The Root Cellar in Lewiston, Maine is a modern twist on the old fashion inner city street mission. In the middle of Lewiston's African immigrant / refugee neighborhood, the Root Cellar is a Christian program that helps their new neighbors with everything from after school care for the kids to English classes, to preparing for citizenship exams to a teen center and community suppers.

I was performing alone, as my daughter, Rose, is currently taking a course at St. Joseph's College in addition to her full high school load. My wife, Sue, couldn't get there in time after work, either, so I was solo.

I did a 50 minute show for their after school program. I love going there because it is exactly what America is all about: new Americans and those whose families have been here for generations interacting and learning from each other. Many of the kids were Muslims; I really only know this because of the dress of the girls. At the same time, many ( though by no means all) of the volunteers are from a Brethren church; somewhat similar to me worder Mennonites. What a fun setting.
The head of the after school program told me it would be fine to do routines based on the resurrection (this was during Holy Week) as they had established that much rapport and trust with their neighbors. So I touched lightly on the Easter message, not to preach or offend, but to share and teach. Besides, these were mostly elementary school kids, so I'm sure they were more into the tricks than the message.

There were two sisters of about seven and eight in the audience who were in America only three weeks. I was told they were Christians. After the show, one came up to me and told me, "You are a good... You are a good... YOU are a good..." she didn't know the word juggler, so I finally helped her out. It was a cute little interaction. I'm proud to be a small part of the Root Cellar ministry.