Monday, October 13, 2008

Be The Church!

This past Sunday instead of going to traditional morning church, Team Hames along with over 200 volunteers from our church went out into our community to “Be the Church!” There were several wonderful projects such as....handing out gatorade and snacks at a local skate park, bringing groceries to the homebound, visiting a local nursing home, and giving out backpacks to the homeless in downtown Atlanta.

When Brad and I learned that Eagle Ranch (see below for more info) was one of the projects we were so excited. For some reason we have always felt a strong connection to the ranch and the amazing ministry they do there. So on Sunday morning we headed out to do some yard work/playground cleanup for the kiddos! It's so important to Brad and I that Ella Rae learn to help others in need and so we took her along (I know she's only 8 months , but I really think she can sense her mommy and daddy showing love for others). So she hung out in her stroller watching us! Oh and she got some big kisses from some "Ranch Dogs" and loved it!

Eagle Ranch is a Christian-based childrens home for up to 54 boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 18. The Ranch is a multi-faceted center – a safe haven, a home, a school and a counseling center – where children live for a season of their lives while their families learn to put their lives back together again.

The children come from a variety of troubled backgrounds and home situations, and each has unique needs and issues. All are in some stage of crisis, and most are behind in school. The team of houseparents, counselors and teachers collaborates to help the boys and girls address these issues. During the entire process, they also work with the children’s families toward restoration. As the children and their families identify and change negative behaviors, they are able to overcome past failures and embrace a hopeful future.


1 comment:

Anonymous said...

It looks like you guys had a great time and got a lot of work done! What sweet dogs - did you bring a friend home for Beau and Jackson?