When our two-year old granddaughter Nola came to visit this week, she took her customary walk around our living room. She greeted the portrait of Aslan, the elk statues on each bookcase, and the collection of elephant figurines from her great-grandmother. Then she held up her hands and looked at me with solemn brown eyes, “Where’s ya’ baby camel?”

Her mother had been promising that “Gramma Kaffy has a baby camel at her house.” She hadn’t thought to mention it is a real baby camel just down the street from our house. Grandpa and I ignored the rainy evening and took Nola directly to the zoo!

Our zoo has five zebras plus the baby camel and her mother. We will add kangaroos and African cattle in a few weeks. And, I’m sure the collection will grow.

Exotic animals in the middle of a cornfield is an unusual sight. Bu then, our small town is pretty unusual. We are all about helping people get a fresh start in life. And, the baby camel plays a part. The gentleman who handles our zoo has a long history with exotic animals. Unfortunately, part of that history includes poor choices and serious addictions that ended up costing him everything. Including his career.

In His amazing mercy, God has restored our friend’s life, given him a family, a purpose, and a chance to help others. And, now, God has given him back the animals.

I don’t know about you, but I think that is pretty cool. Plus, I love having a baby camel.