Valentine's Impact Looking Back

On Saturday, February 13, Kaleo hosted a community impact at our local retirement center, the Trevecca Towers. It was a sort of Valentine Eve event and typical of any successful gathering, food brought us together despite what some might consider a generational gap. We shared cookies, candy, conversation and fruit punch which made for delightful introductions. Then after everyone was adequately sweetened up with sugar and spice and everything nice we continued with the afternoon’s festivities. First, we crafted valentines to share with those shut-in neighbors who may not have been able to attend. Then, hosted by an M.C. and appropriate to the day, we focused our celebration on stories and topics of love: past, present and future. We reflected on fond memories come but not yet gone. We were told tales of trials now overcome. We heard inspirational sagas of marriage and lifelong love. We even compared favorite love songs and movies and heard secret crushes confessed. And by the time the last story was told, it was obvious that we were, in fact, bridging the generation gap. But more importantly, we were able to embrace an opportunity to cultivate new friendships, and, God willing, we will continue to see those relationships strengthened and sustained into the future.
At Kaleo we have recognized the fact that ours is a movement of a younger generation. And in our youth we have been given a new vision – a vision of what it might look like to be missional within our community and to actually see the kingdom of God break into our world. However, we also realize that without the dreams of an older and wiser generation we might easily fall short of what we know Christ expects from his church. Just as the body is made up of many parts working together, so it is with the church. And so it is our hope for Kaleo. We wish for a partnership. We intend to share our youth and our vision, and we seek for others’ dreams and guidance.
We understand that the body of Christ is intended to be made up of many gifts. Our goal was to form relationships with those residing in the Towers, as they are very much a part of the community in which we live. The party was a success as people enjoyed making their own Valentine cards, eating home- made Valentine’s Day treats, and sharing special Valentine’s Day moments with us.
Especially touching moments were shared when two Hurricane Katrina transplants from New Orleans shared their stories about being rescued from the hurricane and coming to the Trevecca Towers. Sticking within the theme of Valentine’s Day, they expressed their gratitude for those who have shown them acceptance and love since coming to reside at the Towers. The residents were eager to share stories about their weddings, significant others, and favorite love songs and movies.
- Dierdre Arnett

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