Happy 4th of July

Like most of you, this weekend I celebrated the 4th of July with the family.  So why, do you ask, do I have the Missouri state flag posted to the left instead of the usual stars and stripes?  This was my first Independence Day spent in Independence, MO and it was like no other.  The fireworks that you can legally buy in Missouri are crazy and we joined right in.  The noise makers started yesterday afternoon around noon and by nightfall, it was an absolute war zone.  Smoke, blasts, booms, whistle-screams and sparks on every block.  If you suffer from Post-War Traumaic Stress Syndrome, you would have been in a cold sweat, hiding under a car somewhere.  Needless to say, I had a blast and the kids sure had a blast.  Nothing like lighting the fuse and sprinting for cover.

The first summer session came to and end at Shelterwood.  It was capped off on Thursday by a trial by jury organized annually by our social studies teacher, Ms. Numerick.  The defendant this year was the Big Bad Wolf, accused of murdering two of the three pigs.  I was selected to the jury and after a three hour trial, we found the defendant...NOT GUILTY.  Yes, cheers and gasps could be heard throughout when the verdict was announced.

The Doulos board of directors has been working hard on securing funds for the completion of the buildings and last week it was announced that construction will resume.  Whooo Hooo!  That is great news.  Thanks to all of you for your partnership and prayers!  The first week of our inner city day camp ended well this week.  TSTL (The Sky's The Limit).  It's so cool seeing all three ministries in full swing at the same time.  Shelterwood, Leadtime, TSTL.