Something New

Something Different, Something Needed, Something New

LSG

Volunteer Spotlight- Abbie

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Abbie created this painting to express her love and appreciation for diversity

Abbie is a young artist that has been a part of the crew volunteering at the New Expression Clarkston location. Here’s a little insight into her heart to serve:

Fun Fact:
If I could eat fruit for every meal for the rest of my life I totally would!

Why did you decide to become a volunteer in Clarkston?
I love different cultures and I love helping people so it is the perfect mix of those two things. I feel purposed in my heart to work with refugees and when I’m there I know it connects. Clarkston is a beautiful place with beautiful people!

[Read more…] about Volunteer Spotlight- Abbie

United We Stand

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Contributed by Julie McGowan

Here is how Something New is making the world a better place!

We recently teamed up with Lutheran Services of Georgia (LSG) to celebrate New Americans living in Georgia.  Students from a variety of backgrounds, both newcomers and long-time Georgia residents, worked to prepare a message about how we are better together. We traveled to the Georgia State Capital for a day of advocacy and (of course) dancing! Then to finish off the celebration, we witnessed a naturalization ceremony for immigrants from all over the world.

The students met previously at LSG Kid’s Club and we are so excited to see many new friendships continue.  LSG serves over 1500 refugees every year providing resettlement, employment and other services. Click Here to find out more about their incredible mission.

Check out this video to get a taste of the excitement!

The Universal Language: Rock, Paper, Scissors

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Contributed by Julie McGowan
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     New Expression recently had the opportunity to lead an Art Camp at Lutheran Services of Georgia
in Clarkston, Georgia.
    Participants ranged from middle to high school students and were from all over the world.
    At first, the task seemed a little daunting. The theme for the week was Togetherness. But how can a community with the most diverse square mile in America cross cultural norms and language barriers to even have the chance to interact?
   Three words: Rock, Paper, Scissors.
   As we split into partners to play, there was an eagerness to begin. Almost immediately any existing tension or discomfort disappeared and all that was left was shear determination to win the Rock, Paper, Scissors Championship. If you faltered in a round, you became your opponents cheerleader. Language and cultural differences became unimportant. And at that moment we felt together.
   The week in Clarkston was incredible. It took a couple of rounds of RPS and a few dances to warm the place up, and the rest of camp just got better and better.
   Here is a glimpse of our experience!