reentry

Three weeks left and the guys are feeling the pressure of entering back into their worlds. And even as a proud parent, kind of, it will be hard to see them go. Yet isnt that what being a parent is all about? Training someone to become independent? They have expressed some fear in going back which may be good for them to feel. These are good men and I am excited to see them start to walk on their own. I believe and know they can make it. They are strong and not afraid of conflict.

Thats part of the ironic part of thing as well. You train someone up to never really experience the fruit first hand. Pray for us as we finish well with these guys in the summer session.

Well Rounded

Last night we had a very good friend, Brian Vickery, come by the cabin and spend some time with the guys. He has spent most of his time in the real estate world. He knows how to put deals together and execute them. Yet is also a man who is very aware of what God is doing in his life and very aware of the Fathers heart over him.

And as he left at about 1030, I started to feel the fullness of what we are offering to these young men. They are receiving from all sorts of older men. And with Brian there, he filled yet another area that needed to be addressed.

"It takes a village to raise a child" and for us "it takes a fellowship of men to raise a boy".

Deep Waters

Part of the three months with the young men, we have older men stepping in to offer different things. Tonight was our first night with our fly fishing guides. Two older, seasoned men that have spent many years on the water.

As one of our guys said through tears after they left "this just feels different" I know something was happening that not many of us get to see or experience ourselves. I said to Xan, "its amazing to see the symbiotic relationships between our guides and our young men. They both love their roles. The guides love to offer their wisdom and experience. They love being around the young men. And the young men love soaking in the wisdom, tips, and techniques.

It helps to have guides that share their story as well. Sharing how fishing has shaped their lives. Through their fathers, grandfathers and older men that have shown them the way. Older men pouring into younger men......what a novel idea.

Its beautiful when we start doing things the way they were created to be done. The gifts, joys and experiences that come from them are some of the most rich things we will remember. I am looking forward to these times ahead.

And so now we have a house full of young men. Some days I can take it in and some days it feels just too large for my brain. These young men are amazing. Spending a week in the wilderness takes a man to places he can not reach in everyday life. I wish all of you could meet them.

So the last 3 days they have been working. I really believe God has something for a man in his work. It almost feels as much a mystery as a woman does to a man. I love to hear their stories of them "feeling" the weight of work and experiencing a mans world.

Tonight we have a nun coming to teach about contemplative prayer. It feels so different in what they have been walking through in work. Yet it does feel like what is required to stay a healthy man. The balance between drivenness and peace.

For me personally, this is a blast. Seeing these young men's hearts is such a privilege.