Merry Christmas

Christmas is just about here I hope today's blog finds you with holiday cheer! Having a 5 year old in our home certainly brings a childlike perspective on the Christmas season for Jena and I. We received our first snowfall of the year about 10 days ago and Kaiden woke up the next morning thinking it was Christmas Day. He was slightly disappointed to learn it was a false alarm but he quickly recovered. Hopefully in snows again on Christmas Day so as not to disappoint?

Shelterwood Christmas break begins this Wednesday and there is lots of movement this time of year. Last Friday the December Leadtime graduation ceremony took place in the Guys Lodge. One big brother and 6 big sisters completed a Doulos year. This afternoon, two boys graduated from the Shelterwood program. In fact, both families transitioned in August from Branson to Kansas City to see the process through to completion. A new big brother joined our team a few weeks ago and two more big brothers will arrive in January.

Jena and I will be in KC for the holidays. I am actually relieved to not travel this year. We left on Christmas day last year for a drive to Georgia in a foot of snow and returned a week later to 8 degree weather. I trust all of you have a wonderful Christmas with your families. Thank you for your faithful support of our work with Doulos Ministries.

How Time Fly's

It's hard to believe my son Kaiden is 5 years old. 3 short months after I started working for Doulos, along came Kaiden. Now here we are. Oh how time fly's by. We celebrated with a few families and some of Kaiden's friends.

Today at Shelterwood we received a new teen boy from Nashville and also a new Big Brother on the same day. Another Intake is scheduled for later this week and two more Big Brothers are coming by year's end. A few boys are on the calendar to graduate just before Christmas Break and two of our current Big Brothers will graduate Leadtime too. Par for the season. As of now, we have 27 boys. Last week a new direct care staff was hired to join our team. A local guy with much needed experience and maturity. The plan has always been to fill up the Guys Lodge which holds 36 residents and so the hiring and Intake decisions will take us in that direction. The Doulos Christmas Party is later this week. I only mention it because some of you reading this have attended past parties and know exactly what to expect. Tis the Season!

Looking ahead...Shelterwood will be taking a mission trip to Haiti in April 2011. 12 kids and 8 staff. It's not likely that I will attend but it should be an amazing experience for those who do. Our Big Brothers and Sisters will be making the annual Mexico missions trip during Spring Break 2011. With all the uncertainty in Mexico, we actually to go El Paso but with a similar purpose.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is the BIG day of "Thanks" so Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Jena's folks are in town and Justin arrived safely home from college last Friday. I know it sounds cliche' to "give thanks" so maybe a more appropriate response is to focus on all the good things God has done in our lives as opposed to the list of complaints we usually carry around. It doesn't take much effort to find the things awry in our life but it is much healthier for the soul to reflect on the blessings. Today I am thankful and as Scripture says, "do not about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself."

November, especially Thanksgiving, is always a busy time in our family. Corey celebrated his 14th birthday earlier this month, Kaiden will turn 5 on Sunday and Jena and I celebrate 8 years of marriage on Monday. Note to self: "if you need something to be thankful for, read the previous sentence."

Thanksgiving and the Holidays

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and the Christmas decorations are coming out. It gets dark now at 5:30pm and cooler weather has come to stay. The holiday season is upon us. Trying to coordinate and plan family time along with budgeting for gifts can be a little stressful but for the most part it is the most wonderful time of the year. I am clearing out space on the DVR for all the Christmas movies! May all of you have a blessed time with family over the coming weeks.

Thanksgiving break starts next Saturday for Shelterwood. It is always a little crazy organizing the travel plans for all the kids but it is coming together.

Say the words

Halloween finally ended tonight. I say "finally" because it seems like decorations have been up in the neighborhood and seasonal isles out in the local stores since mid-September. Kaiden has a nice inventory of costumes including Iron Man, Spider Man, Batman and Optimus Prime, but we opted for a new Superman suit this year. One thing that I did notice; however, as I handed out candy to a cast of characters is that most kids don't say, "Trick-or-treat" anymore. They just stand there with bags open or buckets held out. Odd. Of course, I still gave them a treat but I did ask a few of them to say the words. Reminded me of a spiritual shortfall I make frequently. I get busy living a life of ministry or Christian service and I begin to expect things from God without asking. I just hold out my pillow case and expect a treat. There is nothing like good ole' fashion communication. In spiritual terms, we call it prayer. Don't forget to say the words.

Fall Family Retreat was incredible last weekend. This year we invited some alumni parents to join us and that was a smash hit with the current parents. The alumni provided much needed volunteer service, shared personal testimony and even held a special Q&A session. From the evaluations we received at the end of the weekend, the parent group sessions and alumni Q&A we're among the most appreciated times. I especially enjoyed the personal conversations with parents and the packed-out worship time on Sunday morning with over 230 folks present.

On Saturday afternoon of Parent Weekend, our founder, Richard Beach passed away in Denver, CO. Rich battled cancer for over 15 years. Doulos was started in Rich's basement with a few young adults he chose to mentor in obedience to a call from the Lord. Shortly after, he took in the first struggling teenager from a desperate parent. Interaction with Richard was memorable for all who were blessed to share it. A man of God.

Fall Parent Weekend

Shelterwood Fall Family Weekend is underway. Started last night, actually. With 28 guys and 25 girls in the program it has been interesting with lots of logistical hurdles, seminars, conferences and new faces. Next week I will bring some personal insight, but for now, you are welcome to check out out the Shelterwood Facebook link above for real time updates. It will be a long weekend but worth every minute. Parent Weekend has always been the most impactful and life-changing event in Doulos Ministries as we come face-to-face with the families we serve. I as sit here at my desk and pause to write this blog, your prayers and your support are making a difference.

The weather has been beautiful here in Kansas City. All the colors of fall are on display. There is also an estimated one million leaves in my backyard. I split time last Sunday between raking and watching my football team lose another game--all with the help from one of my favorite residents, Josh. We filled at least 40 bags of leaves, although I lost count after the fourth box of trash bags. I am starting to think Spring is my favorite season. The Fall brings the leaves. Winter brings the snow shoveling and during the summer you have to cut your grass weekly or be shamed by the neighbors. Gotta love Missouri!

Breakpoint

A few weeks ago, Shelterwood was featured on the Christian radio broadcast, "Breakpoint" by Chuck Colson and Prison Fellowship. I actually had a chance to hear it live and it was pretty cool. One listener, a retired professional photographer from New Mexico, heard the show on the radio and decided to come out and take some promotional pictures for us. That was amazing. The link is below if you would like to listen. Look for the show title "Shelterwood." http://www.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries.

Later this afternoon, one of our boys is graduating the program. A fine family from Missouri. Those are always fun to share and celebrate. Believe it or not, parent weekend is coming at the end of next week. We will have a property serve day tomorrow to prepare for all the families.

Last weekend, I had a chance to go camping with some friends down in Devils Den State Part in Northern Arkansas. Never been there before and it was worth the 300 mile drive south. Beautiful country, great hiking and plenty of camp stories.