“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one good pair of shoes.” ~ Michael Gerrish

“Stepping into the Dream” is a national program for children in shelters that Enchanted Makeovers launched on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at Grace Centers in Detroit.

The “Stepping Into the Dream” program is about connecting artists with children so they can share their dreams with each other. The child’s dream is then painted (together by the artist and the child) onto a pair of Converse sneakers.

Having a hand-painted “story” of the child’s dream on a pair of canvas sneakers will serve as a beautiful affirmation of the dream and a reminder that we each have the power to put “footsteps” to our prayers.

Terry Grahl, a dear friend and founder of EM, was beaming. She contacted me following the event and said the launch of the program proved to be an inspiring, fun day.

The Power of Dreaming for Each Other

I love this program, and I can’t wait to partner with Terry and EM to launch it at York Street Project, the shelter where we did the retreat weekend in October of this year, as well as travel the country to launch it in shelters around the United States.

There are so many layers to “Stepping into the Dream.” Not only having a blast with the children, listening to each share his/her dreams, spending time sharing a bit of ourselves, painting together, but also in the “Stepping into the Dream” program, we experience the very powerful act of speaking our dreams aloud and dreaming for each other.

Being outside of ourselves and dreaming for others has a profound effect. It is transformative when we do so, for both ourselves and the person we are dreaming for. We are all a tapestry- one person woven right into the other, we must harness the strength and magnificence of our connection.

“Stepping into the Dream” allows us to dream for the children in the shelters, and they dream for us.

A Little More About Enchanted Makeovers

I was blessed to connect with Terry last spring, and we have not only worked together, but have become great friends. Her story is absolutely incredible, and you can read all about her inspiring journey on her website.

Enchanted Makeover’s mission began years ago when Terry Grahl decorated a shelter in Detroit. She knew her purpose was never just to meet basic needs. It was so much more than that, and even much more than a lovely, decorated room.

Since that time, Terry has not only created magical spaces, she’s toured the country with her team raising awareness about the importance of sharing our stories, being involved in our communities, simply connecting with one another. EM believes in meeting spiritual needs for hope, love, acceptance for women and children in shelters, as well as everyone involved with the organization; we are all transformed by the journey of our experiences with EM.

This photo above is Julia, a 7-year old little girl at the shelter who just received a handmade doll. Her reaction when she noticed Tracey, one of the event photographers:

“Would you take my picture with my dolly?” Tracey said of course, and asked her what her dolly’s name was.

She smiled and said proudly, ” Her name is Danielle!”

Tracey took her picture and as Julia turned so she could show her the picture of them , she yelled in a very happy voice, “See Dolly, your very first picture!!”