Christmas Day Was...

 Big smiles

 

Favorite gifts

Family time

Football on the front lawn (Chiefs vs. Raiders)

And special meals with extended family

Hope yours was filled with moments of joy, too. 

Christmas Eve

My mom came over in the afternoon on Christmas Eve.  We got the boys dressed and ready to go, picked up a couple of GreenHouse kids from their apartments, and then headed over to church to get all the kids in their costumes and ready for the Christmas Play at Bridge of Life Church!

All three of the boys were Angels in the play.  Jonah had a speaking part and did a great job delivering his line.  Nicolas and Riley just had to stand on the stage but were sufficiently adorable to elicit a lot of "awwws" from the crowd.   Here is a brief clip of the play.
 



After church, we came back to our house for dinner and opening presents from Nana. The boys also opened their Christmas jammies from Steve and I (our annual tradition) and set out cookies for Santa.

Holidays + a spirited child (Jonah) = lots of over-stimulation and excitement.  It took Jonah TWO HOURS to settle down and fall asleep that night.  Eventually, the house was quiet and Steve and I got to finish up our wrapping before falling into bed dog-tired.

Christmas Celebrations at The GreenHouse

A few highlights from our Christmas festivities at The GreenHouse:

Evergreen and R4 Christmas Parties (elementary and teen after-school programs)

     

Christmas Caroling around the Apartments

The Melvin's Hope Christmas Store

Two Wise Guys and Three Angels (aka The GreenHouse Staff)!

GreenHouse December Newsletter

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”  (Luke 4:18-19)

Yes, the time of the Lord’s favor has come! 

Sometimes, it can be hard to see.  The signs of a broken world are often easier to spot.  Just last week I witnessed drug deals at the park while innocent children played, scores of homeless men and women sleeping outside in the bitter cold, and able-bodied young men trying to find purpose in a neighborhood gang.  I felt the loneliness of a little boy who is raising himself in the midst of a chaotic and unstable home, the fear of teen-age girl who is seven months pregnant with twins, and the despair of a troubled young man who has lost his way and is now in jail.

The pain of our neighborhood can feel overwhelming at times.  But if we take a closer look, just below the cracked surface, signs of new life are emerging.  At The GreenHouse, we can see it in big ways and small—but always one life at a time. 

That lonely boy...he is being prayed for and will be invited to join our mentoring youth group for 5th and 6th graders.

That pregnant teen...she is being prayed for and has been connected to another agency that can walk with her through pregnancy, birth, and early childhood.

That troubled young man...he is being prayed for and will be visited in jail. 

And then there are the bright rays of hope that are beaming up through the cracked surface: the 35 youth who are coming to our after-school programs on a weekly basis and the additional 30 youth who come semi- regularly.  With them, we are witnessing the transformative power that Jesus announced- and that is Good News!

In this edition of our newsletter, I'm excited to introduce you to four of those rays of hope: Brayan, Perla, Heather, and Lola.  The Lord's favor has come on them and they are being lavished with His love.  I hope that you are encouraged by their stories as you read about the many ways that their futures are being strengthened and secured. 

These signs of new life, the big ones and the small, do not emerge on their own.  They are planted, watered, and nurtured by hundreds of volunteers, donors, prayers, and supporters.  Thank you for standing beside us this past year.  We are so grateful for your support.   If you would like continue a partnership with us, or begin a new one, please use the enclosed reply card.

Again, thank you for your support.  And Merry Christmas! 

Kacie Stratton, Executive Director

 

Perla

Perla, a seventh grader at Rio Tierra Junior High, has been a faithful attendee of The GreenHouse since she was in first grade.  Over the years, we have watched her grow up into a kind, conscientious young woman who has a heart for the world, particularly for those in need.  After the Haiti earthquake of January 2010, Perla wanted to do something to help those who were suffering. She suggested that women in our neighborhood make and sell tamales to raise money for an organization working on the ground in Haiti.  Perla worked hard selling the tamales at church and around the neighborhood and raised over $1,000 for Heartline Ministries in Port-au-Prince.

This year, Perla is a member of our Leaders in Training team as well as an active participant in R4, our teen after-school program and Oasis, our faith-based youth group.  She is a positive role model and eager to serve wherever needed.    

Q: Tell us a little bit about your family.

“I have two older sisters, one younger sister and one younger brother.  My oldest sister (age 17) has a baby boy.  My parents speak Spanish.  My sisters and I speak English and Spanish.  My parents did not graduate from high school.”

Q: What path do you think your life would have taken if you had never been involved in The GreenHouse?

“I would not have been as smart.  And I would not have known as much about Jesus.”

Q:  What do you think the neighborhood would be like if The GreenHouse had never existed?

“It would be so bad.  A lot of people would have dropped out of school.  If I was not in The GreenHouse, I wouldn't be interested in my grades.”

Q: What are your plans for the future?

“I want to be a veterinarian and get married when I am 32 years old.”

Brayan

Nineteen-year-old Brayan started coming to The GreenHouse when he was in seventh grade and was an active participant in our teen programs throughout junior high and high school.  As a member of our Leaders in Training team his senior year, Brayan’s leadership abilities shone brightly, and after graduating from high school, we hired him to work at The GreenHouse for the summer.  He’s now our Leaders in Training Coordinator and is leading the team in some very exciting projects this year!   

