Rescue the Children! A visit to the Craycroft Center

Brimming with idea's, and possessing the enthusiasm to carry them out, Mom stepped from her room a few weeks ago and announced that we were going to the Craycroft Center, a shelter for children.



"I've called them, and they are looking forward to our visit. It will be a growing experience for all of us. We need it. " She smiled.



Mom was entirely correct. It WAS a growing experience, and we DID need it. :-)



A few hours later, we tumbled into the car, and away we drove to downtown Fresno. This part of town was the section that young ladies shouldn't be out in at night. I have always been a little scared to be there, but this time was different because of our mission. There were several Rescue Mission buildings all grouped together, with the childrens home at the end of the block. As we turned in at the street, we drove by groups of homeless me. Their heads turned with curiosity as we drove by. Some were standing in line, waiting to enter the Rescue Mission. Others were setting up tents and mattresses, getting ready for the night ahead.



Finally we reached the Craycroft center, and were greeted by several friendly young men who worked and volunteered there. One of them loaded up our donations and snacks that we had brought and led us inside. On the way, he explained that the cheerful little garden by the doorway which had caught my attention was once just dirt and trash. Now, there was play equipment, red, yellow, and blue flowers, smiling up at us, while a carpet of thick green grass invited little bare feet to come play. We stepped inside and I gazed around me with wonder. We were standing in an enormous play room. The walls were brightly painted with huge trains, choo-chooing all the way around the room. Children hurried here and there, bringing out games, puzzles, coloring books, etc. since it was playtime. Five or six blue couches were situated so as to make a cozy place to relax. There were shelves of movies, TV's, a pool table, a piano, tables, and numerous other things on which to play.



For a few minutes we just stood there, Mom, Simon, Jeremy, and I, taking it all in and feeling a little awkward. However, it wasn't long before a dark haired young fellow walked up to us and introduced himself. Right now, his job was to watch the children during their play, and make sure no violence ensued. He informed us that there were about 15 children there at the moment, but they come and go constantly. Thirty days was the limit any child could stay at the home. From there, they would either go to a foster home, or go back to their families. After more conversation, we were treated with a tour of the building. As we walked down the hall where the bedrooms were located, we saw spotless rooms, (they have 'clean room' contests every day) well made beds, grinning children racing down the hall, and a darling little girl lying sick and listless in bed. Our tour guide told us all about the center, including what the children received when they entered, 4 pairs of pants, 4 shirts, 4 sets of underclothes, toiletries, etc. Everything they received while in the home they were free to take with them when they left.



When we had finished the tour, Mom and they young man gathered a few of the older children together to play a game of spoons. This gave us a very special opportunity to connect with the some of the kids who were there. One of the boys began telling us about his Mother who was "crazy". She thought she was from Russia, and forced the younger boys to stay inside. Even to the point of falling on top of him to try to brake his leg! Visiting with these children who came from broken homes, whose lives were torn apart, touched my heart where it needed to be touched. They had nothing! Nothing in the way of possessions or even in love. Yet, the tiny Hispanic six-year old, prancing around in her princess dress beamed us a beautiful smile. She convicted my heart! Whatever do I have to complain about? Or feel sorry for myself about? When these precious ones, who didn't choose to be where they are today, smile!



My time spent at the Craycroft center gave me fresh appreciation and thankfulness for all the blessings the Lord gives me every day. From a loving hug from Mom, to an answered prayer, He gives us so much.



All praise to Him who does all things for a purpose and for His glory!