Paint Matters!

Each day at Soaring Wings Ministries is packed to the brim with work that needs to be done.  The morning arrives early with one of us getting up early to catch a few precious hours of peace, quiet and time alone before everyone else gets up to start the day.  For me, early morning is a good time to pray and to think.  My family has asked me "Why do you write your blog so very early in the morning?".  My response is that it is literally the only time that I have time to think without interruptions and it is the only time that I can have the computer all to myself.  We only have one computer here at Soaring Wings Ministries and it is in use from early in the morning into the evening.   It would be wonderful to have another computer but it is not at the top of our list of things that we have to buy so we make do with our one computer, prioritize the use of the computer and we learn to be patient and wait our turn.  As I sit here at the computer it is early, 5:33 a.m. to be exact and the house is quiet.  All the animals and humans are still sleeping.  Peace and quiet reigns for a brief time and I am alone to pray, think, write and to think and pray some more.  

There is a lot to do at Soaring Wings Ministries.  Just last night Meredith, Ed and I gathered for a few brief moments to look at our calendar and we all saw a very full calendar with no blank spaces to fit in not one more event, meeting or appointment.  We didn't feel overwhelmed, instead,we felt blessed. We wondered if our strength would hold up but mostly we were excited that Soaring Wings Ministries is becoming a place that people are excited about and a place where people want to spend some time.  We truly are so very excited for each and every volunteer, young or not so young, who will be coming this summer to help out here at Soaring Wings Ministries.   The work that needs to be done is not being done for us, but is instead being done to help the homeless.  We are trying to create a warm, welcoming, and nurturing environment for the homeless who will be living here at Soaring Wings Ministries.  When Soaring Wings Ministries purchased this piece of property it was in foreclosure and had been neglected but we saw the potential and we knew that with hard work, time and money it would become a place for broken people to heal.  

Homeless, neglected and broken people have so very little of beauty, warmth and nurturing in their lives.  It initially may not seem important to have outbuildings and grounds that are in good repair with a fresh coat of paint but it is important.  It is important because it creates an atmosphere of beauty, warmth and nurturing that is part of the healing process for hurting people.  It is important because it will tell the homeless person, "We care about you!".  Each coat of paint, each shed that is repaired, each garden that is created and planted with vegetables and flowers will create a healing environment for hurting people.  

We are getting close to our goal of having a homeless family or young adults living here at Soaring Wings Ministries.  I often think of the very first time that a homeless family will drive down the driveway and see their new home.  I hope and pray that they immediately see a place that says welcome, we are glad you are here, you are safe here and we did this for you!!  I know for a fact that those aren't phrases or thoughts that most homeless people have experienced in their past.  My prayer is that the healing process will begin for a homeless family/young adult as soon as they drive down the driveway of Soaring Wings Ministries.  I believe with all my heart that this healing process is possible and as the first family arrives I will remember the hard work of all of our volunteers who spent part of their summer creating an atmosphere of caring and love.  

Well, my peace and quiet is over.  The animals and humans are awake.  For those of you who know our daughter Meredith, you know that she is woman who shares her thoughts and feelings openly,  directly and with a sense of reality and humor (kind of like here Dad!).  As she walked down the hall, she saw me sitting at the computer and she immediately knew that I was grasping at and stretching out every last moment of my alone time.  I didn't get a "good morning Mom" from Meredith or a "how is it going, Mom".  No, in the words of Meredith the first thing I heard was "Your alone time is over. Kiss it good-bye sister!".   Aaaah.....I love live at Soaring Wings Ministries! It is real! It is exciting and it is anything but boring! I wish that each and everyone of you could come and visit us here at 499 Trinity Lane.  For those of you who are coming this summer we hope, as you drive down the drive way of Soaring Wings Ministries, that you will see a place that says, "WELCOME!!! WE ARE SO GLAD YOU ARE HERE!   THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR COMING!!!"  

God truly is good and we give Him the Praise and Glory for the blessing of life at Soaring Wings Ministries and for the blessing of wonderful people who give of their time, money and energy to create a beautiful, warm and nurturing place for broken and neglected people. 

Anita Rennells
Soaring Wings Ministries
Wellington, Colorado