Week 6:
Influence, Connection and Midway!

July 27, 2021

This past week has been characterized by building connections. As young leaders working in this camp, we have realized that connection is foundational in the process of influence. And I am so delighted to share that all the leaders planning, organizing, and working in the camp are very intentional and creative about ‘connection.’ That’s what brings us closer, human beings who were weird strangers today find smiles, laughter, and funny moments daily.

Morning assemblies are always fun to begin with- every day begins with songs and stories, populated with energy and excitement. Here, Reverends Burn and Katie are preparing for the morning assembly.

Art in the camp continues to bring much joy to the kids. It is especially refreshing to witness the kind of ideas kids develop over time. I find much pleasure in seeing kids articulate their ideas and exhibit creative thought.

One of the best times of communion, and connection, is food time. We share 2 meals and a snack every day. By this time, it’s impossible to miss each kid’s personal favorites. This past week we had pizzas one of the days, and kids were just joyous eating pizza.

Here’s us playing with legos- I believe between art and ‘imagination station,’ it’s truly brilliant to see how a kid can take an idea and develop it into something. They bring a totally different thought process to the table.

I love being outside, playing together with the kids in the park.

It was also Eid Al Adha for Muslims this week. I was enthused to see our Fourth Church community members wishing me Happy Eid.

This week was particularly exciting because I also visited Texas over the weekend and came back on Sunday. This is a picture of me close to JFK Memorial- the building in the back is where the shooter had fired from.

I continue to present on different topics as part of the series of Introduction to Islam classes. This week we covered “Quran: The Muslim Scripture.” I am especially grateful to have this kind of experience- to be able to openly discuss and talk about our faith and identity. This kind of valuable interaction clears the pathway for broader cooperation.

Lastly, in our advocacy as leaders of any community or group, we must understand that influence creates the power to do things. But the connection is what fosters the kind of influence that power needs. Connection is the micro-organizational approach that we need to nourish and supply the grassroots push to the macro-organizational power that we build in society. And without genuinely knowing others, without being earnestly concerned for their wellbeing, without establishing a relationship of truth, candor, and integrity, there is no connection to be made. Post covid-19, I strongly believe this is one of the foremost challenges we face: learning, relearning, and learning the art of making connections and constructing influence, one person, one story, one life at a time. I can’t believe the Summer Camp is midway now- the next few weeks will be challenging but uplifting as well. Working part ways with the kids will be difficult, but knowing that they are better citizens brings me substantial happiness. And to know that such growth is possible in only a few weeks is even more remarkable to witness.