What happens when someone asks for a glass of water?

"Can I have a drink if water?"- It was Friday night and the young ladies were settling in from the long bus ride and drying off from a heavy down pour. I noticed a young lady sitting at a table hugging and talking to her grey teddy bear. I approached her to see if she was alright. As we talked she told me her name Vicky* (12). She also shared that this was her first time at camp and that her teddy bear was named Kelly. I realized that Vicky would need some additional support and tender care throughout the weekend - she found some words difficult to annunciate, her right eye was a bit crossed; but her gentleness, smile, humor and needs were gifts that erased any physical distraction or limitations.

Vicky looked up at me and asked for a glass of water. My response was immediate and we became friends. Natalie* (17) wasn't feeling well and asked for a cup of hot tea. My response was quick and I made another friend. As cabins were being assigned, Vicky and Natalie became cabin mates. As they were leaving for their cabin, I pulled Natalie aside and asked her to keep a caring eye on Vicky. She smiled and assured me that she would care for Vicky.

The following morning I made sure that Natalie had her hot cup of tea and got an update on Vicky. As the week end went on, where Vicky was, there was her friend Natalie. Saturday morning, during chapel, I spoke of the love and tenderness of Jesus. As I started speaking, Vicky raised her hand and asked for Kelly. She left her teddy bear in the cafeteria and felt lost without it. An intern immediately left to retrieve Vicky’s teddy bear. As Vicky sat there, I could not help but equate and relate to the warmth and security of being in the arms of Jesus to the relationship that existed between Vicky and her teddy. The Holy Spirit painted a beautiful picture of forgiveness and a need of a love relationship with the Father through His Son. As I related campers but especially Vicky was able to relate.

Saturday night we watched the Jesus movie and Vicky responded to the love of Jesus. She was first to respond by a raised hand to the call of salvation. Sunday morning we read and meditated on "Bless the Lord - Psalm 103". I gave the campers and interns an opportunity to give praise and to thank the Lord for something. The first to raise her hand was Vicky. There was a hush in the chapel as she clearly expressed her heart praise to her Lord. "I want to thank God for loving me. I thank God for having me come to camp. I like it here because everyone here loves me." That set the tone for waves of praises from the rest of the group.

To think, it all started with a glass of water. It reminded me of another lady who asked Jesus for water and received the same water that satisfied the soul and yielded eternal life.
The Lord is so good!

Blessings in Jesus.
- Vinny Mikusow, Teen Haven Camp Field Director
*names in this story have been changed

Staff Reflections from Poverty Simulation

This week I attended a poverty simulation where I played the role of a 20 year old single mother who was trying to attend college. We were given a limited amount of money and transportation vouchers, etc. and by the end of the simulation, not only was I getting evicted, but I hadn't gone to a single class and had only fed my family for half the month! It was sooo stressful! The morning was really eye opening as to how confusing our systems can be and the importance of good relationships between agencies, non-profits and churches.
After the simulation we all shared our frustrations and ways we can use what we learned to better work together (the room was full of real representatives from local agencies/non-profits) to service those who come to us for help.

Another staff member played the role of a 15 year old girl, whose irresponsible father lost his job because of being late to work too many times. Meanwhile as she tried to balance school and a part time job she was constantly worried about whether or not the family was able to survive. It was easy to see how quickly this young girl began carrying burdens from the whole family , and isolating from neighbors, and classmates who weren't taking a proactive approach to supporting her and her family during their time of need.

This simulation was presented by the Community Action Program and hosted at the Family Center of Gap. It was an awesome way to see each other in a new perspective and emphasize the importance of relationship between all of the providers there!
- Carrie Keagy, WSM Graphic artist

To learn more about the Community Action Program visit:
http://www.caplanc.org/Index_files/Index.htm

What Is Love?

