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.