Grateful for a place called HOME!

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Johnny and I had followed a family on and off since the kids were young but we lost in touch with them when the family stopped coming to church.  The mom was in her 30s and she has 4 children from different men.  One of the sons just got out from the detention center -- a kid we used to fellowship.  We don't know for what reason he was charged but from him we knew that wasn't a pleasant place to be.  I pray that he will turn around and never go back there.  We also saw his sister there at the house.  She was under my wing for a little bit when she was younger and now is all grown into adulthood - working hard, getting ready to graduate from college and helping out with the family! I am so very proud of her for staying on track.  Her younger sister, however, had a baby as a teenager and that makes her mom a grandmother at age 30 something.

Refresh back years ago, there were many times I stopped by and drove by their home and thought of the challenge of raising the children in the ghetto and in their circumstances.  I wondered how their lives would be like as a grown up... and this is the kind of reality brought about, which sometimes can be sad.  The outside circumstances can lead us to somewhere we don't belong; however, the teachings inside a home can be key factor in making up all the differences.

I am grateful for the teachings of the church that helps Johnny and I raise our children - to be responsible, honest, helpful, happy citizens.  I am grateful to be able to stay at home to be there for my children and to provide a place for refugee and peace -- a place for our children to come home and decompress, a place for them to express their thoughts and challenges in lives, and a place they can share laughter, joy and sadness.