Granny's House, Columbia Missouri

We Believe in Miracles!

2012-01-11T05:43:00.000-08:00

Yes, we do believe in miracles at Granny's House... When I first met with Adrian Clifton several months ago to discuss volunteer opportunities at Granny's House, I left that meeting with my head spinning and heart racing. PhD candidate, wife, and mother of three young children all wrapped up in one beautiful package.

But it was as she began to unwrap the layers of her past life that I began to see the miracle emerge. Having lived through and triumphed over so many of the temptations and challenges that Granny's House kids and families face, I immediately thought "Wow! she'd be so effective as a G.I.R.L.S. group team leader working with girls who have outgrown The Princess Academy." (The G.I.R.L.S. is an acronym for "Experiencing God In Real Life Situations"). She's been working with the G.I.R.L.S. team ever since.

Her amazing story is featured in this month's Inside Columbia Magazine:

http://www.insidecolumbia.net/6926/2011/12/real-inspiration/

After reading her story, I'm think you'll agree that her life is an amazing showcase

for God's grace, mercy, and power! -Granny Pam

Just Another Wacky Idea?

2011-11-17T11:25:00.000-08:00

What could a teen girl do with $195.00? Well… she could buy a new iPod Touch or 200 songs on itunes. She could get some UGGS or a few pairs of Toms… or how about fifty trips to Taco Bell? However, that’s not what Kiona did when she began making money selling her WACKY Bandana Bandz bracelets last spring. We’ll never forget the day she came bursting into the Granny’s House office to tell us about her new, idea…

Kiona plopped into the big desk chair in the office at Granny’s House. As usual, she was proudly wearing her big afro puff like a crown, as she excitedly showed off the new bracelet she’d just learned to make using frayed strips of cotton bandanas. “They’re just wacky,” she said with a giggle. “I think I’ll call them that... ‘WACKY!’”

Thus began Kiona’s pocket-sized business venture: “WACKY Bandana Bandz.” With a fifty-dollar investment from her summer job savings, and advice from two smart, business-minded Granny’s House volunteers, her “WACKY” bracelets created a buzz at school, with friends lining up and emailing to find out where they could get one of those bright, braided bracelets embellished with the zany snarl of knots. When she had to come up with $150 in spending money for a mission trip to Jamaica this summer, she handily made more than double that amount in less than two weeks selling her whimsical wristbands.

For months, her little bracelet business kept spending money in her pockets as news of her “WACKY” idea spread like wildfire by word-of-mouth at school and church. But, early on, Kiona wanted to do more than just make money. She wanted to use her bracelets to make a difference - to be able to “give back.” That’s’ when “Kiona-the-Entrepreneur” morphed into “Kiona-the-Philanthropist,” challenging Mizzou sororities to compete to win money for their chosen charity. She agreed to donate seventy-five cents per bracelet to the philanthropy of the sorority that purchased the most bracelets.

“I was so excited when Kiona told me she wanted to do an MU sorority challenge, says Kimberly Johnson, a Granny’s House volunteer. “The fact that she thought to give part of the proceeds to the sorority’s philanthropy speaks to her heart for giving.”

Making appointments to “Dinner Speak” at half a dozen or so sorority houses, she began to fulfill her dream of raising money to benefit others. One of our chief goals at Granny’s House is for the children to see themselves as ‘Victors” instead of victims...” as those who step up to the plate to give rather than waiting in line for a handout. Kiona has embraced that vision and is fleshing it out!

And the winner of the “WACKY Badana Bandz Philanthropy Challenge” is Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. They purchased 118 of the 256 bracelets sold to Mizzou sororities. That translates into $195.50 donated to their charity, True North, a local shelter for victims of domestic abuse.

Alpha Chi Omega Sorority member, Kristen Donnell, became a real fan of WACKY Bandz! “It was really encouraging to see all the panhellenic women on campus working so hard to win Kiona’s challenge to benefit their own philanthropy,” she said. “It was also cool for me to watch Kiona start a business out of nothing, and grow it into something successful so quickly and that it allows her to give back in a big way.”

Congratulations to Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and to Kiona for her WACKY idea!

Meet the New GH Interns

2011-09-27T14:15:00.000-07:00

This semester, Granny's House has three interns. With varying backgrounds and majors, we're excited for the unique skills and experiences each of them bring. Take a moment to meet our Fall 2011 interns...

Kristin Schmitz

Major: Social Work

Grad Date: December 2011

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Q. What are you hoping to get from your internship with Granny’s House?

A. “Experience with kids. Last year, I did a Way with Words and Numbers, but that was just tutoring. I want to get more experience socializing and identifying with them.”

Q. What has been the most surprising thing about Granny's House so far?

A. “How much everyone does outside of Granny's House…like they (the staff) are always running around doing things for the kids. I learned how much of a family it really is.”

Ana Schweitzer

Major: Nursing

Grad Date: December 2011

Hometown: St. Louis

Q. What attracted you to Granny’s House?

A. I heard about it a while ago and it sounded like fun. I thought it would be interesting and provide variety.”

Q. What are you hoping to get from your internship with Granny’s House?

A. “Better understanding of the lower income population – socially and healthcare wise.”

Q. What has been the most surprising thing about Granny's House so far?

A. “The programs within Granny’s House (i.e. CALEB, Princess Academy). It’s great that they get to have some type of classes and get to develop with their peers and feel special.”

Kimberly Johnson Anderson

Major: Business Management

Grad Date: May 2012

Hometown: Kansas City, MO

Q. What made you want to intern at Granny's House?

A. “I’ve been volunteering at Granny’s House for about a year and a half. I love the kids and everything Granny's House stands for. I figured what better way to get more experience in the nonprofit sector while enhancing the relationships I’ve built.”

Q. What are you going to be working on this semester at Granny’s House?

A. I’ll still be doing normal volunteer things such as tutoring, helping with meals, and spending time with the kids, but I’ll also be more involved with the programming for the G.I.R.L.S. and increasing the online presence of Granny’s House through blog and Facebook.”

Q. What’s your favorite thing about Granny’s House?

A. “I don’t know if I could narrow it down to just one thing… Possibly seeing the kids grow and develop. I’ve been at Granny’s House for a relatively short time, but I’ve gotten to see God do some amazing things in the lives of these children.”

CPR is as Easy as ABC...

2011-09-27T14:09:00.000-07:00

During the September session of CALEB the Science Club, Granny's House kids and other Columbia youth learned the basics of CPR and first aid. The MU chapter of Student National Medical Association (SNMA) led the workshop. Although cardiopulmonary resuscitation might sound a little intimidating, the children learned it was as easy as airway, breathe, circulation.

Pictures to come...

CALEB the Science Club is an extracurricular academic program hosted by the University of Missouri-Columbia that involves students at all levels. Although there is a very important emphasis on the middle-school age, students at higher levels of education are actively involved. The older students help to nurture the younger ones, providing extremely valuable input while gaining invaluable mentoring experience themselves. Usually there are Medical and Premedical students in attendance. Their presence models what the younger students can achieve.

For more information, visit the CALEB the Science Club website.

KAA-2011!

2011-07-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again! Tomorrow morning 31 Granny's House youth and 6 Granny's House staff and volunteers will travel to Golden Missouri to take part in an amazing week at Kids Across America camp! Please pray for safety (especially in this heat), changed hearts, and a TON of fun! We can't wait to update you when we get back!!!

Another Granny's House Super Mom...

2011-07-04T16:31:00.000-07:00

We first met Melissa, thirty-one-year-old mother of five, when she moved across the street from Granny’s House nearly three years ago. She ran a tight ship at home, expecting good grades, on-time homework assignments, finished chores, and respect for grown ups.

It wasn’t until she came over to help us plant flowers at Granny’s, however, that we got to know, not only “Melissa-as-Mom,” but “Melissa-as-History Buff.”

“I love watching the History Chanel,” she said, “cause that’s where I learned how all the states got their shapes.” While scooping black dirt and fertilizer pellets into flower pots, she talked and talked and we got a taste of her keen intellect and desire to make things better for her family.

I began wondering just how far she’d gone in school, but wasn’t quite sure how to broach the subject. I finally took a chance and asked, “Hey, you’re so smart! Have you ever considered going to college?”

She had, in fact, considered the prospect of college but, first, had to conquer the GED, she said. She enrolled in GED classes a few weeks later, and passed the GED exam not quite a year after the day we planted flowers together. Unlike her stint in high school, this time around, she loved it:

“It’s as if my desire to learn went from fifteen miles an hour to a hundred and fifty miles an hour…I so loved soaking it all up.”

She obviously soaked up a lot while at Douglass High’s GED classes. She was an exceptional student and was asked to give the student speech at graduation. In her speech, she told of her attempt to return to school with the responsibility of a new baby - the difficulty of balancing homework assignments and late evening work at a car wash:

“Most eleventh graders had lots of time to hang out with girlfriends, but not me…

All that came to a screeching halt when I had the baby.”

Now, Melissa can hardly wait to enroll in classes at Columbia College this fall:

“When I was in elementary school, I used to dream about going to college. I always wanted to make my parents proud… Now I want to go to make my kids proud.”

Congratulations Friend!! We’re so proud of you!!

I still remember my first day- Jon Moe

2011-06-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

Jon Moe. A tall, lanky, blonde kid who was just beginning his college career at Mizzou. He was an instant hit with the kids, and for sure, one of the most effective male volunteers we've ever had!

I’ll never forget the day that I stood watching Jon from the dining room window as He arrived at Granny’s House. What I saw melted my heart! As Jon got out of his car, one of the kids ran, with outstretched arms, to meet him. Jon greeted that kid by picking him up, swinging him around just like a lot of dads do with their small children. For years, something like this happened every time Jon came to Granny’s House. Here are some of Jon's memories from his days as Granny's House Volunteer:

What Do You Remember About Your Time at Granny’s House?

“I remember the first time that one of the kids called me ‘Daddy.’ I was both pleased and proud, but also deeply grieved. I only volunteered one day a week, but apparently even that much consistent male presence classified me as a father figure.”

“I also remember picking up one of the kids and taking them to Cosmo Park with another volunteer on a Saturday. It was so much fun to see how excited this kid was. They had been looking forward to the outing for the whole week and talked about it all the next week.”

How Does Volunteering at Granny's House Impact Lives?

“It’s especially important for men to volunteer and to provide at least a taste of what having a father is like. You may just be able to point these precious kids to their "Real Father." Bringing joy to a child's heart is one of the most enjoyable things I think we can do this side of heaven!”

What Are You Doing Now?

After graduating from Mizzou, I moved to Minnesota to work as an engineer. I am married and have a toddler son…

Do You Have A Prayer For Granny’s House?

“I pray that God will continue to use Granny's House to radically change lives - the lives of the volunteers, the kids, and their families. I pray that Granny's House will continue to be salt and light, spread liberally, and shining brightly in the projects of Columbia…”

Granny's House Store!

2011-06-15T12:04:00.001-07:00

One of our goals at Granny's House, is to teach the kids that hard work...equals provision. They all have such amazing gifts and talents, and we want to show them that they can use those gifts to glorify God through their work!

Because of this, for the past few months, the kids have been earning "points" at Granny's House by cleaning, taking out trash or helping with random chores we might have. Their points are posted on a wall, and everytime they complete a task, points are awarded!

Recently, the children were given "paychecks" based on their points, which could be "cashed in" for Granny's House dollars to be used in a Granny's House store! The store featured toys, clothes, balls, and several household items, and the kids were really excited to purchase items for themselves using their hard earned cash!

