Every second and fourth Tuesday, we have Tiny Town in the gym at the OAC. It is a huge indoor play date for preschoolers and homeschoolers. I always forget to take pictures when we are busy, because, well, we are busy. So, I managed to snap a shot right before it was over this week and most people had already left. It was rainy this week, so we were packed. These Tuesdays are my favorite because I get to meet new people every time and get to know some familiar faces as well. It isn't just for our church. We have moms, dads and grandparents from all over Enid who bring their kiddos to Tiny Town. Enid is a military town and we have a lot of families who are used to moving around and haven't really made friends yet.
My goal every week is to make sure every mom and child feels welcome and valued or at the very least, noticed. I meet so many women who tell me they could live their lives totally unnoticed because they move around so much it is hard to get up the courage to get out there and meet new people. Sometimes they join a moms' group that is already filled with cliques that have grown up together or become close for some other commonality and they don't notice the newbies. Almost every week I meet someone "new" to Enid. So, there are a lot of newbies. I was a newbie in Arizona in two different communities and several churches in the 2 years we were there, so I know how it feels. Sometimes, just having someone stop and ask you a few questions about yourself or your kids makes all the difference for you that day {or week}. So, while Tiny Town is really a community outreach and community service, providing a safe & FREE place for caregivers and kids to come play twice a month, which is sooooo important, it is more than that to me. I have a few friends and an awesome children's minister who feel the same way and we try to make our way around the gym several times to talk to moms, dads and grandparents and make sure the kids are safe and engaged. One of my friends has brought crafts or activities for school aged kids the last two times and that has been great for homeschoolers and PreKers. We are hoping more and more people hear about it, join us and invite friends. We have two bounce houses, lots of ride-on toys, and nursery toys like a play kitchen, babies and strollers. We also have a cafe where everyone can order lunch or snacks.
I actually got the idea from our pastor's wife in AZ. They have Tot Town. No, I am really not creative enough to come up with an idea like this on my own. Nancy was a HUGE help to me in providing ideas and resources. I am so thankful for her. Tiny Town blesses a lot of families and without her inspiration, we may not have ever thought of it. {side note: It is a small world, because Nancy's sister-in-law and brother live in Enid and Lori comes to Tiny Town most weeks! I love how the body of Christ is connected across so many miles and how we work together in spirit to minister to our communities!}
