Pressing On

The dog days of winter are still upon us here in Kansas City.  It was 25 this morning and it looked no different from an 80 degree morning in July.  Construction workers were busy remodeling a local store, the local Quick Trip was bustling with coffee mugs, high calorie snacks and commuters fueling up and roads were busy as normal with daily life.  I guess the point is really this:  you just gotta press on.   Some dreary weather doesn't stop folks from living and it shouldn't with me either.  It won't be long before the thunder and lightning of Midwestern spring rolls in.  

A few notes of news from campus:  I am starting an inter mural winter basketball league today in the gym.  Kids, staff, leadtimers.  It's gonna be great.  I'm just trying to motivate folks to get active.  It has been fun listening to the trash-talking all week.  Of course, since I am the one who organized the league, some have accused me of stacking my team.  All in good fun.  It's a 4 week season with 6 teams.  One hour on Wednesday nights.  

Our Leadtime class enjoyed a short spiritual retreat on Monday and Tuesday of this week.  A well deserved getaway while those of us on staff held down the fort and worked in the house.    No new families since last week but we do have an intake today.  Supposed to be a "live" one if you know what I mean.  We'll see how it goes?  Blessings!

Heat wave and new opportunities

Last week's heat wave of consecutive 30 and 40 degree days has caused most of the roadway snow to melt here in KC.  We might actually be able to put away our outdoor Christmas decorations soon if it keeps up? When I let the dog outside it's sort of like the dove on Noah's ark.  Brandy goes out looking for a dry patch and she usually comes back within minutes scratching the back door.  Well, this weekend she stayed out all day!  I didn't exactly offer a burnt sacrifice of thanksgiving like Noah but I did fire up the grill on Sunday and I am thankful.  By the way, the photo was taken on Christmas morning of the street out front our house. 

As mentioned last week, we had some new families come into Shelterwood this week.  Our numbers are gradually going up.  Funny how God works though.  While we get busy worrying about numbers and stats, life and ministry happen under our nose.  Since September 2008 when we started in KC, 42 residents have made their way to Shelterwood.  23 Currently and 19 departures.  The point is simple: don't miss the forest through all the trees.  The next opportunity is all that matters.  I tell people all the time that what I love most about working at Shelterwood is the fact that I am entrusted by God to make a difference TODAY.  I never know how long I will have with a kid.  Maybe a year, maybe a month or two or maybe just a week.  It's a simple task but one we miss often.  No use in fussing over missed opportunities from yesterday but through grace we get another chance today.  

Tardy for January

Apparently I am starting off the new year with a slow first step as evidenced by the tardy blog update. Geesh.  Jena and I made it home safely from Savannah.  It was 50 degrees outside as we drove away and PRESTO...a minus 6 as we pulled into our driveway in Independence.  As matter of fact, all last week it was single digits and below zero outside.  Brrr.  Justin loaded up his stuff a few weeks ago and headed back to Denver to attend the University of Colorado.  He transferred his local college credits and will now finish up at CU.  Things are back to normal at Shelterwood and Doulos.  Last week school resumed for the spring semester and the winter Leadtime class checked in.  We now have 12 big sisters and 5 big brothers.  Our Shelterwood numbers as of today are at 21 with 3 new families/residents coming later this week.  On Friday January 8th, the last of the Denver Shelterwood kids exited the program through graduation.  A great kid and a wonderful family.  As for me, I am still up to the same stuff as the case manager.  I enjoy keeping the administrative wheels turning, spending time with the boys, and sharing some occasional old-time wisdom with the big brothers and house directors.