Community – Tannika Nikeya

Sometimes, the best wisdom comes from women who have walked through the valley and are still learning to keep their eyes on the hills. Welcome to our new series: Valley Hill Apartments!

Jas removed the last clip-in extension from her hair and stared at her reflection, a full head of curls framing her face. For a moment, she could almost see her younger self standing in the same bathroom, smoke curling from a hot comb as she fought humidity and prayed for a life far away from Valley Hills.

Back then, she thought escape meant freedom.

Now she understood: no matter how far you run, God has a way of bringing you exactly where you need to be.

A loud bang at the door shattered her thoughts.

“Jasmine Marie! Open this door!”

Jas froze. Only her mother used her full name.

She opened the door slowly, but her mother pushed inside anyway.

“You move back and don’t tell me?”

Jas admitted softly. “I didn’t know how to face everybody.”

Her mother crossed her arms. “Face us for what?”

Jas looked around the apartment, boxes stacked against worn walls.

“After Joseph died everything fell apart. I spent so much time running from grief, running from this place.” Her voice cracked. “But I think God brought me back for a reason.”

The anger left her mother’s face almost instantly.

“I told you a long time ago,” she said gently, pulling Jas into a hug. “You can always come back home.”

Outside, tenants had gathered beside the building around folding tables crowded with food and laughter. One by one, old faces recognized her.

“Jas?!”

“Girl, is that you?”

Then someone asked the question she’d been dreading.

“Where’s Joe?”

Jas swallowed hard and told them everything.

When she finished, nobody judged her. They prayed with her, hugged her, fed her, and promised to help restore the building together.

Tanya handed Jas a bowl of baked macaroni and cheese.

One bite in, warm and familiar, and for the first time in a long while… Jas felt home.

Sis, you can always come back home. And sometimes, home is a place where a new you can still have hope and love.

Accompanying Short Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/d1jH1b_j4Ew?si=acP3pGwqwkDaJmvz

Today, I completed my first official 5K walk!

It was a long-time bucket list item, and I’m elated to say—to God be the glory—I finished it.

I’ve always loved walking, especially ramping up my efforts during the fall and summer months. I enjoy hitting the nearby trails, taking in the beauty of nature, and clearing my mind. Although walking is a part of my daily routine—thanks to using public transportation—I also walk to support my mental health and to keep my legs and feet moving, especially given some of the physical issues I occasionally experience.

As the weather started to warm up, I began walking the trail more intentionally—often with my sister, who graciously joined me on a few Saturday mornings and afternoons. What started as casual walks soon turned into preparation for accomplishing a goal I didn’t know was just around the corner.

I started researching upcoming 5K walks in Chicago, and then—unexpectedly—the opportunity came to me. Recently, while visiting one of my loved one’s churches, they announced an upcoming Community Health Fest and 5K walk/run. My sister, who was sitting a few rows behind me, had someone tap me on the shoulder to get my attention. She pointed out that this was my chance—and I jumped on it.

Today, the day of the walk, I arrived on time and picked up my packet, which included a t-shirt, number, and route instructions. I was nervous but excited. The pastor led a prayer before we began, and then we were off.

As I walked the first lap, I started feeling pain in my left leg. I believe it was a spasm, but I pushed through—and thankfully, it went away. During the second lap, my Achilles heels started acting up, as they sometimes do, but I kept going. I had stretched the night before and again that morning, doing my best not to overdo it.

Also, during that first lap, I accidentally followed someone who went the wrong way—and maybe they did on purpose, I’m not sure. I wasn’t confident about the route. I glanced at the paper instructions and debated whether I should go straight. The facilitator had mentioned before the 5K walk began to go past the school. Still, I continued following the person ahead of me. On the second lap, however, I saw the pastor—who had been in the lead the entire time (and somehow I caught up to him!)—take the correct route. So, I followed his lead. When I reached the next checkpoint, a 5K team member was there cheering me on. All the workers posted along the route, encouraging us along the way, gave me the boost I needed.

To make sure I completed the full 5K—roughly 6,000 to 7,000 steps—I did a third lap, just to be safe. And I did it correctly.

I finished exhausted but full of joy. It was fun, and I’m so proud that I accomplished this small but meaningful milestone.