Fresh Eyes

Coming into Sterling Estates, I had a lot of mixed feelings. I was excited to get the opportunity to be a part of something new, but I was also a little bit nervous about the future. I spent 6 years in Oxford. That is enough time to watch a 7th-grade girl graduate from high school and become an adult. That is enough time to watch a little boy in diapers become a youth night regular.

We just recently passed the first-year anniversary in Sterling Heights, and as I mentally acknowledged that, I was surprised by the thoughts and emotions that I was met with. 

I have slowly watched my walls become covered by pieces of these little hearts. Canvas with their artwork on the walls and doodles on the fridge. Eclamations of all the incredible gifts God has given them. An ever-changing chalk wall. Week-long reminders of what Monday nights bring and tiny glimpses into who these kids will become.

Trust me, I am well aware of what a blessing this is. For some of them and for me. I would say that I am more aware these days than I ever have been before.

I’ve been viewing this new community with fresh eyes and fresh excitement. I am not sure what the next handful of years will look like, and there is a chance I might not spend 6 years living in this community, but for now, I am soaking in the present and the joy that comes with with fresh eyes and fresh excitement. Not just by me, but by the kids too.

The Fall hay ride that has become a House of Hope staple? New and exciting! Our annual Friendsgiving? New and exciting! Painting parties and slip n’ slides and shaving cream battles? New and exciting! We are still at the stage where everything we do is AWESOME. 

Each House of Hope location looks different and every single week I am just so proud of the community that these kids are creating. 

We are kind, and helpful, and safe, and respectful (most of the time). 

We are growing in our reading, writing, and math skills by playing learning games and earning prizes.

We are praying for each other’s prayer requests…pokemon, chicken nuggets, pets, family members who are sick, and everything in between. 

We are learning about stories from the bible, and everyone wants a turn to participate.

We are chaotic and silly and VERY talkative. 

We are creating positive memories with safe adults in a safe space. 

And this is just year one…I have a feeling God has a lot more in store for all of us.

-Alyssa