I can still remember those afternoons in elementary school, toiling over piles of red construction paper, white lace, and heart templates. Between the plastic safety scissors (did they even have cutting edges?) and my painfully awkward pre-teen hands; it was a miracle any project requiring even a remote sense of dexterity was ever accomplished. But I didn’t care what it looked like; I didn’t care how long it took. It was the 14th of February and I needed my valentine box. How else was I going to know that I was loved? That I was accepted? See, the box was the key, I had it all figured out.

When we grow up we lose our beloved valentine boxes, full of reminders that we are loved.

But, then I graduated to junior high, where the school system decided it was time for me to become an adult. Algebra, shop class, and sex-ed. My idea of love, that bright red heart-shaped box full of valentines was replaced by popularity contests and teenage crushes. My youth pastor, whom my parents made me visit, offered little refuge. He just handed me a billion page book with silver page edges he called the Bible. “Now that you are an adult,” he instructed, “its time you learned about real love.” I faintly recalled seeing a similar book under the left TV stand leg for stabilization when dad watched the big game. How could this religious tome possibly take the place of hand-crafted valentines?

When we grow up we are expected to express love for each other without the help of cupid, barbies, or popular celebrities on card stock.

The bible, as I later discovered, at its most simplified core is simply a collection of stories. Each one, a narrative of God’s engagement in its character’s life. Each one, a depiction of the community we share. Each one, a love letter, passed from generation to generation, to encourage individual’s who need to hear its words. And for a long time I believed the only place to interact with God was to read these letters, these ancient stories.

When we grow up we must instead be willing to rely on each other to show and be shown the love that God has written into our lives.

But the stories continue on, throughout history people have relentlessly documented their engagements with the Lord. Just because these stories are not collected in an anthology and blessed by a priest, does not make them any less valid. In fact, each one of us has dozens of our own stories to tell; a ‘living bible.’ A testament to a love that sets us free. Letters of love and acceptance. Valentines from our Lord; to give to others.

And since the bible is no longer accepting entries for future publication; we must instead hand deliver each letter to our neighbors who need to hear its message. The valentine in your box. For there are people in this world who need to hear your story; and there are countless stories written by others that you need to hear.

By Jon, Volunteer

What does it mean to be righteous?

I came to work knowing what was on my agenda for the day. I had one meeting and a ‘To Do’ list to get accomplished. However, upon opening my e-mail I discovered a project that was given to me and told “Urgent priority for the day.” This project had to be completed by the end of the work day. The first thought to enter my mind was “What? I have my day planned! How can I accomplish a project in an eight hour time-span that usually takes weeks?” My second thought was “This was handed to you for a reason. Do it and don’t complain.”

This second thought stemmed from a church message the previous Sunday that focused on what it means to be righteous. The word righteous in our culture can carry a negative connotation of doing all things right, which seems pretty pious. However, the meaning expressed in scripture is something totally different. Righteous is doing right by God.

This is how I approached my surprise project for the day! I needed to do right by God. I needed to assess the work load with a clear mind. I needed to ask questions like: What information do I need to gather? Who do I get this information from? Do I have enough time to achieve the project in a well presented manner?

At the end of the day I achieved the project with God by my side the entire time! I was challenged. I overcame the negativity that wanted to consume me, which was not easy by any means. Looking back on the situation, even if I didn’t complete the project due to the time constraint, I still would have done right by God. Why? Because I addressed the situation in a positive way not letting negativity get the best of me, which is doing right by God. Thank you God for a lesson learned!

Jennie Heydt, Grant Coordinator

Wonder Club Staff Art & Prayer Session

Each Wednesday the staff of Wonder Club Early Learning Centers meet together to pray. During a prayer session that I was leading this time, I decided to focus on our Core Value of Dependence Upon God.

This core value, “Dependence Upon God,” states that, “We look to God as our source of vision, provision, and transformation.”

