April Showers

April has been a busy month as evidenced by the tardy blog update.  I last wrote on Easter Weekend and the end of the month is already here.  Wow.  April has certainly been showered with activity for Shelterwood and the Albright family.

The weekend following Easter was the girl's family retreat at Doulos.  Like always, it was a busy 4 days of activity on campus with the parents of our girls.  It actually did not feel too crazy for me but as I checked in with other first-time staff I realized that I have grown accustomed to the full nature of the weekend experience and it was, in fact, quite busy.  Needless to say, the retreat concluded in style with our Sunday morning chapel and family share time.  A reminder of the healing that takes place every day and every year at Shelterwood.

On the heels of the parent retreat we had two accreditation visits.  It was time to renew both our residential license with the state of Missouri and our private school credential with the North Central Association.  Both visits went exceeding well but not without a fair amount of stress in preparation.  Paperwork, and a review of several policies.

Jena and I had a family vacation scheduled to Florida and it was nice to get away (although I paid a hefty price upon return for the absence).  We took the boys to Disney in Orlando and it was as magical as you would expect.  It was my first visit to Disney in Orlando and it was tempting to compare to California Disneyland.   The weather was perfect and the family time was priceless!

Next weekend is the guys parent weekend.  Although identical in schedule to the girls experience it will be much busier.  We have 30 boys in the program as compared to 23 girls meaning more families and although I oversee the girls lodge I have a much larger role in the guys lodge.  Of course, I always enjoy seeing the parents and watching the families interact.

As you read this latest blog, please be reminded how much I appreciate your support and interest in the work of Shelterwood and Doulos Ministries!

He is Risen

He is risen. He is risen, indeed.

Today is the day we celebrate the hope of our faith; the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I pray that your day is filled with joy and rest! May you enjoy times of refreshing with your families and friends as well as the hope of life. Christ the Lord has risen today. Hallelujah!

This morning we held a sunrise service on campus at Shelterwood. 6:30am on the hill near the cross. Not too many teens showed up at first, but by the time we started, about 20 total folks had trickled up the hill. It was quite cold and the ground was filled with the morning dew. We laid out a tarp for folks to sit down on but it did not save my shoes from getting wet. Between each worship song, I had to warm up my hands to keep the circulation going. One of our big brothers, Adam, shared an Easter message while the kids bundled up on the tarp with blankets. It warmed up today in KC to around 70 but it was in the 40's as we celebrated a special service.