By Christina Massey

How did November come so quickly?  The past few months have flown by and been filled with so many special moments that it is hard to process them all.  With so many kids involved in different school activities and events, sometimes it is hard to keep up.

One of my favorite moments during the busy last few months was a field trip with our 7th graders to the beach and Botanical Gardens.  This group has blossomed this year since they first walked out of our gates to attend Emanuel (a private Christian school) in San Manuel.  These previously shy children have matured and grown into amazing teenagers. As I watched them interact with their new friends at the beach, I thought about how far each of them have come this school year, and how all the little moments of their lives have built on each other like grains of sand to bring them to this point in their life.  As I watched Emerita writing ‘I Love Jesus’ in the sand along with her school friends, I was so proud of her witness and her love for Christ.

The children and young adults at Faith Home have each experienced so much in their lifetime.  The pain and sadness of their pasts mix with the laughter and joy they have experienced at Faith Home to create the amazing young men and women of God they are becoming.  God is sifting those moments and memories and helping them to become stronger as He is writing His name, not in sand, but on their hearts.  It’s a blessing to see Him shine through each of them as they interact with others at school, church events, and out in the communities.  We are thankful for every moment and blessing as the sands of time pass and we see God’s plan unfolding in each of their lives.

Independence Day Parade:

Groups of Faith Home children represented the outside schools they attend in the Independence Day Parade in San Manuel.  The day concluded with all of Faith Home marching together.  Our kids received applause when they continued to march in formation even though it poured down rain.  We were even presented a plaque in the stadium at the end of the parade-the kids were so excited and we are so proud of them!

Children’s Day:

Children’s Day was celebrated at Faith Home with a water slide, piñatas, games, and refreshments.  The younger children got to go to the swimming pool, and the older kids celebrated with popcorn, sodas, and the movie, ‘God’s not Dead’.