It is amazing how teens can be so powerfully influenced by each other.

My first night back at the drop-in had 27 kids (well, boys...I have like 3 girls) and one
of the boys (who was there illegally vs. his trespass order) caused so much trouble that we had to call the police. The staff were stressed out and we had to close early.

Now the boy is gone and what an AMAZING difference! We had 49 boys last night, and it was so much fun. There was no rudeness or pushing back against authority.
It felt like I was a big mama there to nudge them in the right direction.

I think it was partially God being kind to me and knowing I needed an easy night with all the extra stuff I'm doing, preparing for the opening of the new building.
(By the way, the grand opening of our new buidling is next Tuesday. I'm very excited, we'll even have some media coverage I think)

And the other part is a change in my perspective. Before (my rest at the women's retreat) I was just thinking about how tired I was and how unfair it is that I have to work all day with my kids then go to work, that's just not fair!
Hee, hee I'm such a good little martyr, eh?

Now I'm thinking, what a great job I have! Two of my greatest passions in life, justice and youth....combined into a job, just for me! And, I get paid to do it! Wow! I'm so blessed! God really loves me!
He gave me the perfect job! (And I didn't even ask Him for it, but that's a whole different story....maybe I'll tell that story tomorrow....its a doozey!)

So, now my challenge is keeping my new found perspective. I know that God is eternally faithful, the problem is I'm not.