relationship with them. 

I have a desire to pray for the kids in Willowtree. I pray for their relationships, future, and their intimacy with God. It also motivates me to develop my relationship with God, so that I am able to share the joys of knowing Him and being in a relationship with Him.

May God continue to work in the Willowtree community, so that more would experience His goodness through hearing and reading the Word. May He become the center of their lives.