"The water levels are the highest they've been in years. It looks like you'll have some pretty exciting rapids to deal with." This was the explanation given to us by the rafting outfitter before we headed out on the Wolf River. I was already feeling cautious since Wisconsin had received an extreme amount of rain leading up to our trip, and this bit of news didn't bring about a huge sense of calm. In fact, just the day before my Wolf River trip, friends that were going with Brian to the Boundary Waters left Madison and were stuck in traffic for over an hour before they could get on Highway 94 due to flooding. Needless to say there was a lot of water in Wisconsin.

We took 11 kids and five staff white water rafting this year. The only setbacks (and they were minor) were a few wrong turns, a meltdown on the river the first day by one of our kids, and a pretty sweet leg wound from yours truly. It's amazing how God's hand of protection was on us the entire week.

I've developed a great passion for the outdoors and camping (thanks to my husband Brian) and I loved the opportunity to teach kids to share in that joy last week. There is something so simple and pure in sharing a conversation with a kid who has been shuffled from foster parent to foster parent while roasting marshmallows. Or staying up late with the girls in my tent to play cards.

Summers at TreeHouse offer little breaks or down time, but through all the chaos I see the most life change in kids.

Schools Out For Summer

Yesterday was the much anticipated day for every junior high and high school kid: the last day of school. And for those still in junior high an even better bonus: Valley Fair. Unfortunately yesterday also happened to be a pretty big thunderstorm day. When I was in middle school I remember my end of the year Valley Fair trip was also rainy. Those flimsy ponchos just don't keep you dry. My sympathies went out to all those kids.

Last night was also my turn to speak. We had a dirt theme because I was teaching on Jesus healing the blind man with dirt and spit. As a way to introduce the whole dirt theme I shared about my childhood and how I was a dirt eater. (see picture to the left). Thankfully I have outgrown my appetite for dirt.

On a personal note, I leave for the MS150 bike ride. The forecast shows rain. I'm not a big fan of riding in the rain so it should be interesting. We'll see how well my rain jacket repels water.

Gas Prices

While the cost of unleaded gas has not exceeded $4/gallon yet, I did pump $106 into my tank yesterday. The first time ever that I've seen it go over $100! I always like to play a game with any kids that are in my van at the time of my re-fueling called "Who can guess the gas price?" I'm proud to say my guess was the closest at $103. I don't have to worry about paying out of pocket for TreeHouse gas so I can enjoy the simple pleasures of games like this. Where as if I was fueling up my Civic, I would be cringing every time the price went up.

Thank you from the snowy tundra

It's snowing out right now. I heard the possibility of 4-10 inches of wet, heavy snow. My hopes of wearing flip-flops will have to wait a few more weeks. The only real thing I dread is brushing all the snow off of the TreeHouse van in a few hours when I leave for my one-to-one. Oh well...Such is life...

I was able to make my MPD year-end target just in time. So, THANK YOU for all of your encouragement, prayer, and financial contributions.

More recently, this last weekend we completed our Party Like A Rockstar all-nighter. That's right--over 14 hours of hanging out with kids and trying desperately to stay awake. We took 20 mostly junior high kids on the event. While the event was extremely fun and wild (2AM donut runs and a lot of energy drinks), I remember now why we only plan an all-nighter once a year: adults simply don't have the same capacity to stay awake like a 13 year-old does. I dropped kids off at sunrise and slept until close to sunset the same day, and I still feel like I'm recovering two days later.

If any of you out there can imagine yourself trying to stay awake at all night at an event like Part Like A Rockstar, I'm curious what your drink of choice would be to avoid sleep. Coffee? Energy drink? Mt. Dew? Go ahead, weigh in your thoughts. Until later, the National Sleep Foundation says 7-9 hours of sleep is recommended to feel well-rested.

Michelle

I'm back!

Wow...it's been awhile since I've blogged. I hope you haven't given up on me. So if only one person reads this--thank you!

TreeHouse's year-end is FAST approaching! Which means I have until the end of March to reach my target. Currently I am only $300 away from reaching my year-end goal. Would you please consider helping me reach my target?

The programs at TreeHouse are designed to provide a safe place for teens to work through life's issues. I am committed to developing long-term relationships with teens who believe they don't matter and have lost their sense of worth.
Rachel, 13, is 4 1/2 months pregnant. She'll turn 14 shortly after she gives birth. For months she kept her pregnancy a secret because she was too ashamed to tell anyone--including her mom and sister.

Jackie, 16, was raped last week. She was hoping to save herself for someone she cared about. In desperation after, she turned to cutting herself to release some of the pain. She comes to TreeHouse because she knows it's a safe place and people won't look down on her.

I am continually moved by what some of these kids endure. God is doing awesome things in our area. He is healing broken people and reminding them of an unconditional Love. Right now we are fully staffed and seeing new faces all the time! Your resources make a difference. I hope that some of you will feel led to get involved. If you would like to help me reach my target or partner on a monthly basis please contact the main office:
TreeHouse
5666 Lincoln Dr Suite 201
Edina, MN 55436

Blessings!

Michelle

MySpace what?

So first is was Facebook and now it's MySpace. Both of these online death traps (death traps because they suck away so much of your time) were things I swore I would not become apart of. Well, my last ounce of resistance has been stripped away. I am now a MySpace member. While Facebook is really a personal time waster, I am signing up with MySpace to connect with SO many of the youth I work with. There is a whole different dynamic you get welcomed into when you become apart of the MySpace family. Much of our youth's drama seems to get started over MySpace messages. I hope to use this outlet as a ministry tool. You are welcome to become my MySpace friend too. I only have three friends so far...

PS. I'd love to know who's actually reading my blog ramblings. If you're able to send me feedback if this helps you feel connected then please speak up! Either here or on MySpace. My username is Java Queen or you can find me under my name.

Happy Turkey Day!

80s prom fiesta

We had an 80s prom themed Halloween party this week and I might add you I'm pretty proud of my prom dress. Now the question of whether I would have worn my dress to prom in the 80s is questionable. I think the whole 80s prom theme was comical because most of these kids were born after the 80s. Is it true that I am actually starting to get old in these kids' eyes? (Marie, who I work with, is on the left, Guy, our year-long intern, is in the back, and I am on the right).

On another note, we are leaving for our Fall Retreat today. We are taking 14 kids up north for the weekend for a chance to connect with each other and God in the outdoors. Please pray for physical safety (including rest--if possible!), wisdom in our leadership, and soft hearts in the kids that are going.