Sunday, February 28, 2010
In the first three grades, most of our students want a hug almost every time they see you. As students get older, they become more reserved.
Today after church was finished, a high school girl wanted to give me a hug of support. After she broke the ice, all the other high school girls in her home gave me one as well. We’re never too old for a good hug!
I ate lunch in the Raphael Home (1st – 3rd grade boys). When I arrived, they were busy building trucks and spaceships with Legos and letting their imaginations loose. Their crashes were complete with sound effects!
During the meal, this group was most energetic and talkative, each one vying to tell me about something that happened to them before the last boy got done talking. We worked on being polite and listening and letting everyone get a chance to be heard.
After lunch came time for reading. Most of the boys favored books about nature and animals. Nathaniel was reading the children’s Bible we presented him with last weekend, especially interested in the story of Moses going to Pharaoh.
I walked home past Carola, one of our temporary housing units while other homes are being remodeled. Our maintenance staff has finished the Fisher Home remodeling ahead of schedule. The houseparents and students were packing excess staples, laundry soap, canned goods and the like, and starting the first stages of the move back in.
Spring Break is just two weeks away, and their goal is to get everything moved by then so they can enjoy the benefits of the new space when they return.
Father Steve
That sounds great. All those kids with a thousand questions! I’m sure the hugs meant a lot to you and them. I wish i could be there to help with some projects, if I only lived closer. I see your in good spirits. we love you all and stay warm. God Bless!The clappers
Hello Fr. Steve –
I am a long time supporter of St. Joseph’s. I met you at a luncheon here in Wisconsin a couple of years ago. I was so sorry to hear of your cancer diagnosis. I am enjoying reading your blog & I am amazed at your faith & fortitude! I pray that God would draw you even closer to Him during this time of testing.
Please ask your Doctor about supplements of Vitamin D3. I have read that it is very good at building up your immune system, although some doctors pooh-pooh the idea of supplements. You can read up on it at http://www.vitamindcouncil.org.
May God bless you with His healing touch & may He bless your ministry & all the children!
Your Sister in Christ,
Susan Peterson
Father Steve..You are ALWAYS the teacher..! And you are always in the St. John Bosco style..! How really happy I am to know there is at least ONE out there like you..! A REAL teacher is always teaching..even when they are not aware of it..and what they teach lasts forever..FOREVER. I know. My grandmothers were teachers..My aunts were teachers. My cousins are teachers, my friends are and were teachers..
So, Good Buddy..How marvelously complete you are..!
Our Love and Hugs are with you..as well as our prayers…
Mia and Bob
Father Steve,
Because of you-working with kids makes my heart grow in faith. I pray that this mission and cause will keep growing through our lord. I wish you healing and complete growth. Your brother in CHRIST.
MM
Dear Fr. Steve,
I already sent you a card with a donation but want you to know that my prayers and novenas will include you. Did you know why God gave us 2 arms? So we can wrap our arms
and hug one another to show our love and compassion. Avail youself of all the hugs from your children that you are comfortably able to handle.
Many Blessimgs,
Gloria Konsack
Im grateful for the blog. Really Cool.