I’ve seen the way people view Watts, with the common poverty, crime and history of riots.

But I look at this city in a different way. 

When I look around and take it all in, I remind myself,

how important this place is to me.

My home, a far 2,040 miles away, but closer in my heart.

I’ve seen the neighborhood my team and I stay in as we make our arrival. 

The “welcome home” mural painted under Imperial Highway in red, blue, green and yellow. 

Along with the tents put up under it; still the traffic keeps moving and I remind myself, 

how happy I am returning to Imperial Courts for my fourth mission trip.

My home, 2,040 miles away, but closer in my heart.

I’ve seen the barbed wires spun around the fences bordering the church.

The rusty stairwells with the chipping blue paint, scorching on my bare feet in the summer.

As I’m walking up the four flights of stairs and looking over Watts, I remind myself, 

how much beauty can be found when I experience them and don’t just see them. 

My home, a far 2,040 miles away, but closer in my heart.

I’ve seen the housing projects; Imperial Courts, Jordan Downs, Nickerson Gardens. 

Each building, 100 feet apart, kids playing in the streets.

Whether a game of tag or basketball, I have nostalgia of my own and I remind myself, 

how easy we had it as kids, wishing I could go back. 

My home, a far 2,040 miles away, but closer in my heart

I’ve seen the Watts Towers as their sign of hope, built by a man after a steady day at work.

It started as a hobby but grew into a symbol of inspiration. 

The colorful, metal sculptures looking like mini cell phone towers and I remind myself, 

how grateful I am that the city of Watts did not tear them down. 

My home, a far 2,040 miles away, but closer in my heart.

From the rooftop of the church, I see the skyline of the city and the towering mountains. 

The helicopters that fly over daily, the bumper-to-bumper traffic from the highway.

Recalling the two mighty palm trees that sway tall outside the gate and I remind myself, 

how not only visible objects, but people, remind me of the place I love so much.

My home, a far 2,040 miles away, but closer in my heart.