Intense Week

This has been an intense week in the life of Chloe's Place.

• Our circle of 'friends' has grown!
  
• We did a walk through, with a builder, at the potential site for our house and office.
  
• An article written by Lisa of Hope House of Colorado and I was published in a newsletter that has national distribution. (to request a copy email us at:chloesplace@chloeinc.org)
  
• We have a place reserved and a date for our first Chloe's Place Brunch... where we will share our story and invite participation from those who have demonstrated interest in becoming involved.
• We are thinking ahead to staff and volunteer training options
• Our work day planned for earlier in the week had to be canceled; we have a new date set.
• The Purpose Prize grant proposal is nearing it's final draft...must be submitted next week!
• I am getting my 'ducks in a row' as I contemplate leaving my position at the hospital to do Chloe's Place full-time. I am seeking balance in stepping out in faith and being fiscally responsible
  

Wordless Wednesday

Seedlings

Earlier this week, I had a dream, in the dream I was pouring water into a pot of dirt. It must have been a glass pot as I could see below the surface of the soil. In awe, I watched, fascinated by the germination process unfolding before my eyes. First, the seeds absorbed the water. Tiny seedlings emerged from dry, wrinkled seeds. The seed coats burst open and seedlings emerged, unfurling and pushing to break through the soil; stretching toward the light.

I forgot about that dream until I was pondering past seasons of work in CHLOE, Inc. Memories of dormant seasons came to mind. I recall those periods being most bewildering. When it seemed we were not growing, my commitment was strong to remain available, faithful, and bold.

" Some seeds need special treatment or conditions of light, temperature, moisture, etc. to germinate. Seed dormancy is very complex, but it protects that living plant material until conditions are right for it to emerge and grow."*

Today, exactly one year after the vision for Chloe's Place began to emerge; I better understand the value of dormant seasons. I believe that our vision was held by special conditions, waiting for the right time to emerge and grow.

The plans for Chloe's place are bursting with life! We are emerging strong and growing well.


*WSU Extension

Wordless Wednesday

Winter's Blast

I am glad that the winter blast that has brought our community to a near standstill doesn't need to hinder the work of Chloe's Place.

This week I submitted an article that Lisa Steven and I wrote for InSpirit magazine. This magazine is part of the Women Ministry organization of the Evangelical Covenant Church. I am so pleased to have the opportunity to share of our vision and work with such a large caring audience. The article will likely be in the issue that comes out in March.

Great progress is being made toward finding the 'home', office, and classroom space we need to launch Chloe's Place. Recently I met with the Missions Pastor of a local church that has what seems to be, the ideal location for our ministry. I was greatly encouraged after meeting with Pastor Kevin; his heart is filled with compassion and our thinking seemed to be in sync regarding the potential for our Chloe's Place ministry. He shared our proposal with his Mission Team; they too responded as we hoped they would. There are many details to be worked out and the buildings need renovated to meet our needs... God will make a way.

Here are a few other tidbits...

• I have a meeting next week with a church leader who heard of our work and wants to learn more so their church can become involved.
  
• A co-worker has been providing me with some names of people in a variety of professions and positions that may be helpful connections for us to make.
  
• I have about 200 contacts (family units) entered into our new software. (If you want to be on our mailing list/email list, please send me your contact info)
  
• John is setting up the book keeping system to merge with that same new software
• I submitted a proposal for a $25,000.00 grant. If awarded, that money will be used for furnishings and equipment for Chloe's Place house and learning lab.
• I am working on a much larger grant proposal; I plan to submit it early in February, if not before.
  

Wordless Wednesday

Rahab's Hideaway

Today I attended a fundraiser for a new ministry in our community. Rahab's Hideaway has begun work to offer hope and help to women victimized by human trafficking. The Women Ministry organization of our church has designated 'human trafficking' as a primary issue to address, so I have learned a bit about the travesty of trafficking.
During the presenters talks I was reminded of my days as a nurse in a Victims of Torture program. (I worked with refugees) Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome is common in girls and women who have been forced into this modern day 'slavery', just as those who have endured torture. How can it be that evil is so alive and well? How is it that we allow it to continue? Every day, every culture, every country... Yes right here in the 'heart of Ohio'.
So, what does human trafficking have to do with Chloe's Place? Here's a hunch I have. ... Be assured that many young women who find themselves pregnant/parenting, alone, poor and hopeless are incredibly vulnerable. Who do traffickers (pimps) look to victimize? The most vulnerable, of course! Think with me about a young woman who has a child and is alone. No one to babysit, no job skills, no high school diploma, no hope. Food, clothing... the basic stuff of life is not easily accessible. How likely is it that she will be targeted? In her desperation to survive I can imagine that she might fall for the lies of some slick talker, promising her the moon, only to find herself trapped in a life she would never have chosen for herself or her child. I couldn't find any statistic on-line that support my hunch....but it makes sense to me.
I am so thankful to be in a position to invest my time and resources in making a different path for young women and their children. When we are able to offer safe haven, GED classes, and parenting classes all in an environment permeated with grace and love.... that will be a gift of unspeakable value. What a privilege to make such an investment. I hope you have been thinking about how you might want to be involved. We need you!