Busy weekend for Wolverine

It was a busy week and even busier weekend.  As you can see from the picture, we had our annual Halloween party on Friday night.  A cheetah, Wolverine, and few other interesting characters made appearances in our home. It was a cool evening and Jena had several soups prepared.  Earlier in the day, Jena and I drove to Warrensburg, MO to visit Central Missouri University.  Jena is transferring to UCM possibly in the Spring to continue her Education major.  On Saturday afternoon we celebrated Corey's 13th birthday a few weeks early.  I took a rowdy group of middle school boys to play dodge ball and football followed by cupcakes, Mountain Dew, and Call of Duty.

Back on the campus of Shelterwood, things are equally busy.  This coming weekend is Parent Weekend and that always brings plenty of stress, anxiety and worry from the staff and residents.  It always works out well but folks seem to go nuts over the preparation and anticipation.  I might need to show for work in full Wolverine costume to bring some reason and laughter???  The Killer B's are working on a Cold Play cover song to perform this weekend (Fix You) and we have a full drama/play organized by one of our own female residents.  On a more serious note, the Shelterwood staff and parents could use your prayers this weekend.  It is always a time of tremendous growth and healing.  Specifically, pray for us to get out of the way and for God's agenda to prevail.  

Another picture of Fall

The giant Shelterwood tree pictured to the right shows the changing colors of Fall and the unchanging strength of strong roots.  Characteristics of the One who created the tree.  As fall fly's by it's hard to believe it is already October 19th.  Next weekend our semi-annual Fall Family Retreat will be here again.  Parents and siblings of our residents will be participating in a full weekend of seminars, conferences, counseling, meals and many stories.  On the heels of  Family Weekend it's time for Shelterwood Beyond Week and the annual Narrow Road retreat. A week of outreach and spiritual growth.  I will attending the Narrow Road retreat again this year and leading worship.   More on that as it draws near.

Our weekly Thursday morning chapel has been going fantastic.  It's great to sit back and watch the residents take the lead role with the music.  Right now I have two guitarist and a bass.  It allows me to sit back play the jimbe (hand drum).  The night shift has been a blast too.  I am still working Wednesday and Thursday evenings in the Boys House.  

  I am so thankful for the beautiful field house with weight room and full gymnasium and the rustic lodges with fireplaces.  The guys lodge even has a mounted deer rack compliments of last year's deer season.  

Despite the buildings and the trees and the vast acreage it still comes down to building relationships, sharing lives and having fun.  As I say so often, I appreciate your commitment to Doulos and Shelterwood and to the families we impact on a daily basis.

The Big Game

It was 30-something degrees yesterday in Kansas City and I was cold the entire time.  Wool socks, beanie, down coat, and still cold.  Justin and I showed up at Arrowhead Stadium at 8:15 am, 15 minutes before the gates opened and took our place in line behind all the other faithful fans waiting to get in.  The Dallas Cowboys were in town; the team I have faithfully cheered for since 1979.  No way was I going to I miss this event. We started tailgating at 8:30 am, as soon as they opened the gates.  Too early for burgers and hot dogs so we cooked breakfast burritos and discussed the ups and downs of the 2oo9 Cowboys including predictions of the upcoming Chiefs game starting at noon.  It would have created a little less anxiety if I had purchased tickets in advance, but we took our chances and bought tickets an hour before kickoff from a local.  Like I said, it was cold, it was loud,  it was raucous, and it was packed.  Never mind that Kansas City was 0-4 going in, they wanted to beat the Dallas Cowboys.  They were also motivated by the sea of blue, white and silver seen everywhere throughout the stands.  In the end, 4 quarters we're not enough for this circus.  The Cowboys and Chiefs went into overtime.  Not only that, each team had the ball twice in overtime before Tony Romo completed a 60-yard touchdown pass to Miles Austin to win the game 26-20.  I don't think I have ever hugged and hi-fived so many strangers before in my life.  I couldn't have asked for a more exciting game.  I guess Doulos news will have to wait one more week.  The buzz from yesterday's game is still on the front of my mind.

October breeze

October has arrived, complete with a cool morning breeze, leaves on the ground and the changing color of the trees.  I love it.  The constant reminder from God of the changing seasons and how they parallel our lives.  

I don't have too much news this week.  I started working in the house on Wednesday night.  I even had a chance to play basketball in the gym two nights in a row.  It was a blast running up and down the court with the guys but I was struggling the next morning to make the walk from the lower parking lot up to the lodge.  As much fun as I have acting like a kid, my body reminds me regularly that I am not.  Aside from the basketball, it was refreshing to spend time with the guys talking, laughing and sharing life on their terms and not just between the scheduled hours of 8 and 5.  

Jena and Justin are still buried in college books.  Justin is planning on transferring to Colorado University in January so his days in KC are numbered.  Jena plans to transfer to Central Missouri in Warrensburg either this spring or next fall.  Hopefully next Monday I will telling you all about the football game at Arrowhead Stadium between the Cowboys and Chiefs.  I am still trying to get tickets so we'll see?