We are hoping to provide a store every month for the kids!!!

Granny's House kids in Jamaica!

2011-06-13T17:23:00.000-07:00

Three Granny's House youth (Kenny, Kiona and Starr) are currently on a Mission Trip in Jamaica! We are so excited for them, and can't wait to hear all about their amazing experiences! Feel free to follow their trip on the "Won by One" website which will post photos each night of their daily adventures! Click on the "Crossing Church" photo and you will see what they are up to!!

I still remember my first day- Rachel Niewoehner

2011-06-09T17:01:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago, Rachel Niewoehner stepped onto the Granny's House property as one of the first volunteers to cross the threshold! Her love for the children and genuine spirit blessed many children, and her energy drew many kids to the Granny's House doorstep! Ten years later, Rachel remembers her time at Granny's House, and lets us know what she is up to now!

Do you have a favorite memory of Granny's House?

Oh goodness, how to pick a favorite memory?! I have so many treasured memories from my years at Granny’s House. From Princess Academy, to field trips, to the funny things the kids would say, the funny moments shared with fellow volunteers. I have albums filled with pictures. And my mom has a picture of me with two of our first GH kids, De’la and Ton-Ton. I still tell stories about those hilarious, wonderful, loving kids.

What do you remember from the first week we opened and you were a volunteer?

I remember being so excited! I remember getting the space ready and feeling like it was this big adventure that we were embarking on. I remember wondering how big of a difference we would make and I oddly remember setting out a box of books and “free stuff” on the sidewalk. I remember those first few kids coming up to talk and investigate; I think I was as nervous and curious as they were!

Did Granny's House impact your life, career choices?

Granny’s House changed my life in so many ways. It is no exaggeration to say that I am the person that I am today in large part to Granny’s House. The children and families I met in Douglass Park changed my perceptions of need and poverty. Public housing became a human place, full of beautiful faces and dreams. Granny's House helped to shape how I view the Kingdom of God, and our responsibilities as Jesus-followers in bringing it here to earth. After initially following a path towards events planning, I decided to pursue a path in nonprofit work. I got my Master's in nonprofit management and urban affairs. For the last three and a half years, I have been working at Catholic Charities in Kansas City, Missouri helping small nonprofits, like Granny's House, serve more people.

What are you doing now?

I am living in Kansas City, Missouri, and I work in social service. I work for Catholic Charities here, helping small, grassroots nonprofit organizations, like Granny’s House began ten years ago, do what they do better and serve more people. I’ve been fortunate to work with nearly fifty organizations here in the Kansas City area over the last three and half years, and have been able to have a small part in some incredible stories.

Do you have a prayer for Granny's House?

I pray that Granny's House will always be a safe place, the type of safety that spreads like a little light filling a dark room until fear is driven from every corner of that room. I pray that the presence of God dwells there richly and tangibly; that children and families are made new and whole; that Granny's House becomes a birthplace of a disciplining culture in Columbia Public Housing. I pray for flowers and plants and toys and books and kool-aid, and always an abundance of open-hearted volunteers.

EXTREME WEBSITE MAKEOVER!!

2011-05-29T15:56:00.001-07:00

HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY, GRANNY'S HOUSE!!

2011-05-29T15:30:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that Granny's House first opened it's doors to public housing children 10 years ago...

Ten incredible years of hugs, and love, and laughter as we constantly come up with new ways to "smear" the love of God on the children cross our threshold on Trinity Place each weekday afternoon.

To celebrate this milestone, we have a summer-long "Online Birthday Party" planned via, this blog, Facebook, and our soon-to-be-unveiled renovated website.

Check in often for leisurely strolls down memory lane to learn about kids who, literally, grew up at Granny's House; read about refugee kids whose lives are being transformed in our midst; meet volunteers and staff members whose passion for the Lord and children have made Granny's House kids' favorite place to be after school.

In the meantime, we couldn't wait for you to get a sneak preview of our all-spruced-up website which will go "live" any day now...

CONGRATULATIONS GRANNY'S HOUSE MOM!!

2011-05-10T15:15:00.000-07:00

When Katrina (we call her “Trina”) recently walked across the stage at Columbia College’s Graduation ceremony, we were thrilled that another Granny’s House mom could now claim that lofty title, “College Graduate!”

As if working a full time job to put food on the table for her children, managing their meals, school projects, and afterschool activities weren’t enough, she had the grace, grit, and perseverance to plough through years of homework assignments, research papers, and late-into-the-night study sessions to get that coveted degree: Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.

And we were not the only one’s who are proud of her. We joined a host of family and friends who traveled to Columbia to congratulate this huge accomplishment. Her children were beaming. In fact, one of them said, “I’m glad she did it! Now I know that I can do the same!”

CONGRATULATIONS KIONA HUGHES!!!

2011-04-22T12:36:00.000-07:00

Last night, Kiona was inducted into West Junior High School's chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. During the ceremony, she pledged her loyalty to the school and to "...maintain and encourage high standards of scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship." We are so very proud of her!!

Light, Action, Camera...

2011-04-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

Recently, Caleb – The Science Club at Granny’s House went to the Missouri School Board Association’s Media Center where they learned the ins and outs of making an effective video presentation from Blake Godwin (Senior Director of Video Productions) and Brent Ghan (Chief Communications Officer).

These eager students learned and practiced everything from the art looking natural while reading from a teleprompter to the effective use of hand gestures and pauses while speaking publically.

Take one, take two… and a few kids were brave enough to continue improving… take three!

You Launch Like A Granny!

2011-04-06T09:54:00.001-07:00

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!! Come check out the first annual "You Launch Like a Granny" Fundraiser put on by MU student Christopher Binkley! How often do you get to launch water balloons from a giant slingshot...and raise money for Granny's House!? Check out the video he made about the event at http://vimeo.com/21963795. Don't forget to tell all your friends!!!

Jamaica 2011

2011-03-14T19:04:00.000-07:00

When the opportunity to travel to St. Elizabeth Jamaica with Dr. Kent Willett’s Dental Team, and Medical Ministry International (MMI) was presented to Granny’s House and Arianna Prince last year, there was a mixed bag of emotions; excitement, nervousness, wonder etc. When the opportunity to go again this year came up, there wasn’t even a question in Arianna’s mind that she wanted to go back. In fact, I think the following phrase quickly came out of her mouth “Oh my gosh...we WILL be going back to Jamaica...we HAVE to!”

Arianna’s excitement about a second mission experience to Jamaica quickly caused her twin sister Brianna to inquire about going on the trip as well. Brianna, who also has an interest in the medical fields, experienced the trip in a small way through photos and stories Arianna shared, but wanted to experience it for herself if at all possible. Before she knew it, Brianna was invited to attend the second year trip to Jamaica along with her sister!

Year two proved to be much different than year one in so many ways. Arianna was more familiar with everything (the food, the people, the daily routine) and jumped right in working alongside the doctors and medical professionals. She almost looked at ease scribing for the doctors on a daily basis and working closely with patients who had great needs. Brianna, though experiencing everything for the first time, jumped in as well, and quickly had a very “go-getter” attitude when it came to whatever task she was given. Whether it was helping the pharmacist with prescriptions, scribing for doctors, or helping check in patients, Brianna had a great attitude and a servants heart through it all.

There were a few differences in “Year 2” which were exciting to experience. One big difference, was the MMI group we worked alongside throughout the trip. Last years group totaled around 20 people, and had a very “intimate” feel to it. This years group, totaled 55, and included three other Columbia Missouri teenagers who Arianna and Brianna quickly became close with. There were also doctors and nurses from Los Angeles California and Texas and on several occasions the girls pulled a few doctors aside to ask questions like “What is the best Pharmacy School?” and “You’re a nurse right? What exactly did you major in when you were in college?”

While pages and pages could be written about the amazing experiences the girls encountered, hearing about the trip from their perspective is always better! Along with pictures, please enjoy seeing the trip through the girls eyes!

What did you like most about being able to help in Jamaica?

ARIANNA: The people were so joyful! Even though they don't have much, they are thankful for whatever we can offer them.
BRIANNA: I loved just being there with the people

What is your overall view of the Jamaican people?

ARIANNA: The Jamaican people are extremely nice and respectful. They never are mad when they need help, and are always excited to see the doctors. They are SO joyful!

BRIANNA: They don't have much, but they believe that Jesus will help them through all their problems.

How did the trip impact your thoughts on your future?

ARIANNA: I still want to do something in the medical fields which helps people like those in Jamaica. It made me more serious about knowing that.

BRIANNA: I know that I need and want to help out people who don't live in the United States

What is one memorable moment you're taking away from the trip?

ARIANNA: A 28 year old man came in with huge ulcers on his legs that were never healed. He had been having them for 10 year, but never had time to stop and go to the hospital because he was working so much. I couldn't believe it!

BRIANNA: An old woman came in wiht a food injury and she couldn't walk. While she was sitting and waiting for the doctor, someone accidently stepped on her foot and she was in so much pain that she started crying out loud. I felt so bad for her and wanted to cry with her, but I was in the middle of helping out another patient.

A big thank you to Dr. Willett's Dental Office for the opportunity to travel with them again this year! It was an amazing experience that will never be forgotten! For more photos please visit the Granny's House Facebook page!

PEOPLE STORIES, Part 4 - Caritas Habimana

2011-03-08T15:27:00.000-08:00

Her presence is tall and commanding, but her voice is low and sweet. She once taught children at the French Embassy in Rwanda, but now Caritas Habimana, or “Cari,” as most people call her, is “Auntie” to the dozens of African refugee children at Granny’s House, and friend, counselor, translator, and job-finder for their parents. She speaks seven languages and every African refugee child’s teacher and principal has Cari’s number on speed dial in their phones. She plays an invaluable role in her church, Agape Fellowship, and the Granny’s House staff would be “lost” without her wisdom and insight as we continue to weave the refugee children into the fabric of Granny’s House. Caritas recently sat down with me for an interview and below, are a few excerpts from that conversation:

GP: You always have a fire going... I see it in your eyes and I see it in your smile. Cari, what lights that fire in your heart? What is the source of that fire?

CARI: I think God is with me... I’m never alone. I can feel his hands; He’s there whenever I need His help. Before I call anybody, I call God. That’s why I am so happy.

GP: But life was not always like that for you... what was it like in Rwanda, before you came to Columbia?

CARI: They killed and killed and killed... blood, bombings, machetes, and bodies. I saw it all during the war... It felt like the end of the world. There was no life after seeing children being killed... neighbors, mothers and old people. Even now, I’m asking myself, “How can I be alive?”

GP: So, what’s the answer to that? Why do you think you lived?

CARI: I don’t know the answer to that... maybe angels were carrying me. I don’t know... for me, it’s not information, it’s my relationship with God.

GP: Now I see the reason for the passion and the fire that keeps you going... You do so much for the African community... how do you do it? If you had a job title, what would it be?

CARI: I don’t know... I don’t have an office. I just have my cell phone and it’s ringing every minute...I write everything down in my agenda... My day begins at 7:45 in the morning and I have appointments all day... meetings at schools, after school programs with kids, going to the doctor with parents...

I read their to mail them; I provide transportation and interpret for them... I take all the children to their school assessments and I help discipline them... I help the parents talk to their children and teach them how important it is to show the children affection. Sometimes I have Bible study and choir at church in the evenings, and usually finish and go to bed at 11 at night. I do all this because of the love... the children’s love for me is like a vitamin that goes down into my body. And that’s good because Idon’t have time to eat (giggles).

