Saturday, April 28, 2012

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!

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