Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I pray that you have a blessed holiday time with your family and friends. Thanksgiving is traditionally a time to reflect on the good things God has provided and I am reminded of the faithful support each of you provide to my ministry at Doulos. You are deeply appreciated! Thanksgiving in the Albright home will be spent with Jena's parents (yes, the in laws). However, my in laws (Jack and Carol) are great folks and it's wonderful to have them with us. Like many of you, for the next 4 days I will be in a constant state of feeling stuffed.

A few notes about Shelterwood: Thanksgiving is usually one of our more populous breaks in regards to residents. With 22 boys in the boys lodge we will gradually dip down to 9 on Thanksgiving Day before gradually filling back up to 22. In other news, we have hired our new Shelterwood Director. In my last blog I mentioned our special guest from Healing For The Nations, Steve and Rujon Morrison. Well, Rujon Morrison was apparently here for an interview, in addition to sharing with staff (unbeknownst to us) and she has accepted the position. Her husband Steve will be on campus still operating Healing For The Nations but will not be on staff. Steve has a heart for filling a role as campus pastor.

November Harvest

Just like that November is almost half over. Hard to believe. When I sit down and process it, this month is much busier than I realized. On Friday, I took Corey and 3 of his friends to watch the Missouri Mavericks hockey game. The occasion was to celebrate Corey's 15th birthday, which was Tuesday. The game was full of excitement. 9 goals were scored, 6 by the Mavs in a winning effort and even a few fights broke out on the ice (much to the liking of the boys). Later this month we still have the Thanksgiving holiday, Kaiden's birthday and our wedding anniversary.

Last weekend was Family Weekend for the Shelterwood boys. Although I have experienced too many such weekends to count, this one was equally rewarding. Excellent seminars and support groups administered by our counseling staff along with many, many shared conversations and stories with the moms and dads in attendance. At first it may seem hard to get enthusiastic over a repetitive event like this, but each time there are new parents, new residents, new big brothers, new staff, and this year new leadership. I enjoy my role of organizing the details and then watching the staff and families be blessed. Last weekend did not disappoint.

Early last week, we had a few guest from Healing for the Nations Ministry pass through Shelterwood. This has been a new trend set by our CEO and president, Jim Subers. With his many years of ministry leadership and connection, he brings in folks to speak into the lives of our staff. It has been refreshing.

The ministry is still searching for a Shelterwood director. I have heard the process is coming along well but I am unaware of the details. As you remember, Shelterwood, please keep this hiring in your prayers.