GP: Cari, I really believe that your job is more important than the President’s... you are helping shape lives for eternity!

I could have talked to Caritas Habimana for hours, and actually wanted to. Our conversation was dotted with interruptions, again and again, as she fielded calls from kids, teachers, a friend who needed her to explain why someone had just handed them two dollars. Cari’s life is full of Life and Love and reminds me of this promise: “No one’s ever seen or heard anything like this, Never so much as imagined anything quite like it - What God has arranged for those who love him.” -1 Corinthians 2:8, 9 (The Message Bible)

I left our meeting feeling like I had just finished reading a really good book - the kind you highlight, underline, and can’t wait to share with a friend! -Granny Pam

The G.I.R.L.S. and "WHAT NOT 2 WEAR"

2011-02-02T19:26:00.000-08:00

When Elizabeth Anderson first asked how she could get fellow Fashion Department students and Kappa Delta Sorority members involved with Granny’s House, I immediately remembered an idea I’d had on the back burner for a very long time: a way to teach the G.I.R.L.S. Group, 3-D, how to dress appropriately for the practical side of their lives: job interviews, weddings, school functions, work-related social events etc.

“What Not 2 Wear,” and “What 2 Wear” fashion show at Granny’s House was the fruit of that brainstorming session.

If “a picture is worth a thousand words,” then seeing the seemingly endless parade of Stephen’s girls (some dressed to the nines) stride by spoke volumes to the G.I.R.L.S. group participants and their moms. The fashion show was a whole lot of fun and we all walked away knowing “What Not 2 Wear!!”

The Christmas Party - 2010

2011-01-04T08:35:00.000-08:00

After months of planning, making lists and checking them twice, our annual Christmas Party at the Blind Boone Community Center was a big, overflowing success - “overflowing” because the numbers in attendance seemed to double from just a year ago, and the endless rows of black plastic bags stuffed with the children’s gifts from The Crossing Church flowed down the Community Center’s long hallway. From the sounds coming from the jingle bell necklace-making station, various drawings for prizes, to the serenade of our African friends, there was no doubt that this party was a whole lot of fun for everyone who attended.

What began as a way to give the kids and their parents something to do while they waited to hear their name called to receive their gifts, is now a much-anticipated event for Granny’s House families.

Many of us sort through stacks of holiday invites, trying to decide which ones get a “yes” and which ones we have to decline, but for most of our families, this is the ONLY Christmas party invitation they receive during the holiday season...

For us, it’s another opportunity to say, “You are loved... you matter to us and to God!” (1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8)

The Secret Door...

2010-12-23T21:32:00.000-08:00

For an entire week, Granny’s House kids “Ooooooed” and “Aaaaaaaaahed” over the gift-wrapped door of our back room. Only staff and volunteers were allowed to peek and see what was inside: THE GRANNY'S HOUSE CHRISTMAS STORE.

And we wish you could have heard the buzz created by these excited shoppers once they entered that “Secret Door” adorned with the big white bow:

"I can't choose...I want to get my mom exactly what she would like!" -Consolee

"Man... I should have worked more so I could have gotten some more stuff…" -Amareon

"My teacher is going to LOVE this book!" -Deborah

During November and December, kids did chores around Granny's House to earn those precious points to spend at our unique store. They could clean a bathroom, sweep the front walkway, mop the kitchen floor, help organize craft supplies etc... And sometimes the children do the chores not just because they want to get more "points," but to be a blessing: "The volunteers at Granny's House work really hard and when we work to earn points, it makes their job much easier." -10 year old Granny's House girl.

Now, when they hear the announcement, “Who wants to tidy up the homework room?” the kids scramble and debate over who’ll get to do it; and sometimes we ran out of projects because everybody is looking for a job to do!

Our goal for the Christmas store was the same as the goal we had for last summer’s KAA Store. In the minds of many of the children who come to Granny’s House, “Provision” = “Handout.” With our Christmas Store, we want to change that equation to “Provision” = “Hard Work.”

Like little Christmas elves, the staff and volunteers collected donations from a number of groups, organizations, and area churches who volunteered to help us stock our store with gifts for moms, dads, grandmas, and teacher etc., everything from fancy bath sets and tool kits, to boxed chocolates and fashion watches. We did what my grandmother called “Killing two birds with one stone:” provided gifts for the kids’ parents, all while giving them an invaluable life lesson in responsibility and the joy of giving. The kids are learning, first hand, that it really is “more blessed to give then to receive!”

Princess Academy Featured in Missourian!

2010-12-06T19:13:00.001-08:00

Recently, a reporter from The Missourian stopped by Granny's House to find out more about our Princess Academy program! It was great hearing the girls tell stories about their experiences and their quotes were so precious! Read the article here!

A Grand Gathering of Granny’s House Moms, Grandmas, Aunties!!

2010-11-25T08:13:00.000-08:00

This year’s Moms’ Banquet theme, “JOY! It’s the Best Makeup,” made for a catchy t-shirt logo AND an incredible message from our guest speaker, Remi Onayemi, a member of the KAA staff.

Remi encouraged Granny’s House moms, grandmas, aunties, and other special guests to let God’s Word and a relationship with Him, rather than peer pressure and media images, form the template for your self-esteem. After hearing her message, one excited mom said, “I wish she would have talked longer… her message helped me so much!”

This year's Moms Banquet was, again, held at the University of Missouri’s Black Culture Center and, whether feasting on the catered bar-b-que meal and the ice cream sundae bar, or listening to testimonies of God’s faithfulness, everyone experienced the goodness of God – 3D!

2010-11-12T11:12:00.000-08:00

This fall at Granny’s House, we have had an incredible number of groups doing service projects for us! This has been such an great blessing for the 60-70 children attending Granny’s House every day! Many groups come in the afternoon and set up a craft or special project for the children while other groups have brought children to different places, like the Hearnes Center or to the Mizzou Rec Center for a fun fieldtrip! The children have absolutely loved these outings and the volunteers have been so much fun.

Greek 12:20 set up a great event with Mizzou Volleyball. We had fun activities before the game and then all sat together to watch the Mizzou women’s volleyball team beat Baylor.

The Diverse Student’s Association came the week before Halloween and did some great crafts with the children! The children had such a wonderful time and this group came up with some really creative craft ideas!

The following groups all came from the Trulaske College of Business at Mizzou:

--The first group gathered enough Halloween costumes for all of the children, and then some! The children had such a wonderful time picking out halloween costumes and we had so many children parents thank us for these great costumes!

--The second group decided to sell t-shirts on the Mizzou campus to raise money for Granny’s House. This was a fun and creative way for them to raise money for Granny’s House. The t-shirts are black with gold writing. They are only 7$! To order a t-shirt, please e-mail pam@grannyshouse.org

--Group number three took us to the Mizzou Rec Center! We had such a fun Saturday morning with this group! They arranged for Granny’s House children to use two basketball courts at the Mizzou Rec Center! They also provided snacks and drinks for the children. This was such a fun way to expose the children to the University and all it has to offer! They also raised money to contribute to the Granny’s House christmas store!

--The final group from the College of Business is organizing a outdoor toy and ball drive for us! This is such a great need at Granny’s House, since we go through outdoor toys so quickly. These students are exchanging payment for their services to the members of the faculty of the College of Business. These services range from organizing, babysitting, to cleaning. Their goal is to raise $500.00 and they are well on their way to that goal!

Eta Sigma Delta is a honors society from Hotel and Restaurant Management at Mizzou. This wonderful organization brought us an entire meal of food, along with creative turkey crafts for the children to make. They also brought Truman the Tiger with them! This was such an incredibly fun day for the kids.

A HUGE thank you to all of these groups! these have been such a great group of students, and everyone was such a pleasure to work with! THANK YOU!

--mary kate

Health and Safety Week

2010-11-10T12:52:00.000-08:00

This is the second semester we’ve had senior nursing student interns placed at Granny’s House, and you’re probably wondering, “Why in the world would you need nurses at Granny’s House?”

To be honest, I actually asked myself that same question when their supervising professor at the University of Missouri’s Sinclair School of Nursing first approached us with the idea of placing senior students at Granny’s House for a semester. Serving at Granny’s House, she believes, will give the students invaluable experience in working with “vulnerable populations” – giving them a 3-D, close up view of what they learn in their Community Health class.

Jessica Garcia Oyervides and Deidre Brookins have been a tremendous asset to Granny’s House. We believe the Nursing School, again, sent us the “cream” of the cream of the crop students!!

Their internship began with several weeks of just hanging out with the kids, participating in a variety of groups and activities as a means of getting to know the kids and assess how to best address the health needs of their families, and the community.

The fruit of their season of full immersion into Granny’s House was the development of “PASSPORT to Health and Safety” - a full week of demonstrations and hands-on activities to teach the kids the basics of keeping safe and living a healthy lifestyle.

The kids learned everything from personal hygiene and “When to Go to the Doctor,” to how to interact with the police, and what to do with a burns and broken bones. The kids especially loved visiting with “Organella,” a special teaching doll whose zippered compartments allow the kids to see her various organs and body systems…

Jessica and Deidre not only planned the week’s activities, they also recruited volunteers, collected supplies, and raised the funds to purchase the first aid and hygiene kits that every family at Granny’s House received. We cannot thank Jessica, Deidre, and the many community sponsors enough for such a fun, informative week at the Granny’s House! We all learned a lot.

PEOPLE STORIES – Part 3, John

2010-11-03T09:34:00.000-07:00

No one would ever describe John as subtle. Not by his raucous laughter, and certainly not by the way he bounds up the stairs at Granny’s House every day. Even when he’s trying to be quite, our African friend from Burundi is loud.

As is typical, I heard him long before I saw his bright-eyed face appearing at the office door. Moments later, he walked in and noisily plopped into a chair beside Crystal, our new mom-volunteer who had just signed in to begin the day’s volunteer duties.

“Granny Pam!” he nearly shouted. “I need to know about God…” he said. “I got this Bible, but I need to know God.” John is Ira’s friend and, before, the two of them enjoyed making mischief together. But Ira’s dramatic transformation at KAA had peaked John’s interest in God.

It’s not very often that someone makes that kind of unvarnished inquiry, so I quizzed him to see exactly what he had in mind. “The Bible?” I said. “There’s a whole lot about God in that book...what do you want to know?”

“Everything!” he said. “I want to know everything… like, how YOU got God.”

Since he said “Everything!” I began sharing the unabridged version of how I became a Christian decades ago. He seemed fascinated, listening carefully to every detail. As he sat pondering what he’d just heard, I turned and faced Crystal, who was sitting there savoring the leftovers of what I had just shared with John.

“Crystal?” I asked. “I know you’re excited about going to church and everything, but have you ever had a time in your life when you knew you believed the Gospel, that you had given your life to God... that you were forgiven?”

“Oh yes!” she said with a beaming smile. “It happened the first day I went to church a few weeks ago.” I still recall that day when she sat crying throughout the entire worship service. On the way home she said, ”for the very first time in my life, I didn’t want to leave.”

There’s hardly ever a subtle moment with John, and there’s nothing subtle about God’s passionate desire to claim the hearts of the ones He loves on Trinity Place. Ira, Crystal, John - all three like dominos falling into the grace of God... -Granny Pam

People Stories, Part 2 – Ira Desirè

2010-11-03T09:27:00.000-07:00

Ten-year-old Desirè (pronounced Da-zee-ray) arrived at our doorstep not long after his arrival from a Tanzanian refugee camp.* I don’t think I had ever encountered anyone quite like him. At times, we all experienced great frustration trying to break into his world.

