the beginning of something Great

Recently my husband and I made a trip to New York’s Long Island. We went for the purpose of visiting the Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch to interview and to explore the possibility of working with them. We weren’t sure what to expect, which I guess is partially why we were told, “You just need to come up here so that you can get to know us and what we’re about, and we can get to know you!” It was deemed an “exploratory interview” meaning neither party had a clear position in mind, but as talents and interests were exposed, a position might become evident. 

Being adventurous world travelers ourselves, we decided to get ourselves as far as we could by public transportation. The Long Island Railroad goes as far as Ronkokoma (which we could not pronounce correctly until several repetitions by the conductor). At Ronkokoma we boarded another shorter train to go further east to Riverhead. It seemed that the entire train from Manhattan was boarding the Ronkokoma train with us until we realized that most of the passengers were using the parked train as a bridge to get across the tracks to the station. By the time the doors actually closed and we left the station we were among perhaps only 5 other passengers going to Riverhead. At the small Riverhead station we were warmly welcomed by Timothy Hill’s friendly transportation coordinator. A short drive to the ranch and we were greeted by the warmth of Jerry and Fern Hill, founders of the ranch. Each person we met seemed to be filled with a contagious joy that only comes through knowing how to love.

We were blessed to be staying at the Hospitality House during the same time that some of the transitional housing residents were staying there. One young man of about 18 years of age arrived at the ranch the same day as us. He came into the kitchen while we were visiting with Ms. Fern. She welcomed him with the same warmth we were growing accustomed to. His posture spoke of unfamiliarity with the kindness being shown to him. With a sheepish smile, he thanked Mrs. Hill and with unexpected confidence stated, “I’m happy to be here, this is much better than where I came from.” Later we learned that this polite young man had just arrived from the local penitentiary. Throughout our time on the ranch, we observed how this young man grew more comfortable with his surroundings as he started to understand that the people around him were sincere and intentional in their love. Love and trust were evidently expressions he was not accustomed to. His transition was just a tiny glimpse of the change that the young men and women who come to Timothy HIll experience on a much larger scale. 

Christmas lights in NYC

We witnessed a board meeting where each resident was commended or reprimanded on their behavior and allowed to make requests. We visited with individuals and couples who have devoted a season of their lives to loving and mentoring young men and women who are working to get their lives on track. We participated in a family Thanksgiving meal. We witnessed a fist fight between residents and saw their mournful faces when they were reprimanded after the fact. We listened as one young man blatantly lied to the board and we also listened as another young man expressed his heartfelt thanks to the program upon his departure. Tough love was exhibited in the most tangible way I have ever seen it. 

Our final interview with the director of the program revealed a position that suited both our vision and our skills and talents. Much prayer and consideration went with us as we replayed our experience the days and weeks following our time in Riverhead. 

We spent a good 3 days in New York City after our time at Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch. The conversations we had at the ranch played over in our minds. The vision of how we could be used there excited us. The realization that God was evidently working through this experience to lead us was becoming clear. The very real faith in God and the sincere action of loving that we witnessed at the ranch left us inspired and uplifted.

Because of these things and much more, we have officially accepted a position at the ranch and are excited to join the work being done there. We know that great challenges will come with our commitment to loving our residents, but we pray that God will take our willingness and work through our weakness to do GREAT things. 

out of the overflow of the heart

Composed on 12.11.2013 regarding my recent work at a local nursing home.

She’s not exactly a pleasant woman to be around. Most of the day she stays hunched over in her wheelchair, either asleep or scooting herself up and down the hallways. She often dons a red crocheted beret, slightly tilted to one side. Her loosely buttoned blouse is nearly always stained with tobacco and saliva, her long nails carry remnants of yesterday’s meal. She carries her ziplock bag of tobacco in her blouse and tucks a clear plastic spit cup beside her on the cushion of her wheelchair. Sometimes I find her outside, sitting in a spot of sunshine...I wish more residents would go outside for some fresh air and sunshine. Ms. Marlene is not exactly a pleasant woman to be around, but beyond the exterior she has a special gift that she cannot keep to herself and this, more than the previous description, is what sets her apart. You cannot talk to Marlene about anything without her sharing words of faith in Jesus. 
“How are you today, Marlene?” 
“I’m alright. Thank the Lord! Thank the Lord!”
“Did you eat lunch today?”
“Yes. You know Jesus is the bread of life! He is the Good Shepherd!”
“I agree!”
“You’ve always got to tell the truth! Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life!”
“That’s true...I’ll see you later, Ms. Marlene”
“Okay, bye...Uuuhmaaazing grace! How sweet the sound....” she rolls away singing with a tremor in her aging voice.
That is a typical conversation with Marlene. Psychologically, she is not fully intact, but her conversations are an outpouring of the words that have filled her life. I don’t know her story. I don’t know how she lived her life. All I know, is that I want to live my life in such a way, that when my body is failing and my mind has gone, I want my spirit to still emit sweet words of Truth.

“For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” Matthew 12:34