Some news...

Even though we haven't had club for awhile, and supposedly, January is our "month off" a lot has been happening around here that I would like to share with you.
A couple of weeks ago, Melissa and I took the Jr High girls to the home of one of our volunteers, Kristen. Kristen wanted to have the girls out to ride her horse, enjoy her hottub, and just hang out. So of course, none of us objected to that! It was a great day. Three of our girls came out. Even though it was freezing, they braved it and rode the horse, a first experience for two of them. Our toes became numb and we were shivering, but we enjoyed it. It was great to see the girls having fun and doing something out of the ordinary. Kristen taught them how to feed, brush and bridle the horse. After our numbing experience, we jumped into a steaming hot tub. From one extreme to the other! We finished the evening by eating pizza and watching a movie.
This past week, we had a group of students from Spring Arbor University come visit Detroit. John is teaching a class there on Urban Ministry so the students were here to experience it first hand for two days. I spent the day with them on Tuesday as they visited various local ministries, and a Detroit school. They also came by to look at our house and get an understanding of what "relocation" consist of. I enjoyed talking to some of the students and finding out where they were at and what their thoughts on the city were. For most of them, this class and experience were their first with inner-city ministry. We had a few who were interested in coming back to do an internship for the summer. This would be exciting as we are always needing day camp staff! On Tuesday night, we also held a special Kids Club so the students could experience working with children. I especially enjoyed this as I hadn't seen a lot of our kids for awhile and missed them! A couple of the students came with me to pick them up and they commented on how happy the kids were to come to club. What a great reminder that little comment was to me of how much the kids do love coming. And it's not like we do anything fancy. Kids club is pretty simple, but the kids know they are loved and can be with their friends in a safe environment.
And last, but definately not least, I have some very good news. As of March 1st, I will be full-time with HPCO!!!!! What an amazing answer to prayer. This was what my desire was from the beginning, I just didn't expect it to come so soon. Oh me of little faith. Please pray that God will continue to bring in the finances needed and also that He would guide me as to how to wisely use my time and resources as a full-time missionary.

Catching up!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
I haven't posted anything in a long time, but that is partially because I've been away and we're taking a little "break" from programming here.
I went home for Christmas, and then flew out to New Hampshire the day after to visit my brother and his family. All together, that meant I was gone for 2 1/2 weeks! It was a nice break and it was great to spend time with family! Especially the Hillikers in New England who I don't get to see too often:o) Since I don't have any new HPCO pictures, I thought I'd share one of my very handsome nephew who I visited in NH. I believe this is Keegan getting ready to drive to Detroit in the car his Aunt Sarah bought him-he's obviously ready for the 'hood!(Hopefully, that's not a gang symbol he's got going on there!)
As far as what's going on here in HP, we ended the year well and are looking forward to starting again in February. Before I left, I was priveledged to bring to church the grandma of one of our families. She called me on a Sunday morning and said she would like to come. It was such a blessing to spend this time with her and worship with her. She is known as being a strong prayer warrior. She hasn't been to church in a few years and was excited to be back. She shared with me on our drive to and from church all that God has done for her and her family over the last year. She struggles with poor health and they had to make an unexpected move to another house. But God really provided for them inspite of some rough situations. I'm praying that she'll be able to return to church with me this Sunday.
Also, before Christmas we handed out food and Christmas gifts to our families. Even though I've been around for a few years, this was the first time I was actually able to hand out boxes. I went to three different homes. The first one was the mother of one of our teen girls, Inez. I had talked to her mother on the phone a couple of times, but this was the first time I was able to talk with her in person. It was great to get to know her a little better and pray with her for her and her family. Inez has been through a lot this year and is finally back home after being gone for about 8 months. After that, I went over to the home of 3 of our Kids Club kids. It's always fun to visit the kids because they are usually so excited to have you at their house. They followed me back out to my car and it took me awhile before they would let me go!
I'm really looking forward to starting programming again. I miss all of my kids! This Saturday, we are taking our Jr High girls out to the home of one of our volunteers. I'm also hoping to spend some time with the high school girls before club starts up again.
Oh yes, one more exciting piece of information :o) I've been blessed with some more financial support and am much closer to being able to go full time. Lord willing, I will be able to in May just in time for Day camp! This will be a true answer to prayer.