I still remember a conversation during his first year at Granny’s House: “Well, Sweetheart... we really want you to know just how happy we are that...” End of conversation! He lowered his head, turned and walked away mid-sentence. Every now and then, his emotions came hurtling out, and woe to the one who had to endure his angry tirades! He seemed to love slinging that dreaded “N” word around when he taunted neighborhood boys. The parents of his peers were hesitant to have their kids hang out with him…

It seemed that no one was able to span the wall behind which he stored his emotions; emotions he had amassed during his first ten years in Africa where he, his parents, and seven siblings lived with constant hunger, fear, and danger while roaming from nation to nation, camp to camp, seeking safety from genocide, war, and famine. Although difficult for the entire staff, we believed that the Lord brought Desirè to us so that he might experience real “childhood” for the first time in his life. A childhood filled with God’s love, kindness and peace. Quite often, however, we felt like feeble tutors.

Fast forward two years: After eight days at KAA (Kids Across America) Kamp with Granny’s House last summer, Desirè’s countenance is bright and he smiles and talks constantly. It’s not unusual to see him turning flips across our front yard. It’s as if Someone had peeled off the old Desirè – the one who, before, would not hesitate to hurl invective insults at you if you crossed him. Now, he peppers us with questions about God, the Bible, and what Heaven is like. He’s new inside out.

Recently, he told a staff member that people who know God, have joy. “So, I have a lot of joy!” he beamed. We can all see that and are getting to know the new Ira Desirè – the tall lanky kid whose cabin mates at KAA nicknamed him “Avatar;” the kid who personally invited us to his recent baptism where we got to hear him tell of his newfound relationship with the Lord. Yes, we believe in miracles… –Granny Pam

*African children first enrolled at Granny’s House in 2007 and, to date, fifty-percent of our enrolled children are from African and middle- eastern countries: Rwanda, Burundi, The Congo, Tanzania, Liberia, Sudan, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, etc.

Facebook!

2010-10-27T19:08:00.000-07:00

Granny's House is now on Facebook!!! Check out our page at www.facebook.com/grannyshouse to get updates on a more frequent basis!!

Serve the City

2010-10-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

The young ladies of the 2010-2011 Princess Academy have been meeting for roughly a month now, and have been studying Paul the Apostle and the letter he wrote to the Colossian church. Their knowledge of the bible, and in-depth questions have made it an amazing year so far, and I can't wait to see what God has in store for the rest of our meetings!

After each week's lesson, the girls are challenged with the following question "How can you live out what we just learned?" Whether it's studying the worship of idols, purity, or serving others, the girls are always expected to put feet to the Gospel and have their lives reflect their beliefs.

Today, the girls "lived out" what they have been learning by serving the community alongside the Youth Community Coalition. You may remember last years event where the girls planted tulips alongside Providence Road along with other Columbia youth. This year...we did something a little different!

One thing Columbia is known for is its beautiful MKT Trail. Alongside the trail, runs a stream which the girls helped clean this morning! With trash bags, trash pickers and gloves in hand, the girls made their way down the stream and helped "Beautify Columbia!" It was a great experience for them, and a great way for them to live out their faith!!

People Stories (part 1)-Crystal

2010-09-11T19:11:00.000-07:00

In our nearly ten-year history on Trinity Place, this was the very first time we had ever enrolled a new kid and signed on his mom to volunteer at the same time.

Crystal and her son had just moved to Columbia from Cairo, MO, and were not all that excited about living in public housing. All that changed, however, when she learned about Granny’s House from another neighborhood mom.

“Honestly, this is the best place I’ve ever encountered... everybody makes us feel so homey... like
nobody is better than anyone else; like everybody is equal. When I walk in, I always feel loved,”
Crystal comments.

Crystal jumped in with both feet! Within days of enrolling her son, she went through the required Granny’s House Volunteer Orientation and stared her volunteer duties as a kitchen assistant everyday. She was thrilled to serve the kids who come to Granny’s House, but admitted that she just likes being in the atmosphere. She is our very first Granny’s House Mom-Volunteer!

Crystal, typically, begins her afternoons by visiting with the staff in the upstairs office and perks up whenever the conversation turns to the God/Church/Bible… She sits there taking it all in with wide-eyed wonder…

“Ohhhhhhh. I’d love to go to church,” she said one day; “But I don’t have a car...can I go?”

“Sure,” I responded. “We’ll pick you up when we come to get your friend and her kids, o.k.? I’ll be there around 10:15 Sunday morning.”

After her first time attending church in years, she confessed to crying through the entire service. “I had been to churches before, maybe ten years ago, but when I walked into The Crossing, for the first time in my life I didn’t want to leave,” she said. “I wanted him (Pastor Keith Simon) to keep going and going and going. I’ve only missed one service since that first time and I don’t plan on missing any more!”

(Crystal’s story will continue in “People Stories, Part 3 – John”)

Beauty!!

2010-08-09T11:45:00.001-07:00

If you've been following our blog, or have been around Granny's House the last several years, you know that several of our "Spirit Riders" girls have participated in and event called the Extreme Mustang Makeover and have traveled to Texas, Tennessee and Illinois as a part of this challenge. This challenge requires youth from around the nation to train and "tame" a wild mustang for 90 days. At the end of this time, the youth get together and compete to show off their training skills, and see how well they did! Starr is one of our mustang trainers who has been participating in this event since the very beginning (3 years ago), and this year, was invited to participate in the challenge once again!

Starr and her trainers (Sue Crane and Riki Shipley) traveled to Mississippi a few weeks ago to pick up Starr's 3rd Mustang! Upon meeting her, Starr named her "Beauty" and INSTANTLY fell in love. Knowing that wild mustangs are often unpredictable, hesitant and avoid human contact out of fear, Starr was cautious as she approached Beauty. However, Starr must be a little "Mustang Whisperer" because the only time Beauty WAS happy...was when she was petting her!!

Starr has made AMAZING progress with her horse and on the second day back, she was already doing things that took her MONTHS with her other horses!

We are so proud of Starr and Beauty!

Back from camp!!!

2010-08-09T09:51:00.001-07:00

We have been back from KAA for about 2 weeks, and have been going non-stop since! We had many adventures at camp this year, with some VERY hot weather, and a few "tough" situations, but for the most part it was a great time and we watched God move in a lot of ways!

This year we brought 37 children to camp, and all of the children had a great time (with very little homesickness...thanks for the prayers!). We also avoided the nurses office (last year we had 2 kids in the office overnight for several evenings), and had safe travels!

We have many stories to share that we will be posting several in the next few weeks. Until then...enjoy some pictures from our time at KAA! U-KNOW!!

KAA Kampers!

2010-07-08T21:37:00.000-07:00

On July 20th, Granny's House staff, along with 38 youth, will travel 6 hours to Kids Across America for the 7th year! We are excited to watch God work in the lives of the Granny's House kids, and ask that you would join us in prayer for the campers and their experiences in Golden Missouri!

Cost Cutters' Fundraiser

2010-06-29T20:04:00.000-07:00

Granny's House, along with several other local charities, is participating in Cost Cutters' Charity Fundraiser again this year. What a great opportunity!!

Congratulations Granny’s House Graduates!

2010-06-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows that high school graduation is an important stepping-stone in life and, if missed, you may end up settling for “Plan B” or, perhaps, even “Plan C.” Our heart’s desire at Granny’s House is for every kid we meet to grab hold of “Plan A!”

What a thrill it was to attend Hickman High School’s Graduation Ceremony at Mizzou Arena last week to see Vernita Chapman and Arreal Nelson (“LuLu”) walk across the stage to receive their high school diplomas. These girls have pushed through obstacles, held fast to their dream of getting an education and have now received their prize: that coveted piece of paper that spells “S-U-C-C-E-S-S!” CONGRATULATIONS GIRLS!! We are soooooo proud of you!

Vernita Chapman is in the process of enlisting in the military

Arreal Nelson with Poppi, whom she affectionately calls “My Grandpa;” Arreal wants to work with young children.

The final cap toss!

P. S. Congratulations to Granny’s House Alumni Graduates!!

During Hickman High School’s graduation ceremony, I was amazed to hear names called that I recognized…recognized because they were “Granny’s House kids” during our early history in ‘01 and ‘02.

Ashley Brinker, Ja’haila Bradford and Jasmine Washington were in our very first Princess Academy graduating class of 2002. Kimonie Sutton, Dominique Prince, Samual Darty,* De’Andre Washington* and Na'Keetra Prince** were also among the little kids that we’d often see running across the front yard at Granny’s House back then.

How awesome to know that, though, they were no longer hanging out with us at Granny’s House, they stayed on track, finished their course work and graduated. We are awed by God’s faithfulness to all the kids who have crossed our threshold over the past nine years! -Granny Pam

*Rock Bridge High School Graduates
**Southern Boone County High School Graduate

Columbia Tribune Photo from Princess Academy Graduation 2002. Jasmine Washington, 11, Kiaren Houston, 10, Detricia Darty, 14, Rachel Foster, 12, Tabatha Yetman, 11, Kathran Haefling, 14, and Ashley Brinker, 10

Ja’haila Bradford with Gayla Miller, Princess Academy workshop leader

Ashley Brinker with Jane Williams, Princess Academy workshop leader

Ashley Brinker (second from right) with Dr. Debbye Turner at Princess Academy Graduation ‘02

Samuel Darty at Granny’s House Birthday Party, ‘02

Kimonie Sutton at Granny’s House

De’Andre Washington, far left hanging out with Granny Pam

Na'Keetra after her graduation ceremony at Southern Boone High School!

What would I do when I grow up...

2010-06-08T07:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, as I was picking up Randy (one of our 11 year old young men) from home for his first day of golf camp, he insisted I come inside and read something he had written on his computer. This is what I saw...

What would I do when I Grow up (and more stuff)

I would help young children when they need it. I will teach them about the bible and how it first started. I will teach them everything I know. I WILL work at a Church for young kids. I will also be a man about my own mistakes and problems I will be helpful to one another and treat them the way I want to be treated. I will be a leader not a follower. I will be myself. I will not fear because I have Jesus in my heart I will study the bible if I’m confused. I will always remember what angie,marykate,granny pam,poppie,tyler,nick,scott, Demarco did for me thank you so much for everything I have so much respect for all of you thanks for everything.

Randy R. James

Randy is a member of our Son's of the King group, and is really becoming a leader among the Granny's House kids. He is an amazing young man and we can't wait to see what God has in store for him!

Fun in the Sun!

2010-06-03T06:33:00.001-07:00

With only two more days of school until Summer Break...the kids are anxiously awaiting spending all day playing in the sun! Here are some pics of the kids this past week enjoying the hot weather!!

Back in the Saddle!

2010-05-31T19:19:00.000-07:00

About 2 weeks ago, seven young ladies stepped back on the farm after our winter break from Spirit Riders! They were excited and ready to get back on their horses and jumped right in where they left off! We have one new rider this year and the "veteran" girls are being real leaders and have taught her a lot already. According to the Spirit Rider instructors...this is a great group of girls whose skills are growing immensely each week!

Son's of the King/Princess Academy Graduation!

2010-05-31T18:42:00.000-07:00

On most days at Granny’s House, our 5th grade and older boys and girls can be found doing a variety of things; chasing each other around the yard, playing 4-square on the sidewalk, working on homework, hanging out with volunteers and (maybe the most popular) hanging out in the computer room laughing with each other.

