Inspired by Coyote Hill

My faith in humanity is often thin. Admittedly, many times, my Faith isn't much better. But for the last four years I've found consistent encouragement and reassurance while working with the families at Coyote Hill. While cleaning out my office I found a Christmas gift given to me by a few of the House Dads at Coyote Hill during my first year as principal: a Santa nutcracker dressed in a Hawaiian shirt that resembles the one I wear to ward off snow days. Any family that has middle school boys will most likely have some interaction with the middle school principal and the families at Coyote Hill are no different. When the dads gave me the nutcracker there were snickers. This was just one example of the humor, zest for life, and generosity of spirit that always impressed me when dealing with the Coyote Hill gang, a group of folks, mainly in their twenties, who chose to give up most of the pursuits of their peers to dedicate their lives to loving and raising kids from hard places.  For most it's been a path that they've chosen only for a season before moving on- sometimes adopting kids in their care. Seeing these forever families form has been inspiring. The provision of awesome house parents when folks move on has been inspiring. More than that, watching kids' lives be transformed by Christ's love has been inspiring. A Santa nutcracker in a Hawaiian shirt is an odd symbol of all that, but I'll be keeping it with me to provide the reminders and encouragement that I too often need.

Baccalaureate

Tonight I was honored and humbled to speak to the class of 2016 at their baccalaureate. I graduated with a very diverse group of students, one of a class of 540. My baccalaureate was held in the school gym and a far as I recall was encouraging but decidedly secular. For my community it was an appropriate event. All families were welcome at the event. I was glad to be a part of it. 

For the class of 2016 in Harrisburg the service was much different, but for the community it was very appropriate, and I was glad to be part of it. For small communities, it's important that people of faith have a chance to honor and support their students within the context of their faith. For me, as someone who came to faith in The Gospel in a small Baptist church, it was special to gather with the community in a small Baptist church and share verses that have encouraged me in times of transition. Like the graduates, I find myself at the edge of a change and as I encouraged them to strive for excellence, place God first, and make it a point to engage in a community of believers, I knew I needed to take those steps myself.

Sitting in the church basement after the service, chatting over cake and punch, I knew this would be a fond memory.