IN CELEBRATION OF A YEAR

One year of living away from home. One year without a cell phone. One year without having your own bathroom. One year of sometimes missing birthdays and family gatherings. One year of eating most meals in a cafeteria-like setting. One year of hard work, a lot of times physical work. One year of strict rules and discipline. One year full of attacks from Satan because that's what happens when you draw nearer to God. And one year completely worth it because it was also one year full of fun, meaningful quality family time together during our wonderful visits. A year of finding who you really are, the meaning of deliverance, the meaning of living life abundantly, and gaining wisdom and discernment through a personal relationship with the Lord. It was also a year so  powerful and meaningful to you that you want to continue on, helping others as you have been helped over the year. How blessed the women will be whose lives you are sure to touch.

I don't know how you did it, Dawn, I truly don't. But we knew you could. And would. And you did. When the going got tough you dug deeper, stood firm in your faith and tried a little harder - even when you thought you couldn't. We love you and are so proud of you there aren't words to do it justice. I was so glad we could all be there yesterday to help you celebrate your graduation from Alabama Teen Challenge - even if it meant traveling  on icy roads and through freezing rain which caused Rachel's windshield wipers to freeze while she was using them. The thought of that happening still makes me laugh out loud. :) 

They had a few special treats up their sleeve for her ceremony. My aunt was there and sang How Beautiful. And it was. If you've never seen a human video then you're missing out.

 Even our graduate was in one and let me tell you, it's powerful!

It was quite the emotional day and little Mary Lou Grace was overflowing with it:

Happy tears, though! All tears were happy ones!

The graduate receiving her certificate:

The fam:

CONGRATULATIONS, DAWNIE!

As I always say, so much to post about - so little time. 'Tis the season to be busy I guess. :)