For one night in the May however, 14 of these amazing young people tossed aside their tennis shoes, throwback jerseys and flip flops and traded them in for dresses, dress shirts and ties. Among family, friends, teachers and even school counselors, these young people shared what they had learned during Son’s of the King and Princess Academy, two Granny’s House programs for 5th-7th grade kids.

One by one, each young man and young lady stood up and told the audience what they learned during their specific program. The information shared was incredible! Scripture was shared, lesson’s from Paul in the bible were spoken about, practical ways to “live out your faith” were expressed, and most importantly each young lady and young man made their faith their own by speaking about what specifically impacted them throughout the year.

Here are some “excerpts” from some of the speeches:

Randy (5th grader in Son’s of the King):
“I learned this bible verse this year;
Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.”
*This is especially special for Randy since he is really becoming a leader among the young men in the group!

Michaela (6th grader in Princess Academy):
“I learned a lot of things in 1 Timothy, but the thing I think is most important is, until the day God gives me a spouse, I should learn to treat young men like brothers in Christ. I also learned that a lot of girls find their identity in how guys will respond to what they look like, instead, should find their identity in Christ.”

Consolee (5th grader in Princess Academy):
“It should be a lifelong goal of a believer to live a life that God can be pleased with, and when other people around us look at our life, they should see who our God truly is because we live lives that prove God lives within us. Christianity is not meant to be run alone...you won’t make it! We need other people to help us through the race.”

We were so proud of each of the participants and have really enjoyed watching these young men and women grow in their relationship with the Lord! They are becoming such leaders in their faith!

Congratulations Graduates!

2010-05-17T11:22:00.000-07:00

At Granny’s House, one of our chief goals is to mentor children in such a way that high school graduation is a given. This year, we have two young women who will walk across the stage to receive their high school diplomas.

While we heartily applaud these high-schoolers’ success and will highlight them in an upcoming blog, today we are over-the-moon thrilled by two Granny’s House moms who graduated from Columbia College this weekend: Georgia Prince and Marica Martin.

Think about it… these two incredible women have completed Bacherlors degrees in Business Administration (Marica) and Accounting and Finance (Georgia), all while raising their children and working to provide for their family’s needs. They have persevered through long, late nights of study, ploughed through all kinds challenges and setbacks, refusing to give up. They are incredible role models, not only for their own children, but for the entire Granny’s House family! -Granny Pam

Trading Places

2010-05-04T12:30:00.000-07:00

Recently, “Jerome” and “LaTisha,” rather unceremoniously, delivered an envelope to our upstairs office. When we opened it, the card inside seemed to shout our thoughts: HALLELUJAH!! There were fifteen, crisp, twenty-dollar bills tucked inside. We had never before received a donation from a Granny’s House family, so their gift felt a lot like winning the lottery!!

For years, we had been observing a “million” different changes in this family’s lifestyle that affected how they spent their time, their resources, and how they nurtured their children. They methodically spoon-fed their kids every single morsel of God’s Truth and love that they were absorbing themselves, filling the kids with hope and a deep sense of purpose. The image that was immerging came from God’s mirror rather than what is all-too-often reflected in the culture around them.

Their crisp twenty-dollar bills seemed to signal that “Jerome,” and “LaTisha” and their children, were no longer prisoners to “the system,” but had become active participants in a pursuit to bring the reality of changed lives into public housing – people who live out the reality of the Gospel. And to that, we say “Hallelujah!”
-Granny Pam

Mulch Day!

2010-04-16T09:08:00.000-07:00

Once again, Granny's House was blessed with a LOT of mulch to cover our front yard thanks to Bart Menning's Tree Service! Every year, they faithfully supply mulch for Granny's House and every year, our kids faithfully (and with much enthusiasm) help us spread the mulch from one end of the front yard...to the other!

Thank you!!

2010-04-10T18:23:00.001-07:00

A big thank you to the team of students and parents traveling to Jamaica this summer from The Crossing who came to Granny's House today to work! Whether it was laying mulch in the front yard, scrubbing tables and chairs or painting stones which the kids will decorate next week...they did everything with such enthusiasm!

Thanks for helping make Granny's House beautiful!

The Granny Run!

2010-04-07T19:09:00.000-07:00

For the second time, Open Door Baptist Church is sponsoring "The Granny Run," a 5K walk/run fundraiser to benefit Granny's House! We are so excited about this event and hope you consider being a part of it as well!

If you have any questions, please email Angie (angie@grannyshouse.org) or Pam (pam@grannyshouse.org)!

Skills Lab with Nursing Students at MU!

2010-03-10T08:01:00.000-08:00

CALEB the Science Club met with Nursing Students from Mizzou last Saturday and were able to get hands on experience in the Skills Lab! The kids had a great time checking vital signs on mannequins, learning how to "dress" a wound and learning how to help patients who might not be able to help themselves.

One of our boys being "lifted" from his chair to demonstrate helping patients who are not able to physically get up themselves.

A "CALEB regular" having fun experimenting with the lift machine!

One of our girls sitting in a mobility chair! The kids LOVED this station!

Checking vital signs on the mannequin

Three of our young men listening to a "cough" in the mannequin's chest

I couldn't help but notice one of our very active young boys jumping from room to room, and everytime I saw him he would say "That room was my favorite...no wait...that one. Hold on...I think I liked this station best!" Obviously he liked them all!! I think we might have a future doctor or nurse in our midst!

Three future doctors?

A big thank you to all the Nursing students who made the morning such a success! Can't wait till next time!!

Spring-like Weather!

2010-03-08T21:43:00.000-08:00

Finally! The kids were able to play outside without freezing! The staff and volunteers are BEYOND thankful for the beautiful weather we've been having. Let's just hope it continues!

Jamaica Update...we're back!!

2010-02-19T12:44:00.000-08:00

* To view more pictures of our trip please click here!

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8

In early December, Arianna Prince and I learned of an opportunity to join Dr. Willett and his amazing dental team to St. Elizabeth Jamaica on a medial mission trip! We excitedly answered God's call of “Whom shall I send to Jamaica?” with an enthusiastic “SEND ME!” Having now returned from an amazing eight-day adventure there, we are back to share all the things God showed us and taught us along the way.

ARRIVING IN JAMAICA

When we arrived in Jamaica, Arianna and I were both anxious to get started and begin our work alongside the Medical Ministry International team of 15 other people who came from all over the United States to help the people of Jamaica with their medical and dental needs. After a “day off” at YS Falls, and zip-lining over the waterfalls, we were ready to begin work on the reason we came to Jamaica...to help the Jamaican people with their dental and medical needs.

SORTING MEDICINE

Beginning at 1pm, the team gathered in the dining area of Ocean View Bible Camp (where we stayed) and laid out thousands and thousands of medicines that needed to be separated into bags for the patients. The medicines ranged from Tylenol to Methyldopa, and most were put in small bags of 30 (a months supply) for each patient. After five hours of sorting, I looked at Arianna and said “Tired yet?” Her response was classic “This is fun! I love this!”

OUR JOBS

Arianna and I were both assigned to the “Medical” side of the mission, and worked alongside some amazing doctors Dr. Wayne Farmer and Dr. John Kopchick. Each day, we were assigned different tasks at each clinic. Arianna got experience in the “intake” process (weighing people in, taking their blood pressure, and blood sugar, etc), “scribing” for doctors (writing out each patient's symptoms, the doctor's observations, the assessments and the prescriptions). She was also assigned to the pharmacy where she learned which medicines could be substituted for others and what each drug specifically was used for. I, personally, was paired with Dr. Farmer all week long and was in charge of “scribing” for him. We both learned SO much!

THE CLINICS

Each day, we left Ocean View Bible Camp around 7:00 a. m. and headed to a “city” in the mountains (usually about an hour or two away from where we were staying). After a long bumpy bus ride up and down the hills, we arrived at the clinics to set up. During our week there, we went to “Ginger Hill,” “Port Sea,” “Malvern,” and “Springfield.”

Each clinic had a different feel to it. Some had running water, some did not. Some had space for the doctors to work, while others forced the doctor to examine patients outside. However, each clinic had one thing in common...joyful people who were anxious to be seen by the “American Doctor,” and lots of kids who were anxious to laugh and play with us! Upon arrival each day, we were greeted with song of praise from the people of Jamaica...what a great way to start each day!

THE PEOPLE

The people of Jamaica captured our hearts right away! The first day at "Ginger Hill", Arianna was drawn to a little boy named “Kevoun” who kept finding any excuse to hang out with her! Throughout the week more and more kids found their to us anxious to play games, be held and sing to us! The Jamaicans being seen by the doctors were so open and trusting toward us, and before they left, all of them said over and over how thankful they were. We got lots of hugs and handshakes. Many of the children reminded both me and Arianna of Granny’s House kids, and we constantly found ourselves saying “Oh my gosh!! That little boy looks just like ________” or “Doesn’t this little girl remind you of_________.”

THE SICKNESSES

One of the most common reasons children were being seen at the clinic was for fungal infections of the skin and pin worms. Among adults, high blood pressure and diabetes were a common diagnoses. At times, there were stories that broke our hearts and left us praying to God for healing. One woman came in who had been hit with a machete by a boyfriend, and another man came in whose son had broken some of his ribs during an argument. One little boy had so many badly infected sores on his legs, that blood was streaming down his shins. It was a humbling and eye-opening look at how privilege we are in America. Each person who was seen at one of the clinics was prayed for by an MMI team member. What an amazing experience for both Arianna and me!

COMING HOME

On our last day in Jamaica, a woman from our team said, “This has been great...but I’m ready to get back home,” to which Arianna responded with “Not me! I want to stay!” It was so amazing watching God work in both of our lives and in the Jamaican’s hearts. We would both love to go back again return and help and watch God work in Jamaica!

Part 3: Leesha's Wedding

2010-01-18T19:14:00.000-08:00

We’ve known Granny’s House mom, Leesha, for about eight years now and have been awed by the incredible changes that have happened in her life during that time. She literally immersed herself in everything “GOD,” and immediately began to model and spoon-feed her children all that she was experiencing. She surrounded herself with brand new Christ-following peers that reflected the night-to-day changes that had occurred in her life, all while finishing cosmetology school and starting work at a new salon.

It was several years ago that I first learned the depth of the profound changes that had happened in her family. The realization came as I read a note her young daughter had written in a Precious Jewels meeting at Granny’s House. Her love letter to the Lord began: “Dear God, thank you so much for changing my mom…” She then outlined the many ways her mom’s relationship with the Lord was affecting their family life.

After reading that note, it was clear that Leesha was reordering just about every aspect of her life to make plenty of room for her relationship with the Lord. Her heart was ablaze with love for Him and she wanted everything in her home to mirror that.

We were overjoyed when we learned of her engagement to Eric… this was, after all, our very first Granny’s House wedding since opening in 2001 and we felt honored to be a part of their big day at Leesha’s church, The Church of the Covenant.

When Leesha’s journey with Christ began all those years ago, we never imagined the dramatic changes that were to unfold in her family… changes that included not only a Godly husband, but a man who lovingly “fathers” her five children. It was, indeed, a grand day for us all – full of joy and lots of tears. ~Granny Pam

*The following photos are courtesy of Bethany Jones

Leesha - what a beautiful bride!

Leesha's children waiting (with infant nephew) for the big moment

...And the two became one

The groom and his boys

Part 2: The Second “FIRST” - Christmas With Our African Families

2010-01-13T17:12:00.000-08:00

Pastor Aaron Gisonga and his incredible family – all three generations

For so many of our African children (some of whom grew up in refugee camps), Granny’s House is a real oasis and a place where they get to experience “childhood” from a totally different vantage point than they did in some of the war-torn nations from which they came. Our mission at Granny’s House is to provide opportunities for the kids to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” Because of the generosity of Midway Heights Baptist Church, Christian Fellowship Church, and The Crossing, our recent Christmas party gave them one more chance to experience even more of His goodness!