So after reading and reflecting on this approach to ministry, we did an activity about what that means to us. We used glue sticks and colored construction paper to make art about it. Below are the pictures of what we created, along with a short statement by each “artist” about their piece. I thought it was neat to see what was created and what God spoke through that.

Nicole Imhof • Teacher/Site Supervisor Wonderclub Early Learning Centers


As we depend on God we need to take what He gives us and what He takes away. God does not just give, give, give, sometimes He takes away too and we need to continue to trust and depend on Him during those times also.





As God spends time with me and I spend time with Him and I experience His love, light and truth, I in turn impart His love, light and truth to the students I teach.






The reason I made this is to remind me of the sun rise and sun sets. When I see them they remind me of God’s love for me and how powerful and in control God is of all things and circumstances.






I made a little mountain out of glue stick. Then I placed brown (typical mountain color) construction paper smoothly on one side of the mountain. The back side of the mountain had unusual mountain colors randomly/roughly placed. Dependence upon God reminds me that the dependence is with all of me… especially in the rough places. That (the back side of the mountain, the “rough” places of me) is where God’s beauty really shines through. Therefore the arrow is pointing to the back side.

The Lord’s voice is mightier than the waves of life. Smoke will come out of his nose if anyone touches His children. The Lord our God is a sun and shield. He gives grace and glory. No good thing would He withhold to them that walk uprightly. Our God is an awesome God.

Ambassadors for Water Street Mission

It is so cool to see 20 of our Learning Center students be ambassadors for Water Street as they each share with a student from Millersville about their life during an introductory session for a writing course that David (Director of the Learning Center) organized with Millersville University.

Listening in on conversations, I can hear our students talk about themselves, about the program…(quote “this is revolutionary stuff I am learning here”).. and about their relationship with God. In response I am hearing words from the MU students like “you are such an inspiration” and “I never really thought about it that way before”. Great conversations and great relationships are being developed. As we approach the lunch break, it is hard to stop some of our men from talking. GOD IS GOOD!

Some words from our students… “I was actually dreading this, but it was OK!” And “That kid was cool, man!” Another student struggled a little, “That was a little too personal,” but he did it anyway. This is a stretching, growing experience for him. Another said, “It took me back to my college days” and it seemed to be a good memory for him.

This is an ongoing course, and we look forward to seeing relationships develop and continue beyond the 6 class sessions that have been assigned for this project.

Sue Pearce • Learning Center Instructor

Moving Day Surprises!

Last week two volunteers and I were making a delivery of furniture to a Water Street Mission resident who just moved out. As we got out of the truck to start carrying in the furniture I was surprised to see a familiar face a couple doors down—another volunteer who rides on the truck to pick up furniture with yet another volunteer who drives for us. Okay, that’s a lot of volunteers in one spot but I am amazed at who God brings the community together with the time, energy and ability to make this service to the poor possible.

Dean Wenger • Redistribution Manager

Dental Clinic experiences Breakthrough!

We had a God intervention moment yesterday in the Dental Clinic.

The dental film processor stopped working and a staff member had to develop film by hand which is more difficult and they don’t turn out as clear. She had called the repair company and they couldn’t come to repair the machine until Friday. So, she decided to pray over the machine. She laid hands on it and asked God to “heal” the machine so it would work. Once she stopped praying she turned it on --- and it didn’t work. So, she stopped and said OK Lord what do you want me to do. The next thing she did was hit it on the side and you guessed it --- it works! She then called back the repair company and testified to the power of prayer! I loved her statement to me that we often think of prayer as a last resort and when we say we pray about and for everything, do we really?

I know she inspired me to remember to talk with God about everything, no matter how small (or big), for He cares and He has the answers for us!

Gale Thomason • Executive Director

A Teen Haven Supporter Shares Her Story

I was greeted at the door by a Spanish speaking woman who questioned my intentions. I said my name and that I was with Water Street Ministries from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Over her shoulder I could see an elderly woman sitting on the couch wrapped in a blanket.

