Do you remember being excited to shop for new shoes in time for Easter? About 10 years ago, Cathy Edwards encouraged the Compass Community to consider a missions project to sponsor the cost of a pair of new shoes for each child at Gracewood. South Mainers, Gracewood staff, and families met at the nearby Walmart the first year, and it has become a tradition each spring, evolving to include other South Main Adult Bible Communities as the Gracewood census has grown.
Gracewood is in its 23rd year providing a faith-based, transitional, residential program in the Spring Branch area of Houston. The program is more than housing; it’s an opportunity to restart for hard-working single moms and their children who have encountered difficulties and need time to find home, hope, and healing.
This year, 51 mothers and children received new pairs of shoes, an all-time biggest group, with children ranging from a set of three-year-old twin girls to seven teenage boys. Members of the Compass, Power & Light, and Gifts of God Communities met at the nearby Target in Memorial City with the Gracewood families and staff to shop for shoes and enjoy some fellowship time together. Newcomers Kathryn Johnson, Leslie Knapp, and Janet Kaiser were welcomed by Anne Fowler, Cathy Edwards, Susan Downs, and Gayle Slaughter. In past years, many others have participated, including Kathy Kronzer, Jane and Brian Jeffries, Alan and Carol Smith, Meg Whitaker, Beth McKim, and Angie Durand.
The delight on the children’s faces is apparent when they get to pick out sparkly Mary Janes or Bluey tennis shoes, cool platform boots, or slides, and the moms love finding a great pair of heels or fun new sandals for themselves. It’s an activity that lends itself to conversation with a purpose, and everyone goes home happy! Anne Fowler continued the tradition that Lydia Law began by bringing a chocolate Easter bunny for every child—an “eggcellent” incentive to choose their shoes!
Leslie Knapp said her “ah-ha” moment in meeting the Gracewood families was to see the friendships they’ve developed among them, the easy camaraderie. She met a mom, Nicole, and her children who were “super excited and adorable!” Getting to serve alongside her mom was also special. For more information about Gracewood, please see gracewood.org.