Thursday evening through Sunday afternoon our property was flooded with nervous and excited and broken families coming to spend time with their children that they have had to send away from home. They came hoping for a good visit, for minimal fighting, for new growth in communication, for connection to other families, for teaching and tools from the counselors to use in working on themselves and their families. There were, as always different tensions and rough points throughout the weekend, but as these were worked through, all of these hopes are accomplished. It was funny on Thursday to watch the girls dress up and nervously pace in the house peering out the windows waiting for their parents to arrive. No matter how much they say they dislike their parents, they are running to see them when they arrive. This parent's weekend was such an encouragement and a blessing. It is refreshing to be reminded what this ministry is really all about. God is at work in whole families, we just don't normally get to see that side of things. It is also great to hear from people that they are thankful for the ministry and for the work we are doing every day. We don't normally hear that. The best part is just seeing broken people/families being honest in their struggle and being changed by God. The first father to share at the end of the weekend during our "family share time", was this really big, strong guy with 3 really big, athletic sons. He went up to the microphone and shared how he's realized that although God's love is unconditional, he (the father) normally gives conditional love to his family. He apologized for this and with tears shared his desire to change. It was beautiful. And then one by one at least someone from each family got up to share things just as wonderful. Praise God! For most of these parents, it is a daily struggle to do what they know is needed and is right and to leave their child in our program- please pray that the parents would learn and stay strong in tough love.