It was a grey, rainy day in Southern California, but not what this PA native would consider chilly even in April. Edith was a frail looking woman in her early 80's. I introduced myself to this matriarchal lady and she responded in kind. While Edith appeared cold on the outside her smile was warm and inviting. Familiar with Teen Haven, she required a brief explanation of Water Street Ministries. She of course was curious as to how someone associated with Teen Haven was in her living room. (I was attending a conference in California and thought it would be nice to look up some of our long distance supporters during my free time).

As we shared together our conversation centered around how Edith and her husband came to know Bill Drury, the founder of Teen Haven. She explained that they were drawn to the passion Mr. Drury had for helping urban youth. Loyal supporters of the ministry for more than 20 years Edith spoke of her commitment to follow God and his commandments. She had never been to Pennsylvania and thus had not seen Teen Haven ministries in person, but she knew the locations and the work being done. Before I knew it 45 minutes had passed. If it had not been for Edith's assistant reminding her it was time to check her medication I could have been lost in conversation for much longer. As it was the day was growing late and we both recognized the need to part company.

Edith, delighted someone had taken the time to say hello, asked that I remind everyone back home of the good work we were doing and to stay strong in the Lord for He is our strength. We shook hands and as I looked into this women's face I could see the love she spoke of for her husband, Teen Haven and the Lord. As the door closed behind me and I walked to the car I realized how truly blessed I was to be able to spend some time with this lady of the Lord.

Keith Shetter • Director of Donor Relations

Teen Haven - taking on the SNOW!

I would simply like to share how awesome God is by providing the young people that he has entrusted to us. These young men and ladies are so amazing and bless my heart each time I get to be with them, with this type of weather they still find a way to get to our home, to hang out and to help shovel (home and Teen Haven and a couple of other places). Their attitude is so selfless, it is so much work and yet they continue to serve with a Christ-like heart, these young folks are very dear to us and I praise God for the opportunity to be part of their lives and growth.

This past weekend they helped me shovel Teen Haven and then we walked around the city asking God what he had planned for us to do and whenever we asked that question, God provided the opportunity to serve and to pray for people. We helped people who were stuck on the road get out, parked cars that were covered and people struggling to get them out, we helped them out in matter of minutes. And each time we were finished we told them who we were and that we were from Teen Haven, and then asked them if we could pray for them (which we did). And as we kept walking the students kept asking ok, Lord what’s next? “The Missioners” are here at your service. We started out that day at 11am and finished at 6pm.
And today was no different; I’m blessed to see the growth of these young people.

Jose Jimenez • Lancaster Boys Program Coordinator

What is a Home?

Alvin was my client, is now in Transition, and is on an awesome path in following the Lord. He wrote this on his own and read a handwritten copy at my former church where he and some other men shared about Water Street. I asked him to type it out and share it. The touching part is that the author has NOT had a home of his own for nearly 2 years. Blessings as your read – watch out for tears!
Jim Stanton • Program Counselor

What A Home is to me.

Home is a place for happiness; where laughter is a cure for pain.
Home is a place for togetherness; when lights go out in heavy rains.
Home is a place for family; where conversations last into the night.
Home is a place for truth, because you lead by example and not by flight.
Home is a place for love, it’s so easy, sitting around with a smile.
Home is a place for nurseries, because we’ll be practicing for a while.
Home is a place for education, for it’s the key to success.
Home is a place for building confidence; doing your very best.
Home is place for relaxation; to kick your feet up and close your eyes.
Home is a place for therapy, to talk about things, even if one cries.
Home is a place for fun; where acting silly will surely pass the time.
Home is a place for honesty, because we don’t want lies on our minds.
Home is a place for religion, because without God, our souls are lost.
Home is a place for keeping the faith, no matter what the cost.