Since joining our staff last year, Brayan has embraced a number of new opportunities which are radically impacting his future. He has successfully gotten his driver’s license, completed two semesters of community college, opened his first bank account, and is taking steps to make sure his dreams for the future come true.

Q:  In what ways has The GreenHouse impacted your life?

“The impact it’s had on me is big.  Everyone here supports me so much.  They helped me finish high school and enroll in college.  And, they gave me a job.  Other people my age don't usually have all of that unless they have really good support.”

Q:  In what ways do you think your adult life will be different from that of your parents/siblings?

“I am the first one of my siblings to graduate from high school.  And I am the first one in my family to enroll in college.  I am better trained than they were because of the opportunities I’ve had at The GreenHouse.  I feel very confident, too.”   

Q:  Do you think The GreenHouse has a positive effect on your neighborhood?

“Of course! This neighborhood is nothing without The GreenHouse!”

Q: What are your plans for the future?

“In the future, I want to become an architect.  I want to have a big family and build my own house.”

Heather 

Heather, a senior at Grant High School has been involved at The GreenHouse since we opened our doors nearly nine years ago.  She's been a part of every program that we offer, from elementary after-school and summer programs to small-group mentoring and teen programs.  She even went away for a week of summer camp in the Santa Cruz mountains where she got to enjoy God’s creation and learn more about His great love for her.  Heather is now serving on our Leaders in Training team where her true servant’s heart has an opportunity to shine.  She is maturing into a confident, hard-working, and caring young woman. 

Earlier this year, Heather received “The Heart of the Future” Award at our Kids at Heart event in recognition of her faithful commitment to the LIT team, consistent attendance and hard-work at The GreenHouse, and her dedication to serving others.

Q: What path do you think your life would have taken if you had never been involved in The GreenHouse?

“I would have probably gotten into a gang and dropped out of school.  I may have been arrested.”

Q: How do you think your adult life will be different from that of your parents/siblings?

“My mom and my older brother did not graduate high school.  I will graduate from high school and go to college.  As a adult, I will be doing things that I love, rather than settling for a job that I don’t enjoy.” 

Q:  What do you think are the greatest achievements of The GreenHouse?

“The GreenHouse helps students when they are young.  They help them get to college. Without the GreenHouse, people would get into a lot of trouble.”

Q: What has been the greatest impact of The GreenHouse on your life? 

“The GreenHouse has been there for me and has helped me stay out of trouble.  They are helping me succeed with my goals and follow my dreams.  The GreenHouse has also helped me grow in my relationship with God.” 

Lola

Lola, a junior at Grant High School, has been coming to The GreenHouse since she was in second grade.  She has been involved in every program that we offer and currently serves as a member of our Board of Directors, as well as a member of our Leaders in Training team.  Lola enjoys being a member of the Board and is starting to speak up and make her voice heard at meetings.  Over the years, she has embraced several opportunities to speak on behalf of The GreenHouse and is increasing her confidence with each new opportunity. 

Q: Tell us a little bit about your family.

I have seven siblings.  I am the youngest of all the siblings.  My parents 

speak Spanish. 

Q: How do you think your adult life will be different from that of your parents/siblings? 

I will go to college and have a career.

Q: Do you think The GreenHouse has a positive effect on your neighborhood?

Yes, because it keeps the kids happy and it's a safe place that I enjoy coming to.

Q: What has been the biggest impact of The GreenHouse on your life?

 The greatest impact is the way it has changed our lives.  The GreenHouse has made me think of my options for the future.

Q: What are your plans for the future?

My goal is to have a good career in what I choose - maybe engineering.

Donner Lake over Thanksgiving with the Strattons Was...

Snowball fights and sledding down the hills around the cabin.

Stumbling upon an outdoor ice-skating rink and spontaneously deciding to give it a try.  Some loving it (Nicolas and Riley).

 Others hating it (Jonah).  (He's not used to things he can't pick-up quickly.  He kept skating out to the middle as if he was a pro and then falling hard on his rear).   

Building snowmen

Loads of time inside the cabin, playing board games like Chess, Clue, and Sorry.  

Cuddling on the couch (I totally caught these two snuggled up to one another one morning, watching cartoons).  

 

Discovering a great little children's museum down the road in Truckee, with super fun costumes and play spaces.

 

Playtime with our cousin Lexi

Celebrating accomplishments and birthdays

Views of gorgeous Lake Tahoe

A really good time!  Thanks Tony and Marilyn for a trip we'll never forget! 

We're Still Here....

Anyone still there?

Sorry, I've been a lame blogger lately.  There have been a lot of family transitions to get accustomed to, not to mention the business of December, so I had to put blogging on the back burner for a bit there.  But, my blogger stats tell me that there is still a small handful of you that check this blog weekly.  You faithful few are awesome - thank you for wanting to stay connected to our family.  I want to stay connected with you, too (even thought I don't totally know who you are!).

More blogging is on the way soon - from Thanksgiving to Christmas, and everything in between...