We are especially grateful to Pastor Aaron Gisonga for pre-empting his usual Sunday evening African worship service at the Community Center so that we could use that space for our annual party. We simply did not have space at Granny’s House, considering that we only have two, tiny 700-square-foot apartments to accommodate the anticipated crowd (around 175). In the past, we would simply pass the gifts out the front door, but Missouri winter weather rarely cooperate with that kind of plan.

What a blessing to have so many of our new African families join us this year. We loved watching the parents as they watched their children on the big screen for the very first time as they viewed “IF I HAD (ANOTHER) MILLION DOLLAR$,” our new DVD starring the children of Granny’s House.

Whether remembering when the kids began slathering frosting onto pretzel rods to transform them into snowmen, or when we all belted out “Joy to the World,” we will never forget being able to celebrate Christmas with so many of our African friends! ~Granny Pam

Gire and Ira with Granny Pam. The boys definitely dressed up for the occasion!

Kezia… lovely, even while holding two babies as she watches the Granny’s House movie.

Kaylyn Lakebrink (left) tells the story of the “Three Trees.”

A Season of Firsts!

2010-01-08T06:10:00.000-08:00

I don’t think we’ve ever experienced so many FIRSTS! at Granny’s House in such a short span of time. This past holiday season was mixed and mingled with oh-so-much joy as each event unfolded before us...

Part 1: The First “FIRST” - A Mission Trip to Jamaica

One of our sixteen-year-olds, Arianna Prince, accompanied by Granny’s House Program Coordinator, Angie Azzanni, is headed for Jamaica for their very first overseas mission trip this February. Everyone is so excited that you’d think we were all going along with them!

Arianna, a Princess Academy graduate, has been involved in Caleb -The Science Club as well as the club’s advanced summer Anatomy Worshops for several years now. Her growing passion for medical science and her compassion for people have landed her a spot on Dr. Kent Willett’s Jamaica mission team. They depart for St. Elizabeth on February 5th where they will join other MMI (Medical Missions International) team members in running

Arianna has been enrolled at Granny’s House for nearly eight years, and I’ll never forget the day I met her… or was it her identical twin, Brianna, that I met first? I vividly remember her pigtails, adorned with an array of crayon-colored barrettes... and who could ever forget that mischievous little sparkle in her eyes?

And now, eight years later, as we send her off to Jamaica with Angie, I can still only distinguish these twins’ personalities, but not their faces. They are “the” definition of the word “identical.” I’m so glad that only one of them is headed to Jamaica!! - Granny Pam

Angie Azzanni (left) wih Arianna Prince (right) at Kids Across America Kamp (KAA) circa 2005

Angie, (top right) with Arianna, (back row, 2nd from left), and her identical twin, Brianna, (3rd from right) at a Princess Academy meeting

Arianna, examining a pig heart with “Poppi” (Dr. Ellis Inram) during a recent Caleb - The Science Club meeting at the University of Missouri School of Medicine

VOX article

2009-11-18T06:44:00.000-08:00

*The above photo is from VOX magazine

Recently, VOX reporter Stephanie Smith included Granny's House in their 'Movers and Shapers' series, and we thought you would enjoy reading a fresh take on what happens on Trinity Place! Take a look!

Jump in!

2009-10-30T21:38:00.001-07:00

It wouldn't be fall without a big pile of leaves to jump in! Today (even though it was so windy that the leaves were blowing literally everywhere!), the kids decided to make some huge leaf piles and jump in them! Pretty soon we will be making snow angels in the front yard! Hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful fall weather!--We are!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-30T21:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween from Spiderman, Power Rangers, Sully and Mike (Monsters Inc) and of course...Micheal Jackson! Have a good one!!

Happy Birthday to you!

2009-09-24T12:31:00.001-07:00

Birthdays are always a fun time at Granny’s House. Each child receives a birthday present and a personalized cake, and they get so excited about their gifts, that most of the time, they don’t even make it home before tearing apart the gift bag to see what they got!

Last week, as I was looking through our enrollment forms, I noticed that three of children from Africa (a set of 11 year old twin boys and a beautiful five year old girl) had a birthday coming up! I found them right away and said “Hey guys! What do you want for your birthday this year?” They all looked at me like I was crazy (which by the way is a look I commonly get from many of our kids!!).

“What do you mean?” asked one of the boys
“Your birthday! It’s tomorrow isn’t it?” I said
“I don’t know...” he replied.
“You don’t know?!” I thought

What! Most of our kids remind me months in advance that their birthdays are approaching! Not only that, they come with a list of “ideas” for their present!

It turns out, the kids didn’t know when their birthday was, because they had never celebrated it! In Africa (from what I’ve been told) many of their birthdays are not recorded, and few are celebrated.

Immediately Pam and I decided we needed to make it a big celebration. We bought a huge birthday cake, got the kids party hats, and celebrated their first birthday in America (complete with the “Happy Birthday song” which sounded more like a bunch of kids screaming at the top of their lungs than the actual song!)

The kids had a great time, and what a blessing it was to celebrate their first birthday party with them! Can’t wait till the next one!

BEAUTIFUL BACKGROUND NOISE

2009-09-17T20:10:00.000-07:00

He sat at his desk day after day, as weeks turned into months and months to years, doing what many call "numbers crunching." Along with his staff, he analyzed spread sheets and reconciled financial statements, helping his clients understand the bottom line. He did this sometimes-tedious work all to the backdrop of laughter, as he watched kids bouncing balls, and jumping rope. At the time, Jeff Echelmeier, Williams-Keepers CPA owner, didn't know what was going on across the street from his office; all he knew was that he liked what he saw and heard as he looked out the window.

"It was always fun for me to see dozens of young children playing in the yard across the street from my office. I loved hearing the laughter and seeing the fun they were having jumping rope, playing kickball, or tossing a football"

For Jeff, the goings-on across the street provided some "terrific background noise," a happy distraction from the, all-too-often, tedious work of accountancy. It wasn't until he was talking to a friend who was helping organize the annual "Golfing for Granny" fundraiser earlier this year that he realized that this was the very group he'd been watching from his office window watching for years.

While gazing out the window, Jeff sometimes observed neighborhood children who were, obviously, growing up in difficult situations. It always gladdened him to know that the kids he watched day after day "had some fun and laughter in their day when they arrived at Granny's House."

Not long after that discovery, the Williams-Keepers Tax Department sprang into action and organized a silent auction to raise funds for Granny's House. A football signed by some of the MU Tigers, rounds of golf at various Mid-Missouri golf courses, a gift basket full of goodies, and a private airplane ride over Mid-Missouri were some of the items the Williams-Keepers staff bid on and purchased, raising nearly a thousand dollars for Granny's House.

We never imagined that our "background noise" could be so productive!
-Granny Pam

CPR Training

2009-09-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

On Saturday September 12th sixteen Granny's House youth ages 5th grade through 12th grade made their way to the University Hospital to learn CPR training. It was a great day filled with a lot of active learning, as well as some great food at the Campus Dining Hall.

Little did we know...a Columbia Tribune reporter would be there! Check out the newspaper article in which two of our girls were featured!

Basketball Camp 2009

2009-08-25T05:53:00.001-07:00

For the past 6 years, young men from our Son's of the King group have participated in a three day "basketball camp" to kick off the Son's of the King program. During these three days, the boys not only learn basketball skills, but also discover what it means to live a life of integrity and honor for the Lord.

This year, our group of 12 boys was more diverse than ever before. Several of our boys have participated in the camp in the past, but many of our new Son's of the King members are not only are "newbies" to the program, but are also new to the sport of basketball! Five of the young men moved to the United States from Africa within the last 2 years where soccer is their sport of choice (I had to laugh when I heard one of the coaches say..."now boys lets make sure we don't kick the basketballs okay").

It was a great week and a lot of fun to watch the boys get to know each other and form relationships with their coaches. Thanks so much to coaches Charles Neville, DeMarco Coleman and Tyler Bannister for making the week such as success!

KAA Recap!

2009-08-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

We have been back from KAA for roughly a month now, and I promise we have been going non-stop since (hence the reason we haven't blogged about the many events we have had in the last month!!). Please accept our apologies, and enjoy (hopefully) a more consistent blog schedule!

KAA was amazing this year! In fact, every staff member agreed it was our best year yet. The kids had a blast and built deep relationships with fellow campers, counselors and camp leadership. While we could share about a hundred stories with you that would make you laugh and possibly cry...we thought you would enjoy seeing pictures instead! Thank you to everyone who supported us both financially and through prayer...this experience would not have been possible without you!

Please Pray For Our Kampers!

2009-07-09T18:42:00.000-07:00

*click on photo to enlarge

Dear Friends,

On July 20 at 7:30 a.m., thirty-two Granny's House kids and staff members* depart for Kids Across America Kamp. We'll have eight days in what some kampers call “paradise”- a week of canoeing, rappelling, volleyball, swimming, cheerleading, ski-tubing etc., all while being immersed in the beauty of God's creation, His love, and His Word.

For months, the kids have been working diligently, doing chores around Granny's House to earn points to spend at the Granny's House Kamp Store where they “purchase” everything they need to take with them to KAA.

We thought you might want to see all the beautiful smiling faces as a reminder to pray for us while we're at KAA. Would you please pray for our kampers and staff members beginning today and continue praying for us until the day we return to Columbia on Monday, July 27.

Would you please pray for:

• Safe and peaceful travel to and from KAA (south of Branson, MO on Table Rock Lake)

• Health and safety for the kids and staff members, especially during sports-related activities

• Comfort for those who may struggle with homesickness (this is the very 1st time some of our kids have ever been away from mom!)

• Redemptive relationships with cabin-mates and counselors

• To experience God's tender mercies and love in areas of pain, fear, and brokenness

• To grow in leadership and boldness to live an uncompromised Christian lifestyle when they return home

• To grow in their relationship with their Heavenly Father

We are so happy to know that you'll be showering us with prayer during our week at KAA!

God bless you!

Granny Pam

*Granny's House staff members going to KAA: Granny Pam (Pamela Ingram), Angie Azzanni, Granny Vance (Vance Weddle) Mary Kate Loring, Haley Grayless, Lynnette Yarger

Cost Cutters charity event!

2009-06-23T15:31:00.000-07:00

Cost Cutters will be holding their 2nd annual "Pick Your Charity Week" during the week of July 19th - 25th! Last year this event raised $7,990 for the charities that were involved and this year the goal is $10,000.

Every customer who gets a haircut during this week will be given a "ballot" with each charity listed. The customers will be asked to check the box next to the charity that they would like to have $5.00 from the cost of their haircut contributed to. The $5.00 will come from Cost Cutters.

Please spread the word about this event to friends and family! Thanks for your help!

Kids Club 2009!

2009-06-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

Each summer, kids from Granny's House participate in "Kids Club" at The Crossing where they listen to loud music, play crazy games, build relationships with energetic volunteers and most importantly, learn more about the Lord and how crazy He is about them!

This year, over 400 youth from Columbia were on a "Quest" to find the "True King." Throughout the week, the kids met interesting friends and foes of the King, created medieval costumes, played quest-training games and served the Kingdom through special service projects!

The kids had a blast and as the week drew to a close, we heard things like "when is the next Kid's Club!?" and "I loved my teachers!" Thank you to everyone at The Crossing who made such an incredible impact in the lives of Granny's House kids!