• Written by Water Street Mission Resident: Alvin

Learning from One Another

Ephesians 4:15b-16, English Standard Version
"Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

Here at Water Street Ministries we desire to speak love and life in situations and struggles where it is often absent. One staff member shared these profound reflections that many times it is the residents and community that are the voices and hands that reveal honest, selfless love to us - and not simply the other way around! Listen, to these stories...


I find myself quite often on the streets of Lancaster, walking past groups of people engaged in conversation. Some of the words overheard in those conversations cannot be repeated here. But the other morning, while walking into work, I overheard a conversation between two male clients, and words such as “appreciate” and “blessed” reached my ears. This experience impressed upon me that we really are having an impact on the people who pass through our ministry.

On another occasion...
I had an appointment in Lancaster at 7 PM one Monday evening, I decided to work a little later rather than run home and right back again shortly thereafter. I usually park on Water Street and by the time I left to go to my car, the rear gates were locked. Still unfamiliar with access to different areas of the buildings, I asked the ladies who were sitting on the benches near the parking area if they knew of any short-cut way that I might use to go more directly to my car. They said there was no short-cut, that I would have to walk out to Prince Street, down Farnum and then down Water Street to my car. Before I even thought of it as a personal safety issue, Donna stepped forward and asked if I would like her to walk with me to my car. I was overwhelmed! I felt, as an employee here, my work was “providing” for the clients, and here it was a client who so thoughtfully “provided” for me! I guess it proves that we all have something to give each other no matter how little we may seem to have.

Girls' Weekend at Teen Haven Camp

Listen to some of the memories and encounters from the first weekend at Teen Haven Camp for Girls in 2010….

We shared in a weekend of fun - One specific highlight was on Saturday night at the PJ party, where the girls enjoyed a game called “Move It or Lose It.” Oddet Mears, the Philadelphia Girls Program Coordinator shared that, “The supervisors did a great job at running the activities at the PJ party. These leaders are growing up so fast, and are maturing into spiritual young women. As I observed the leaders and the campers it is amazing to see them growing up right before your eyes. I often I think, I remember when they came many years ago…but look at them now!!!!” At camp, leaders and first time campers have a dynamic opportunity to grow and develop together as they learn about themselves and encounter the beauty of camp, and presence of God sometimes for the very first time!

We shared in a weekend of transformation – Another highlight of the weekend was experienced on Saturday night, when the girls were able to view the Christmas Cantata celebration from Mt. Zion Baptist Church. This cantata was recorded during the weekend of the major snowstorm on December 18-20, when girls camp needed to be canceled. It was neat how even after the New Year has begun, this Christmas celebration still captured the hearts of the girls, and 4 young ladies came to the Lord at the conclusion of the play. In the words of Vinny Mikusow, Teen Haven Camp Field Director, “There is no cancelations of eternal things with the Lord.”

We shared in a weekend of personal growth and sharing - Nina Maldonado, the Lancaster Girls Program Coordinator, had countless opportunities to walk with many of the girls through the challenges and struggles that they needed support with. Each of these times of sharing and breakthrough, were answers to prayer! Nina also shared her highlight, and the joy she had watching one of the girls as she stepped up as, “a leader, a peacemaker, and an encourager!”

Please join us in praying that God would continue to guide and direct the hearts and identities of each of the girls, as they continue to learn and grow together. Pray that they would continue to remember their Identity in Christ and choose to live for Him!

"The Very Hand of God" - A Poem

The art of poetry has been experienced in new ways at the Lydia Center, where woman have been given an opportunity to learn, write and express through poetry together! There are six poems which these woman wanted to share on our blog, so be sure to read the upcoming poems from this collection.

