the chalk bowl

Two thirds of my growing up years were spent at the gym. Gymnastics was my life. The gym was my home.  It was my choice and one I would never change. I grew up in the gym. I grew up with my teammates. So much of who I am today is a result of years as a gymnast.  My very first memory of an answered prayer took place in the gym as an eight year old girl. It marked me. Everything there marked me. I have more memories gathered around a bowl of chalk with my teammates than I do gathered around the kitchen table with my family.

This week I had the opportunity to visit Aim High Academy in Tulsa and capture some images of the coaches and gymnasts. There is something about walking into a gymnastics gym that feels like coming home. And the bowls of chalk are welcoming like a home cooked meal. Aim High Academy is a non-profit gym that combines faith and flipping to help build bright futures in the north Tulsa community.  I can’t do the story of Aim High justice, so this is what you can find on the About page of their website:

“After volunteering with youth in the north Tulsa community for over 10 years, our Founder, Jennifer Patterson, saw a need for early intervention in the lives of the youth she was serving. Through prayer, God gave her the vision to combine her passion for the wonderful sport of gymnastics with her passion for North Tulsa children. Although unique, the idea makes sense. Children can begin gymnastics at age 2 or 3 – one cannot intervene much earlier than this!  Gymnastics, being such a disciplined sport, presents opportunities for so many lessons children can receive.”

I’m not easily excited. I’m a pretty even keel girl, but you show me someone using their unique gifts and passions to make a positive difference in the lives of others, well that excites me. Watching the Aim High coaches and gymnasts together – so fun and inspiring. It didn’t hurt that chalk was involved too 🙂I came home and told Chris that if I wasn’t homeschooling 5 kids, teaching online photography classes, being a mom of 5 and blogging – I would beg Aim High to let me come coach. Maybe one day.