Milestone Markers

I vividly recall the day our own twins began school - the pride, the nervousness, fighting back the tears that my little ones had really reached another milestone.....

AND NOW.....the cycle repeats but this time for 9 precious other boys starting a whole new chapter of their lives as they join thousands of children across the country returning to school.

It is incredible to me that 6 months ago this opportunity wasn't even a hope for many of our boys as they spent their endless days trapped behind jail walls, punished so desperately for the crime of a lack of family to care. A cruel sentence for existence - one that stole their hope and choked their dream for anything beyond another day.

 Some of our boys have never been to school at all. Most could not recognize the letters in their own names let alone read or write when they arrived, BUT in such a short time they have learned and absorbed so hungrily - longing to shake off the shadows to prove to the world and themselves that they are more than what was believed.

 Truly tomorrow is a significant day for all of us - It marks the tenacity of our staff who have so generously poured out their hearts, time, effort (and tears) into these young lives in just a few months AND it cements actual tangible, breathable, measurable evidence to these kids that they indeed have a right to hope, aim, achieve and dream....that they have a destiny and purpose.....that extends beyond school, college, careers....to discover who they really are.....

So with bags, pencils, lunch boxes and water bottles ready we all begin another stage of growth and change....ready, expectant, excited, nervous....

Big journeys start with small steps....each one forward moves us closer......