Pomp and Circumstance

It's the season for Graduations both in the Albright home and at Shelterwood.  Kaiden graduated from kindergarten a few weeks back on a Monday night.  We celebrated afterwards in style at the homemade country ice cream store.  It was a popular choice as we ran into several other graduates with the same idea.  The next morning Kaiden was quite upset when he had to return to school.  He had a good argument but nonetheless had to go back and finish the week.  In Missouri most of the kids attend summer school through June.  It keeps the students sharp and allows the older kids to either catch up or make up work.  With the added recess and snack time, Kaiden is not complaining about summer school.

This past week concluded a whirlwind of graduations at Shelterwood.  A week ago Friday one guy and one girl graduated the program.  Monday, two girls graduated.  Wednesday, one girl.  Thursday, two guys followed by three high school graduates.  Our Pre-Summer break started a day later on Friday.  Once the kids return from break our summer program will begin on Monday June 4th.  With the graduations the guys lodge headcount is still holding on at 27 boys.  Over the Memorial Day weekend 3 new big brothers are arriving to top off our June class of men at 6.

The weather is warming up and rumor has it the summer of 2012 will bring lots of heat, humidity and bugs to Kansas City.  Oh the joy!  Stay cool and have a blessed Memorial Day weekend with your families!

May flowers

As the saying goes, "April showers bring May flowers" and things are blooming nicely here at Shelterwood.  May is always a busy time with graduations, new arrivals, and the anticipation of the summer program.  

The guys parent retreat concluded last weekend with smashing success!  It was one of our most full events regarding attendance and most every scheduled gathering was standing room only including the family dinner on Thursday and the Sunday morning worship time.  Most important, parents were encouraged and blessed by peer groups and staff.  It's hard to believe it was the seventeenth parent weekend I have lived through.  

We have a group of residents and staff currently on a mission trip to Haiti.  They arrived safely yesterday and are doing well.  The team will return on Monday night.  Similar to last year, we have partnered with Global Orphanage for the trip.  Please keep them in your prayers.

Three new big brothers arrived on Monday of this week.  Gabe, Josh and Jeremy.  They are solid young men excited be on campus and eager to serve.  Three more "bigs" arrive on May 29th and three will graduate on June 7th.  A new family arrived on Monday bringing our total back up to 30 boys.  Always plenty of comings and goings...