Playin' in the mulch...

2009-06-03T15:43:00.000-07:00

Most days at Granny's House, our front yard is filled with kids tossing around the football, playing baseball and blowing bubbles. However, last week when I walked outside about 12 kids were digging in the mulch building this.

To this day I'm not exactly sure what it was. Some of the little boys said it was a "maze" for cars to go through, and others said it was the worlds largest train track. Either way, 12 kids were peacefully building an enormous "roadway" and were incredibly proud of their project. Who needs video games and televisions when you have a huge front yard filled with mulch and toy cars ?! Our kids certainly don't...

Back to the farm!

2009-05-25T07:11:00.000-07:00

The Spirit Riders are back on the farm! For the next six weeks, twelve excited Granny's House youth will participate in horseback riding lessons and will learn everything from basic riding skills, to how to properly clean out a stall and care of a horse! Many of the riders have participated in the program before, and are building upon previous skills, but for four new riders it is the beginning of a new adventure!

None of the four new Spirit Riders have ever been on a horse, and although most of them were very nervous and literally shaking as they mounted their horse for the first time, within minutes they were smiling and looked confident riding around the round pen!! In fact...they didn't want the lesson to end!

At the beginning of each lesson, the riders are required to set goals for themselves, and each week they state which "Fruits of the Spirit" they want to work on for the day. It never fails that the top two thing they all want to work on is "self control" and "patience."

The more experienced riders were able to ride freely in the pasture and are even thinking about setting a goal to see how many miles they can ride each week!

We will keep you updated on the program as the weeks progress!

Mother's Day

2009-05-07T08:50:00.000-07:00

If there is one thing the kids at Granny's House love to do...it's make things for their mom! On a daily basis, I hear "Can I paint a picture for my mom?" or "Can I make an extra craft and give it to my mom?" It's pretty sweet.

Altrusa International for two years now has captured this idea perfectly by providing (for lack of a better term) a "picture studio" in which they take pictures of each child and allow the kids to decorate a picture frame for their mom! The kids love that they have a gift for their mom on Mother's Day, and usually end up running home right away to give it to their mother early!

A big thank you to all the women of Altrusa who not only provided all the materials and "man power" but also provided pizza for all the kids (which if you know our kids...is a HUGE deal!)

Thank you again to everyone who showed so much love to the kids!

Graduation Time!

2009-05-07T07:44:00.000-07:00

On a daily basis, the staff and volunteers of Granny's House get the opportunity to see into a child's heart. Sometimes it's seen in little love notes left on the floor at the end of the day that read "I love Granny Vance because she makes me nachos." Other times, it is seen as we are pulling out of the parking lot and hear "WAIT!!! I need to get a hug before you leave!!" I'm pretty sure we get to work with the most loveable kids in Columbia :)

On April 26th, family, friends, counselors, teachers and even principals got to witness what we experience everyday as the young men of The Son's of the King, and the young ladies of The Princess Academy shared what they have been learning in their programs during our annual graduation ceremony. Each member of the groups spoke about what God has done in their life this year, and what they have learned about honor, strength, courage, purity, dignity and integrity. We got the opportunity to see into their amazing hearts and got to witness all that God has been doing this year.

We are so very proud of all the young men and women who were a part of this years programs. The girls looked beautiful in their graduation outfits and the boys never looked more handsome. They are all such incredible leaders...

Extreme Makeover…

2009-05-07T06:59:00.000-07:00

I've always wondered what it would be like to be on one of those cable television home makeover shows. Well, today I got to find out.

As I walked into the newly renovated “Learning Loft” at Granny's House for the very first time, “Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!” just kept spilling out of my mouth. “Oh MYYYYYYYYY gosh… OHHHHHHHHH my gosh,” then came one long “Ohhhhhhhhhhhh!”

I had trouble taking it all in: the new chalkboard painted onto the wall, the brand new computers and printer… the well-stocked bookshelf, the posters, the dry-erase board… every single thing that was on our “wish list,” with lots of extras tucked around every corner. I finally plopped down onto the new cherry-red beanbag chair and laughed hysterically. I simply couldn't believe the transformation.

Then I stood up, flung my hands into the air and shouted “THANK YOU GOD!” For the past year, we've been helping Granny's House kids with school projects in any empty corner we could find, often using our crowded storage room amidst bags of rice, cans of tomato sauce, and reams of computer paper. We dreamed of the day when we'd have an uncluttered space where we could help the kids with their school work. Today, that dream came true. (See our Friday, October 24, 2008 blog: “The Learning Loft”).

Ashton Honeycutt and her S-MSTA (Student-Missouri State Teachers Association) colleagues and faculty advisors did a beautiful job of transforming our former storage room into an “effective learning environment.” They raised the money, planned, shopped, and came to Granny's House this weekend to transform our bare-bones room into a cheerful place for kids to learn. I can't wait to see the kids' reactions when they first see their brand new “Learning Loft!” -Granny Pam

Going Home

2009-04-08T11:48:00.000-07:00

Going home. That's exactly how we feel as we travel that long, dusty road that leads to Granny JoAnn's house in northern Boone County. We knew she'd be waiting to greet us at the front door with great big hugs and that there would be a nice hot meal waiting for us. And as our guest speaker, Adonica Drake Coleman and the G.I.R.L.S. ("Experiencing God In Real Life Situations") arrived, they were not disappointed.

We started the G.I.R.L.S. group last year so that we could continue nurturing the young women who had outgrown "The Princess Academy," and whenever we have a guest speaker, we like to highlight the event by hosting it offsite at places like Granny JoAnn's home.

Our special speaker, Adonica, talked frankly with the girls about all the heavy burdens she collected during her rebellious teen years. "The problems I collected were like these big, heavy balls and you may have to carry them around for the rest of your life," she said as she named and added one after another burden to her tote bag: debt, pregnancy, broken relationships, shame, and guilt were just a few of the heavy consequences she placed in her bag. Though her khaki tote bag felt heavy to the G.I.R.L.S. who carried it, the real burdens they represented were even more so until her life radically changed after surrendering to the Lord.

Weeks later, the girls who sat around that table are still talking about the evening: "It was awesome. She was so real." She was, indeed, a living letter from God:

"God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4

Spring is here!

2009-03-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Spring at Granny's House! The sun is shining, the winter coats are put away, and last week a huge pile of mulch was dumped in our front yard thanks to Bart Menning's Tree Service! Spreading mulch is one of the kids favorite activities to help with, so instead of running inside asking if they could have more nachos for dinner, you heard this...

"Can someone help me move this bucket of mulch? I can't lift it!!" (4 year old)

"We need to spread it out more so that we have enough to fill the whole yard! (10 year old)

"Can we do this again next week?" (7 year old)

"Come on guys...let's all work on this corner of the yard" (11 year old)

The kids love to help make Granny's House beautiful! A very special thanks to Ginger from Bart Menning's Tree Service who has coordinated this amazing donation for over 3 years! What a blessing it has been to everyone at Granny's House and to the Douglass Park community!

Whatever!

2009-03-20T09:10:00.000-07:00

For the last seven months, several Granny's House girls have been committed to bi-weekly bible studies (Women of Destiny and Ambassadors) which have challenged them in their faith and taught them what it means to "live out" their walk with the Lord. The bible studies are a part of a leadership track which Kids Across America (KAA) provides for youth who are interested in furthering their Christian growth.

Each year, KAA puts on a conference called "Second Wind" for youth who have been involved in the bible studies and who have committed to growing in their faith. Among many things, a goal of the conference is to "refresh" the students, and provide a way for them to hear from some incredible speakers who not only challenge them, but encourage them to continue striving after God's heart. This year, the conference was held in Memphis Tennessee.

For four days, three Granny's House "Women of Destiny" members and one Granny's House staff member traveled to Memphis to take part in "Second Wind." Over 500 youth from across the country joined together at the conference to worship, participate in seminars and re-connect with camp staff and friends. It was so encouraging to see so many urban youth on fire for the Lord!

This years theme was "WHATEVER" which was based off the verse in Phillipians 4:8- "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." The girls learned everything from how to encourage their neighborhood for the Lord, to how to live out purity, and although there was a lot of information to take in...each girl grabbed bits and pieces of truth which they could apply to their life.

We had a great time and even got to spend one afternoon exploring Memphis (even though a snow storm came through the very afternoon we were heading to the Civil Rights Museum!). It was a great bonding time for the girls (especially the 12 hour car ride home due to the snow) and a great way for them to remember why they love the Lord so much!

WANTED!! Your Donkeys…

2009-03-10T12:20:00.000-07:00

Every now and then I come across an article that perfectly articulates my own thoughts and I like sharing it “as is.” Robert Lupton’s “The Lord Needs Your Donkey” (February 2009) is one of those articles because it clearly illustrates how Granny’s House has, not only survived over these nearly eight years, but flourished and became a real “oasis” for the hundreds of public housing kids who have crossed our threshold since we opened in the Spring of 2001. Too-many-to-count have come forward to offer their best to the children who make up the Granny’s House family:

• About seven years ago, our friend Warren approached me at the end of a church service inquiring ‘Do you guys have a website? I’d like to build one for you…’” You’re reading this blog because of Warren’s huge talent, kindness, and incredible generosity.

• And then there was Sue, the attorney from Fulton, “I grew up on a farm with horses and would love to get the Granny’s House kids involved in horseback riding…” Now we have “The Spirit Riders” who traveled to Fort Worth, Texas last summer to compete with kids from all over the nation in the “Extreme Mustang Makeover."

• And Marty, the University of Missouri English professor after my husband and I finished speaking to the group of scholars she mentors, ‘Can we come every Friday as you’re closing and clean Granny’s House for you?...” She arrived every Friday evening for years, donned a pair of rubber gloves, grabbed the mop bucket , and cleaned both apartments… all while thanking us for “letting” her do it. For more than five years, the Granny’s House weekly cleaning budget was $0 because Marty rushed over to Granny’s House every Friday night after a full week of teaching and mentoring Mizzou students.

Amazingly, these activities were all way outside of our monetary budget at the time, but
not outside of God's vast reservoir of resources that He makes available to those who
seek to share His heart and make Him famous in the projects. What so many have done to
unveil God's heart with these precious children is priceless!

Do you, perhaps, have a donkey we could borrow? -Granny Pam

To Jamaica and back

2009-02-25T10:58:00.000-08:00

At Granny’s House, we love mentoring the kids in giving to help them understand that living in public housing does not exempt them from being a blessing to others.

Annually, our friends at Kent Willett Dentistry travel to Jamaica to provide dental care among the poor. Because they always encounter lots of children, we jumped at the chance to have Granny’s House kids experience the joy of brightening someone else’s life by making jewelry for the mission team to take with them. Members of “God’s Precious Jewels” and “The Princess Academy” made bracelets and cards to send.

I cannot even begin to tell you how thrilled I was to hear all the “Ooooohs,” and “Aaaaaaaahs” and “Isn’t this one cute?... Hey, look at mine!” that echoed around the room as we worked together on this project all while telling the girls about the difficulties of growing up in such deep poverty. I don’t recall ever witnessing such extreme joy coming from this group of wiggley-giggley little girls as they eagerly created gifts for Jamaican children! The, literally, turned into little “jewelry-making machines” and cranked out several dozen bracelets to send off with the missionaries.

