It Takes a Village

It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child.  That thought comes to mind as we reflect back over our week at Kennedy Home.  Friday morning came.  Our team packed up for the return trip home.  We gathered in the gym to share a last lesson in geology and to finish up the story of Joseph.   We finished group time with the words "You are God's favorite, and I love you."   

For those of you who have been following devotions through Disciplines, we read this week about the man in the field that told Joseph where he might find his brothers.  What if Joseph had never met that man?  What if Joseph had returned home, and never been sold into slavery?   Yet, the brief encounter an unnamed man in a field sent Joseph down a path that would later restore him with and save his family.   We question how our brief encounters from our village may affect the lives of the people we have served this week.  We know that we have been touched through our time at Kennedy Home. 

Yet, as we say our good-byes, two more children arrive at Kennedy Home; two more children who need to know that they are God's favorite and He loves them.    As we prepare to go home, we realize that our task is not finished. 

We had a great core team that spent the week at Kennedy Home.  The nights were "short" during the week as we rose early to prepare for the day.  Our days and evenings were filled with teaching, studying, preparing food, preparing for crafts, swimming, cleaning up, recreation, and sharing time with residents.   During that time we got to know the young people living there a little bit better.    Living in our village this week were Jerry and Joyce Causey, Bob and Barbara Whiteman, John and Sue McGrady, Linda and Bill Giles, Jim McDaniel, Clara Gay, Susan Hailey and Cindy Tuttle.  We were sad to send Maggie Gordon home early due to illness.  We hope to find her well upon our return home.

We were also blessed to have folks share their gifts by joining our team for short periods of time.  We were thankful to have Sandee Finerhty join us Tuesday for some great volleyball and swimming instruction.  Craig Bowers was also able to join us for a couple of days to pitch in with preparations.   We appreciate the Randall Family (Dan, Kimberly, Courtney, and Lexi) coming down for some serious basketball.     We are also indebted to David Hawkins who came down with the youth on Wednesday and then drove back on Thursday to help grill hot dogs and hamburgers.     

We have seen God's hand at work over and over in the details of our week.   We have been grateful for the prayers and support of our friends and family at home as well as the opportunity to serve.  We hope that others will listen for God's call and the opportunity to serve His children here at Kennedy Home in the future.