Thankful

This Thanksgiving, I am especially thankful for:

Riley's snuggles

Nicolas' giggles

Jonah's tender heart

and Steve's steadfast love and calm

It's easy for me to get overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings of the broken world around me (especially so, these last few weeks).  But my family is consistently a source of joy and a place of refuge.   Thank you, God, for them.  Every good and perfect gift comes from You.

Later today, we're heading to a cabin in Tahoe with Steve's family.  I can foresee lots of board games, reading, and playing in the snow (hopefully).  I can't wait! 

On Monday, Steve will be starting a new job...in San Francisco.  Pray for us as we once again begin a new chapter in our lives - this one filled with lots of commuting.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!        

And Grandpa Makes Six!

Our family of five grew to a family of six when my dad moved in last month.  The score is now 5 to 1, in favor of the boys.  

Another lap to climb up on, another bed to jump on, another face to say "good-morning" to, another computer game partner, and another wrestling opponent: Grampa, we love having you here with us!

Annual Pumpkin Carving

I'm a little late getting this post done.  Who wants to read about Halloween now that it's almost Thanksgiving?  Sorry.  Feel free to skip right over this one.  But, our little neighborhood pumpkin carving party is a tradition now so it needs to be included here, even if it is late.  And really Amy, this post is for you because I know you are dying to know how "scary mask kid" is doing this year!    

So...the night before Halloween, sixteen neighbor kids between the ages of 9 months and 14 years (plus parents), came over for a party in our garage that included pizza, pumpkin carving, pin-the-nose-on the pumpkin and an impromptu game of hide and seek outside in the dark.  Really fun times!   

Having a house full of neighbors fills my cup!  And pumpkin carving is such a fun and easy way to break down barriers and build community.

(And Amy, I'm happy to report that "scary mask kid" is doing GREAT.  Seriously, such a nice kid.  I hope my boys are all as responsible and well-mannered as Manuel when they hit eighth grade.  I'm so glad he still comes to the party even though he's older than everyone!) 

Speaking of masks....we didn't do costumes for the pumpkin carving party this year.  I didn't want the hassle of washing pumpkin guts off my boys' costumes in time for Halloween the next day.  But the next night, we got this shot of the boys with best bud Robbie and his cousin Jasmine just before we left to go trick-o-treating.

Love the memories we are creating with our neighbors. So special!

Vote for the Underdog!

If you know anything about Jonah, you know that he loves music.  And while I've had occasional (severe) moments of angst about his school, I at least got lots of comfort last year knowing that once a week, his class went to Mr. Rock's room for music.  (Is there a more perfect name for a music teacher?).  I knew that while Jonah was at music class, he was full of joy - dancing and singing his heart out.  Not expected to sit still.  

Well, this year there is no music program and there is no Mr. Rock.  Turns out, the music program was funded by a grant which has since dried up.

Bummer.  Because that was one of the things that I really liked about the school.  And not just for my kid, but for all the kids. Because I know that music is great for ALL kids. 

A few weeks ago, I was flipping through a magazine and I saw an advertisement for a grant opportunity from Clorox that will provide funds to schools in one of three areas: Play (sports, recreation), Explore (academic discovery), and Create (music, theater, arts).  Free money?  The possibility of getting our music program back?  Yes, please.  Let's give this thing a shot!  

I contacted the school about the grant and offered to nominate the school in the "Create" category.  I simply asked that they send me some general (brief) information about the school and the former music program.  They did not send me the information I requested.  I nominated the school anyway.

I created fliers and asked the school to translate them into Spanish and send them home.  They sent them home.  In English.  A week late.  I'm getting the fliers translated into Spanish on my own.  They'll go out this week. 

I swore I would not ask my friends and family to vote for this cause until I saw that others at the school had started voting.  My 8 votes those first few days just weren't going to get us anywhere.

Well, the good news is that word has started to spread.  And parents, teachers, and others are starting to vote.  Those 8 votes are now 218.  So now I am asking you: Will you join me in voting for the underdog?!

Would you vote for Strauch EVERYDAY from now until December 9th?  You can vote online once per day AND text a vote in once per day.

To vote online, go to http://www.powerabrightfuture.com/gallery/.  Search for Strauch in the Keyword Search box and vote. 

To text your vote, text Clorox0663 to 44144.

Come on.  It will only cost you a few minutes.  Do it now!  And again tomorrow!  And again the next day!

We may not win.  We may even get creamed.  But, we have to try, right?  And even if we don't win the online voting for the Create category, maybe we'll win the Judge's Choice award!

“Hope has two beautiful daughters: their names are anger and courage. Anger that things are the way they are. Courage to make them the way they ought to be.” Saint Augustine

Thank you Fairytale Town...

for choosing Harry Potter as your Halloween theme this year!  Perfect timing for my little Harry Potter!

A Potions class, the Room of Requirement, Hagrid, Snape, fog machines - what fun!

This little boy was electric with excitement, buzzing around from one activity to the next, and soooo into it.

(So much so in fact, that he couldn't even "break character" to smile for pictures. Apparently, Harry is a pretty serious guy!)