Upon their return, the kids were visited by “Granny” Linda (Ealey) and “Granny” Libby (Grantham) who shared stories and pictures of patients who had received the Granny’s House children’s custom-made jewelry. What a thrill to see the smiling faces of those who proudly wore the jewelry created with such love and joy by their new friends from Granny’s House. It really is more blessed to give then to receive! –Granny Pam

Transformed by Love

2009-02-25T06:40:00.001-08:00

When our little African friend came to Granny’s House from Burundi last year, we could scarcely get her to look at us, let alone squeeze out a smile.

But along came Granny’s House volunteer, Mary Kate Loring. Mary Kate heaped huge, sticky doses of God’s love on her almost every day and as the days turned into weeks and weeks into months, a dramatic transformation took place. A picture really is worth a thousand words…

When I Grow Up…

2009-02-25T06:27:00.000-08:00

“When I grow up, I want to be a movie star… I’m going to the NBA… I’ll be a rapper…”

Anyone who works with inner city kids frequently hears these kinds of responses when asking children what they want to be when they grow up. At Granny’s House, however, we’ve started hearing different responses from kids:

“I plan to be a doctor… a teacher… a fashion designer… a paralegal…”

When we hear these kinds of desires, we take advantage of opportunities to connect Granny’s House kids with mentors whose professions mirror their own educational and career aspirations. We recently arranged for two Granny’s House kids to spend time with mentors at Stephens College and the Barton Law Firm.

Seventeen-year-old Vernita is interested in fashion design so we jumped at the chance to introduce her to Monica McMurray, Dean of Stephen’s College Fashion Department. Dean McMurry gave us a tour of the department and Stephens’ world-famous Historic Costume Collection. Vernita learned about the rigors of fashion design school and the real cost of combining a love for fashion with educational excellence.

She learned about the transition from “student designer” to professional “fashion designer” as she sat in on a session with senior students and fashion designer Camille Palmer, a Stephens alumni who now designs for GAP Clothing. In the midst of all those creative minds, bolts of glitzy fabrics, and too many dress forms to count, we had to keep reminding ourselves that we WERE NOT on the set of Bravo TV’s“Project Runway!”

Recently, fourteen-year-old Mary extensively researched the path to becoming a paralegal. After searching out the educational requirements, the accreditation process, and then designing a professional-looking business card, Mary spent the afternoon with Elaine Asmus, who has been a paralegal at the Barton Law Firm here in Columbia for more than a decade. After their two-hour visit, Mary could more easily envision the pathway that leads to becoming a successful paralegal.

At Granny’s House, it’s a joy to see the kids’ faith and their lives blossoming with tokens of God’s kindness and favor as we walk alsongside them. We know that one day, many of these precious kids will, indeed, say, “Because of God’s help, I completed my paralegal training… I got my degree in fashion design... I’m a doctor… a school teacher.” -Granny Pam

Two Hearts

2009-02-11T17:39:00.000-08:00

There they were… two hearts. One bruised, stained, and broken. The other one was glittery red, and gorgeous enough to join the knickknacks in anyone’s curio cabinet. Thus began our recent Precious Jewels’ lesson on the “Heart.” Not the one that pumps blood, but the one that is the seat of all of our affections and emotions… all that we love and hate and struggle with. At this “Precious Jewels” meeting, we had one mission: to help these 1st through 4th grade girls understand the immeasurable gulf that exists between our hearts and the pure loving heart of the One we so love: Jesus.

“Look at all this stuff that was in Granny Pam’s heart before she gave her life to Jesus,” I said as I pulled out one after another crumpled little wad of brown paper from the tarnished heart. “Stingy… jealousy…Pride…Disobeying Mother…” I read. “Do you know that Granny Pam did some of these ugly things every single day of her life before she had a relationship with Jesus?…”

“I loved living this way and had no power to change,” I said as I unfolded and read from each little wrinkled piece of brown paper.

I so wish you could have heard all the “Ooohs” and “Aaahs” that slid out of those sweet little girls’ mouths as I revealed the beautiful, red, glittery heart. “Now this is how Lord wants to change ALL of our hearts,” I said as I unfolded each neat little slip of paper inscribed with red, swirley-lettered words that filled this heart. “Now there’s Comfort, and Friendship with God, Peace, and Generosity... Only God can make us radically different.”

With the God’s Precious Jewels group, our meetings are, typically,“3-D” to help the girls understand and get a clear, visual picture of the Bible verse or principle we’re sharing. And during this particular lesson, they learned that “hearts” are about a whole lot more than those little pastel-colored candies they pass out on February 14.
Happy Valentines Day!!

Christmas Gifts for All

2009-01-10T19:05:00.000-08:00

Every year as we prepare our Christmas gift list for the Crossing Church, I wince as I see that our list has, again, grown. This year’s list had more than 150 names, for whom Granny’s House is their very favorite place to be after school . Not to mention all the hard work Angie Azzanni pours into preparing, not just a simple list of names on a piece of paper, but lovingly makes a wooden Christmas ornament bearing the name of each and every Granny’s House kid so that the person at The Crossing who “adopts” that kid for Christmas can keep the ornament long after the holidays as a ready reminder to continue praying for that one child throughout the year. What a blessing to know that our kids are not only being blessed with gifts for Christmas but their names are being called out in prayer to our Father throughout the year. –Granny Pam

Christmas with the G.I.R.L.S.

2009-01-07T10:58:00.000-08:00

The G.I.R.L.S. group (Experiencing God In Real Life Situations) gathered at Granny Pam’s House to have a, somewhat, unconventional Christmas party. Rather than traditional holiday treats like sprinkled sugar cookies and fudge, they requested homemade chili with all the fixins; lemonade instead of hot cider. We huddled around the television eating as we watched “The Very First Noel,” an incredibly clever animated rendition of the Christmas story.

After eating and watching our little thirty minute movie, all the fun began. Each girl decorated their very own “designer” gingerbread house. At the end of the evening, there was, quite literally, white frosting everywhere!

To add a little nostalgia, we all sat before a crackling fire as Granny Pam read “A Special Place For Santa.” Seeing Santa kneeling before the Christ child was a scene they had never before considered.

And to conclude our precious time together, we had a gift exchange: soft, fuzzy, fun socks… all wrapped up and ready to give. What a rich time we had together!
–Granny Pam

Family Christmas Celebration!

2008-12-22T19:19:00.000-08:00

"What car am I in?"
"Can I ride in the van?"
"I brought back my permission slip...can I pleeaaaassee go?"

These questions echoed throughout Trinity Place as twenty two Granny's House kids awaited The Crossing's "Family Christmas Celebration" on December 10th. Once the rides were arranged, the Christmas music was in the CD player, and the "let's remember to behave" talks, we were complete, we were off to the church for a fun evening!

Once we arrived, the kids ate pizza with families from The Crossing and watched a Christmas program which had them dancing in the isles, laughing in their seats, and most importantly learning more about the Lord. To finish off the evening, all the kids stuffed teddy bears which were sent to Africa for kids in The Pistis School in Kenya! The kids even included "prayer notes" with each bear and they were so excited that their bears were going to children half way around the world!

Thank you to all the "host families" from The Crossing who made the night so special for the kids. As we made our way to the parking lot, several kids said "Look! There is my church family!! Next year...can I be with them again? Pleeeaassseee?!!!"

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Christmas Caroling in the Projects

2008-12-10T06:51:00.000-08:00

“Joy to the world the Lord is come…” and so proclaimed our little band of red-Santa-hat-wearing carolers during the first two weeks of December. Granny Pam, accompanied by the Community Compassion team from Christian Fellowship Church, went door-to-door in Douglass Park and also visited Woodhaven homes spreading the joy of the season to anyone who would open their doors to our curious little “Choir,” which surprisingly grew in numbers and excitement with each passing night.

Without orchestra or hymnal, maestro or baton, we toted our bin of gift-filled Christmas stockings and lots of joy (and sometimes, a whole lot of noise too!) from house to house. As I heard the “Oooo’s and aaah’s” and the excited “Hurry up and get the kids so they can hear this” from the residents, I found myself thinking, “Maybe we don’t sound so off-key, after all!”

Our goal in taking the kids caroling was to mentor them in the simplicity of giving. It really is “more blessed to give then to receive” and we welcomed the opportunity to show them how to give away what they do have: a voice, a song, a hug, a smile... They experienced, first-hand, the pleasure of brightening someone else’s holiday season as they belted out “Joy to the World” and “We wish you a merry Christmas …from the kids at Granny’s House.”

Each evening, we brought the kids back to Granny’s House for hot cocoa and God-stories from their new Christian Fellowship friends. How exciting for them to hear about grown-ups’ relationships with God that actually began in childhood. They listened intently as different ones shared how much God cares about and stands waiting to help with the things that concern them like anger, making good grades, and obeying their parents.

And just before we all headed home, each Community Compassion team member gathered up two or three little ones to pray with them… such a sweet time. We are so grateful for, not only the gift-filled Christmas stockings they provided, but the kindness and love they showered on all the kids… we loved every moment and can’t wait to have them back at Granny’s House again!!

From all the kids, volunteers, and staff, we hope you have a really wonderful Christmas, filled with the life and love that only He can give.
-Granny Pam

Thank you volunteers!!

2008-12-08T08:17:00.001-08:00

A big thank you to our incredible volunteers who have spent countless hours encouraging kids, mopping floors, solving homework problems, tossing around footballs in the front yard, and modeling Christ for so many Granny's House kids this semester. "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." Hebrews 6:10.

Community Compassion

2008-12-08T07:55:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Christian Fellowship church and Community Compassion who provided gifts for Granny' s House which included games, balls, puzzles and household items! The kids loved playing the games with members from the church, and had a great time getting creative as they made crafts for their moms! They especially loved the "treat bags" Christian Fellowship provided for the kids which included candy and Christmas pencils! Thank you to everyone who helped in such a generous way!

Leaf Piles!

2008-11-13T09:12:00.001-08:00

What good is the Fall without a big leaf pile to jump in! For the last few weeks, the number one question at Granny's House has been "Can I have a rake and make a leaf pile?!" Whether it's burying each other in a pile of leaves, or running around with a pile to throw in the air, I'm sure the kids will enjoy playing in our front yard until the last leaf falls!

MU Basketball Game

2008-11-13T09:08:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Cleeks Rent to Own who provided Granny's House with basketball tickets to last weeks game against Lincoln. The kids had a great time! Many of them had never been to the new Mizzou Arena, so it as an exciting experience!

If I Had A Million Dollars

2008-11-10T13:31:00.000-08:00

Just seven minutes. That's all the time it takes to watch "IF I HAD A MILLION DOLLAR$" featuring the children of Granny's House. And that's all the time it will take for you to fall in love with the precious children who appear in our little movie.

As you watch, you'll howl with laughter, you'll cry, and sometimes find yourself awestruck as you listen to the depth of love and appreciation they have for all the goodness God pours into their lives. Sometimes their profound responses to our questions belie the fact that they're only children.

At Granny's House, it seems that every season, not just the holidays, is filled with joy and we are thrilled to be able to share a little bit of that joy with you via our latest DVD project. This is just a sample, just a little bit of what we get to experience every single weekday afternoon on Trinity Place. Enjoy!!
-Granny Pam

Halloween!

2008-11-03T08:40:00.000-08:00

Thank you to the Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA) of Mizzou who helped provide Halloween costumes to Granny’s House kids this year! What a fun time it was seeing everyone dressed up as pirates, princesses and action heros! Several of our younger children went to the Christian Fellowship “Fall Festival” to show off their outfits as well as play games and bounce the night away in the many bounce houses at the event! Thank you again to everyone who helped make the night so special!