The children at The Tree House worked on painting this mural for about 6 weeks. It now hangs on display in The Tree House.
So what is the Tree House?
Imagine 25 children wanting your utmost attention, running around with high energy, yelling, crying, and often physically instigating one another... well you get the picture. This was a typical afternoon at The Tree House. Our two day a week after-school program involved a Bible lesson, crafts, reading, computer time, and games.
Through prayer, wise counsel, and implementing very specific boundaries we have seen the Lord transform not only the behavior of some of the children but soften their hearts as well. Our next door neighbor's children were three kids that we had some of the most trouble with. As we spent more time with them outside of The Tree House, we learned how their mom had recently moved with them away from their dad after being together for more than 10 yrs. He had been unwilling to work and had no intentions of ever marring her. The two boys had been sleeping on the floor and daily necessities were a challenge to get. The more time we spent with the kids the more they began to trust us. What was once hostile, distant, and angry attitudes has turned into hugs, sweet notes with beautiful pictures, and even helping hands.
It hasn't only been the children's hearts that have needed softening but ours as well. We have often shared that perhaps going to seminary, living at White Rock, and serving the children has been more for our refinement than it has been for anyone else's good. God is changing my attitude of irritation and ungratefulness toward the noises of the children next door, kids playing on our porch, and the weekly trial & errors of running an afterschool program to the very things I am grateful for and most days even say I love!
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