Many thanks to Jennifer, a volunteer, who lead the poetry class where the following poem was composed:

"The Very Hand of God"
By Dymphna, client, the Lydia Center

As Jesus strolled by my side
I pondered his mercy and grace.
From his fingertips,
Energy illuminated nothingness
From deep in the soil, new life.
In the stillness, the earth moved
As the Holy Spirit drew a tender shoot
So frail, even the slightest touch would crush it,
Yet so mighty it breaks the hardest earth.
What is this, that draws me so gently?
That which could mightily judge me?
That cleanses me from the filth of sin?
Like clean water, mercy from his lips
Reveals my own holiness.
From my innermost being,
The very hand of God
Removes my heart of sin
Freely replacing with new obedience.
As the new sprout of a wild flower reaches
Towards the light from beneath the darkness,
So my new heart reaches for
The very hand of God.

(Poem 6 of 6)

"Prison Cries" - A Poem

The art of poetry has been experienced in new ways at the Lydia Center, where woman have been given an opportunity to learn, write and express through poetry together! There are six poems which these woman wanted to share on our blog, so be sure to read the upcoming poems from this collection.

Many thanks to Jennifer, a volunteer, who lead the poetry class where the following poem was composed:

Prison Cries
By Dymphna, client, Lydia Center

As I was led into the prison of my own making
This time it was not only in my mind.
It seemed death had reached up and took hold of me
Leaving me incapable of calling for help –
Who would hear? Who would care?
What was this place that I had become?
Had death shown his face without the grave?
Uncertainty was my clothing, darkness my sight.
I laid in a weight unknown to me,
Through small openings in doors of steel
The sounds echoed like raging storms.
Eyes like china dolls looked back at me,
China faces in shadows of gray.
Silent prison cries desperately seeking –
Where is my Savior?

(Poem 5 of 6)

"Sadness" - A Poem

The art of poetry has been experienced in new ways at the Lydia Center, where woman have been given an opportunity to learn, write and express through poetry together! There are six poems which these woman wanted to share on our blog, so be sure to read the upcoming poems from this collection.

Many thanks to Jennifer, a volunteer, who lead the poetry class where the following poem was composed:

"Sadness"
By Anita, client, Lydia Center

I’ve begun to feel a sense of loss –
Oh why does my heart ache?
No matter how I am feeling
There is always hope to come.
I cannot hang my head down all the time.
I am a happy person.
Despite the sadness,
Positive perspective is always near.
I will no longer be
The unhappy person I once was.
To be strapped down with sadness
Leads me to healing,
To become happy and content again.
There is always hope after feeling the pain.

(Poem 4 of 6)

"Moments in Time" - A Poem

The art of poetry has been experienced in new ways at the Lydia Center, where woman have been given an opportunity to learn, write and express through poetry together! There are six poems which these woman wanted to share on our blog, so be sure to read the upcoming poems from this collection.

Many thanks to Jennifer, a volunteer, who lead the poetry class where the following poem was composed:

"Moments in Time"
By Elaine, client, Lydia Center

Here they come again.
They fall like streams over the rocky mountainside.
Will there ever come a day
When the tears are as dry as desert sand?
Though desert sand does not cleanse
Like the streams that flow,
I never want the tears to stop.

(Poem 3 of 6)

New Beginnings at Teen Haven Camp

It was our first weekend of Teen Haven Camp in January. The temperature was 14 degrees and with the wind chill it felt like 0 degrees. As the kids huddled in the cafeteria and we started our orientation, one young man stood out: Javier* (age 12). Throughout the orientation it was nearly impossible for me to get even one word out, without him being disruptive. I realized that he was going to bring some challenges to our weekend. The next morning, I was told that Javier had to be moved to another cabin during his first night of camp (on Friday). I chatted with him and made clear his need to cooperate.

At that time I was introduced to Kendel* (age 9). He was also disruptive and had a serious problem with the “N” & “F” words. As we chatted I found that Kendel and Javier were first timers and lived together in the same foster home and that they were 2 of 5 young men, at camp, from the same foster home. It was at this point that the Lord placed a heavy burden on my heart for the foster parents of these 5 young men. I just couldn't get them off my mind all weekend.

