Once a term, boarding students have a Visiting Day. With boys at different schools, we had some busy Saturdays recently, as we tried to visit all of our boys on their designated day.
Before some staff members headed out, we decided to invite some of the boys along with us. It was good for the boys who are not boarding to see what that is like, and to have time with their brothers who have been away from The Shepherd Center since school began. For the younger ones, it prompted many good conversations about their goals for their education, which high school they hope to attend, and more.
We brought each of our boys a soda and little snack to enjoy, as a small variation from their school meals. The staff and other boys chatted with the students, listening to what they like about their schools as well as what challenges they face. We left each boy we visited with a little money in his pocket to take care of minor issues that needed or addressed, or to enjoy a special snack that week. But more importantly, we left them with smiles, hugs, and the knowledge that they are loved.
Thanks so much to everyone who makes it possible for us to educate these boys, boys who once couldn’t even dream that they would have a good place to stay, let alone a good school to attend.
The Shepherd Center 