It’s been over a year since I first walked into this building. I had no idea what I would see.
I certainly didn’t expect this … but it was perfect.
It WILL BE perfect.
It’s the space Renaissance Man and I selected for Hope Unlimited for Children’s 20th Anniversary Celebration.
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In a few short weeks, we’ll be traveling to the beautiful Bay Area of California where the organization was birthed…
… and filling this 8,000 square foot, multi-level Redwood Hall with an exhibit telling the story of Hope’s 20 years of ministering to at-mortal-risk children in Brazil.
It’s a metamorphosis we’ve been planning for a long time. So long, in fact, that it’s just about to consume us. I’m blogging tonight to take a break and to find a little sanity — yet I’m still not getting away from this project!
There is still a lot of work to do (all prayers appreciated!), but before long I look forward to showing you the transformation. For now, we are crazy-busy, tired, and ready to put this project to bed … but we remain amazed and humbled at how our gifts are being used in ways we could never have foreseen. (And now you know why I haven’t done much visiting lately …)
Part of this past week’s tasks involved a very large piece of artwork painted by the art instructor at Hope Mountain. Notice that it highlights three countries: The United States, Ethiopia, and Brazil. Each plays an important role in the story of Hope Unlimited for Children.
In the words of the artist (translated from Portuguese)…
It all started in the United States with a dream of caring for socially at-risk children. During unforgettable years of mission work in Ethiopia, Mr. and Mrs. Smith opened their home to children living on the streets. The result was so positive that years later, God sent Mr. Smith to Campinas, Brazil to continue the work of rescuing lives. Eventually another facility known as Hope Mountain was opened in Cariacica.
The faces in the center of the artwork depict boys as they are when they come to Hope. Over time, they are changed — transformed — each reaching the stature of a man who has found his identity and the true joy of living. The frame around the unfinished work is a complementary process of archaeology where the imperfections were removed and hidden treasures found: THE BOY
Transformation at its best, don’t you think?
After years of caring for boys, a girl’s facility was added, and the face of Hope was softened forever…
More of Hope’s story can be found HERE in a post about why I blog.
You can also click on the Hope logo below to check out the website.
I’m linking to Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch.
Oh my, Susan, that artwork is so beautiful. What a perfect post for Met Monday. I am always amazed to see how God lovingly and miraculously transforms ashes into beauty.
Loved this.
Much love,
Marcia
You have been busy indeed! 8000 sq ft? That’s a lot of space to fill. Can’t wait to see your handwork. Also, my deepest condolences to you in the loss of your friend. So very sad. You just never know. My prayers for you and the family.
You HAVE been busy! It’s that wonderful kind of busy, though, isn’t it? It’s the kind of busyness and fatique that comes walking in the will of God.
I loved this part at the end:
After years of caring for boys, a girl’s facility was added, and the face of Hope was softened forever …
I’m so excited for you, and I know that you are exhausted. I pray the next season will be full of moments where you walk and no grow tired, run and not grow weary, and rise up on wings of eagles. Thanks for stopping by my post. Cherry Kay
I’m so proud of you two for this amazing work, Suaan. Can’t wait to see the transformation of the building. It’s lovely.
I dropped by to thank you for your prayers and kind words in my last post. I appreciate it more than you know, and it’s helped me to get through this last month. I’m trying to blog a little and trying to catch up by visiting on this post. Lots still going on here to keep me away, but I’m going to try and get online some to see people. I miss you!
I also wanted you to know that I could be a commercial for that cleaner I bought from you. Really good stuff. I’m going to put it to work on some linens I will be getting in the mail. Can’t wait to see it do it’s trick!
Big hugs to you and your hubby as you do great things for the Lord!
XO,
Sheila