The Home Pole

For some unknown reason, the story of the prodigal son has been on my brain lately. There are many things that I love about this story: being allowed back when you've been anything but a son or daughter, the way the dad runs to welcome the "lost" one. But perhaps one of my favorite things is the idea that home is a place that the world doesn't get to take away from you.

But for us who work at the children's home, we know that's not really true. All of our kids, either the ones in group care or the ones in foster care, are here because home was taken away from them. And for those of us who work here, we spend our time trying to make sure that come what may, these kids have a home.

And though they hate it, and they will boldly proclaim that this is NOT their home, it is home for a while.

So, last night, with our two groups of young ladies, we started what we home will become a part of the way we welcome kids into our care: a home pole. It's not a fancy thing-- basically it is a 4x4 outside the side door of the chapel. But our hope is that every kid who comes through here will tie a ribbon onto that pole, in effect saying "I was here. I mattered. This is home for as long as it needs to be home. I have a place to plant my feet, even though it feels like my world has been dumped on it's head."

Come check it out. On those days when you need a reminder of why you do what you do, come be near the "home pole." Put your hands on it. Feel the ribbons. Pray for all those who have come through our doors, and all those who will come. Pray that though this isn't the home they left, that it is a safe and welcoming place for all who enter here.