04/11/2024
Stepping into a New and Beautiful Spring
by: Courtney Donker, Kids Hope Director
Last week, I walked out of Lakeshore Elementary with an extra spring in my step. How fitting, as we step into a new and beautiful Spring!
Since I began as Kids Hope Director at the start of 2024, I have been blown away by the people we work with and the students we serve. It is a joy to read the notes from mentors after meeting with their students; a joy to talk with teachers and hear about progress being made; a joy to see prayers being answered. And yet, the unexpected blessing of the welcome extended to me by each of the students in our program has impacted me in one of the most profound ways.
During those first few walks through the hallways at Lakeshore as an unfamiliar face, I found myself aware that the students glancing my way had no clue that I prayed for them by name and rooted for their success. Last week, just a few months after our first introductions, as I made my rounds poking my head into classrooms and gathering spaces, students turned my way and knew that they were looking at someone in their corner. I saw recognition in their eyes as they came to me for a hug or a quick chat and felt myself beaming just like they were. I marveled at the ease of their openness, and how quick they were to offer it. I am reminded of Paul commanding us in Romans to “Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” (Romans 15:7). And isn’t it true that no one offers a welcome quite like a child?
I am deeply thankful for the consistent love and support Neighbors Plus, Harderwyk Ministries, and Kids Hope USA show to these children. It is because they are wrapped in that safety that they are free to offer welcoming kindness to the people around them. What a beautiful image of the ripple effect of God’s love!