Room 129 is empty. Late January, movers removed the teacher’s desk and chair, the smart board and projector, and everything else belonging to the ministry of education. The New Heights Youth Centre that rented the classroom for five years no longer needs it now that they have transitioned from a home for troubled teens to a home for adults.
Jenn, the most recent teacher, always had a smile for us and often stopped to chat. The previous teacher, Cathy, often dropped by the office on her breaks, and the relationship became such that Evelyn and Alice visited her in Peterborough when she was on a sick leave. Both teachers loved the “spirit of peace” in our church.
At the beginning of our relationship with the group home, there were worries that the boys would harm the children of our daycare tenant. But both parties co-existed well in our East Wing and the only damage sustained by our building was a broken mirror in the bathroom. An apology and an offer to pay smoothed the waters again.
One student, in particular, won our hearts this year. Zach often made his way to Evelyn’s office to ask for this or for that. Although he usually got a firm but friendly “No”, they enjoyed their encounters. In December, Zach decided to bless Evelyn by taping paper snowflakes on her office windows and door. Removing the glue from the glass took effort, but how do you refuse a goodhearted kid who wants to brighten up your workspace?
On their last day, we blessed Jenn with flowers and a farewell card. Jenn and Zach also had cards for us. Jenn wrote, “Thank you, Evelyn, Peter, and everyone at Hope. Everyone has been so nice and welcoming. I really enjoyed being a part of Hope. Special thanks for all your acceptance and understanding of my boys. Wishing you the very best!” Zach’s card said, “Thank you for all the help and care you have given all of us in the class. We will miss you guys!”
We will miss them, too.
- Pastor Peter
n.b. The cards are posted on the bulletin board.
Jenn, the most recent teacher, always had a smile for us and often stopped to chat. The previous teacher, Cathy, often dropped by the office on her breaks, and the relationship became such that Evelyn and Alice visited her in Peterborough when she was on a sick leave. Both teachers loved the “spirit of peace” in our church.
At the beginning of our relationship with the group home, there were worries that the boys would harm the children of our daycare tenant. But both parties co-existed well in our East Wing and the only damage sustained by our building was a broken mirror in the bathroom. An apology and an offer to pay smoothed the waters again.
One student, in particular, won our hearts this year. Zach often made his way to Evelyn’s office to ask for this or for that. Although he usually got a firm but friendly “No”, they enjoyed their encounters. In December, Zach decided to bless Evelyn by taping paper snowflakes on her office windows and door. Removing the glue from the glass took effort, but how do you refuse a goodhearted kid who wants to brighten up your workspace?
On their last day, we blessed Jenn with flowers and a farewell card. Jenn and Zach also had cards for us. Jenn wrote, “Thank you, Evelyn, Peter, and everyone at Hope. Everyone has been so nice and welcoming. I really enjoyed being a part of Hope. Special thanks for all your acceptance and understanding of my boys. Wishing you the very best!” Zach’s card said, “Thank you for all the help and care you have given all of us in the class. We will miss you guys!”
We will miss them, too.
- Pastor Peter
n.b. The cards are posted on the bulletin board.
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