Sunday morning, I was informed that Kendel provoked Javier at the pool table Saturday night and Javier proceed to beat Kendel up a bit before the counselors could intervene. Kendel wasn't hurt but I feared potential injury to other campers by Javier because of his temper. Mid-Sunday morning, Kendel was brought to me charged with threatening to hit another camper with a pool ball. After our meeting he confessed and apologized to all parties. I also spoke with Javier and shared that I needed to make a decision as to his future at camp and that I would pray about it and inform him and his parents of my decision. They both admitted to loving the camp and wanting to come back and pleaded to return to camp.

Sunday night, I started to write the letter of discipline to their family, but just couldn't piece it together. The staff agreed that Javier would need to be suspended for two months and Kendel warned and allowed back. I had it all before me but just couldn't put it together. I tried Monday and still could not. As I sat Tuesday trying again, the Lord directed me to call the foster parents and spend time with them heart to heart.

I did so and got Mrs. Smith* and her husband on the phone. She put the speaker phone on and we were able to carry on a three-way conversation. I shared with them about the challenges that emerged throughout the weekend. We chatted for a good amount of time and I was greatly blessed and encouraged by what the Lord was revealing and doing in the lives and ministry of these two precious people. They are Christians and have dedicated their lives to care for hurting and broken young people. They were extremely grateful for the phone call, our care, concern, love and desire to work together for the Lord and the sake of the kids. They agreed with the suspension for Javier because they felt like I did, that this would be the best way for him to learn. He has been with them for one year and at this point, they felt that he knows better. Kendel has been with them one month and has not yet understood the consequences of losing good things because of bad behavior. We agreed.

And then a special blessing, Mr. Smith* said, “Mr. Vin, you don't remember us but we remember you. We used to come on Family Retreat. We loved coming and never forgot those times. Thank you!” And then Mrs. Smith started naming generations of kids and families that attended and attend the camp. They were extremely thankful for our part in the lives of so many. Mrs. Smith ended our conversation by saying, “Mr. Vin, between the Lord, our church, me and my husband and Teen Haven, my children are blessed beyond measure. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! God bless you!!

I can see now why I had such a hard time putting a letter together. In the midst of our heart to heart was the heart of our Jesus. We certainly sensed that from start to finish and even now. };-) Thank you Lord!

Vinny Mikusow • Field Director at Teen Haven Camp
*Name changed throughout entry

The Joy of a Secret at Wonder Club

Several weeks ago my mother came to visit WCELC. She was going to be here right after nap time. As I looked around the room, I saw a little boy just not having a good day. So I pulled him aside and asked him if He could keep a secret. He shook his head, And I said remember a secret means you can’t tell anyone. He again shook his head. So I told him, Mrs. Karen’s Mommy is coming to visit. His whole face lit up and he quickly turned around and yelled “Hey everybody Mrs. Karen’s Mommy is coming to see us after nap!”

This Morning that made me think. Why do I at times keep Jesus’ birth and His coming back a secret. Jesus coming back is so much more exciting then my Mother visiting for a little time. Soon WE will be with Him and see Him face to face. WOW!!!!!

Karen Smith • Assistant Teacher, Wonder Club Early Learning Centers

"Life is a Roller Coaster" - A Poem

The art of poetry has been experienced in new ways at the Lydia Center, where woman have been given an opportunity to learn, write and express through poetry together! There are six poems which these woman wanted to share on our blog, so be sure to read the upcoming poems from this collection.

Many thanks to Jennifer, a volunteer, who lead the poetry class where the following poem was composed:

"Life is a Roller Coaster"
By Anita, client, Lydia Center

Life is like a roller coaster
With its up and down struggle.
The road ahead always throws a curve.
We have to make the right choice
Of which way we want to go.
Whenever I think of life
It reminds me of a roller coaster.
It seems to me that someday soon
We will see daylight and continue
At any cost.

(Poem 2 of 6)