Growing up!

What a month!

An 18th birthday,
middle school promotion ceremonies,
SOZO Kids 5th grade graduation,
AND
a high school graduation!!!

My "kids" are growing up and it all happened last month!!

18th Birthday

"Amanda" became an official adult - wow, has that girl grown up since I began discipling her at 15!

  A dozen of us went to Red Robin (I only had my phone, so this is the best picture I got) and she even wore the birthday crown I brought for her (one is NEVER too old for a birthday crown!)

As I wrote to her in her birthday book that was created for her, she is a woman of boldness, courage, love, compassion and truth.  Over the last few years, I have been amazed at the transformation that has occurred in her. She has come out of this last season stronger and more tender than I could have ever imagined (as life has been hard). As her peace and trust level increases, there is a softening and beauty that is shining through.  I can't wait to continue to watch her grow up.

5th Grade Promotion

Good 'ole trusty phone camera ;)

I had only a second to get this...bummer it was blurry (you get the idea!)

Two dozen 5th graders who have been involved to some degree over the last year at SOZO Kids were promoted to middle school.  I was able to attend one of the ceremonies at school.  This included the girl I have been tutoring weekly who I met when she was in first grade!

SOZO Kids Graduation

Some of the graduates

Proud parents capturing the presentation :)

One of our girls with her new Bible

We had our annual 5th grade SOZO Kids graduation as well this past month.  These new middle schoolers are allowed to attend for the rest of the summer, but then they go on to the "big kids" SOZO in the fall...some of them have been apart of SOZO Kids since they were in kindergarten!  

Parents were invited to attend and the kids were presented with nice hardcover teen Bibles with their names in them - a cool tradition that my church has helped to make happen.  They carried their Bibles around the rest of the night, even while some played kickball ;) They were so protective of their new gift!

High School Graduation

200+ graduates from the online school

Posing with with graduate :)

And, the one many of you (thank you!!!) have been praying for . . . "Destiney" graduated from high school!!! This has been such a journey for her.  There have been many bumps in the road and several opportunities to give up, but she did it, at age 21. I am so proud of her and eager to see where God leads her next!

Celebrating accomplishments!

Guess who mastered her times tables?!

Making faces at Gibson's Frozen Yogurt (notice the bright sunshine in the back?!!!)

Happy with her mint/chocolate concoction! 

Playing at the park.

Way to go, "Jazmine"! So proud of all of your hard work!

Manasseh and Ephraim

Joseph was the Biblical "poster child" of injustice.  Sold into slavery by his brothers, his fate is lied about to his father.  He then is wrongly accused and thrown into prison where he is continually forgotten about.  

Then God does what he does best...binds up the brokenhearted, proclaims freedom for the captives, and releases from darkness for the prisoners.  Bestowing a crown of beauty instead of ashes. (Isaiah 61)

Before the years of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph...(he) named his firstborn Manasseh and said, "It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household." The second son he named Ephraim and said, "It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering."        (Genesis 41:50-52)

The kids I work with have more injustice in their lives than I know what to do with.  Almost all are in poverty in a single parent home, having no clue where their dad is.  There is often neglect and abuse, and they are taught that things such as violence, drugs and brokenness are the norm.  They are the brokenhearted, the captive, the imprisoned.  

But God does what he does best...binds up the brokenhearted, proclaims freedom for the captives, and releases from darkness for the prisoners.  Bestowing a crown of beauty instead of ashes.

So this past week when I was preparing to teach at SOZO Kids about Joseph, I was reminded afresh that there is more to these kids' stories than what I have yet seen.  There is healing and freedom for each of them, regardless of what their life looks like now.  I know that I may not get to see the fullness of restoration in the kids that I work with, but I am confident that He will provide a "Manasseh" and "Ephraim" for each of them. 

Below you can see a glimpse of our small group time, talking about Joseph's story this past week.  

SOZO Kids Bowling Field Trip

Trusting God with my "kids"

I am not a mom, but I often feel like one.

Somehow, however, I skipped the diapers stage and went straight to the emotional roller coaster stage of adolescence with the teens I mentor/disciple.  Though I am not up for middle of the night feedings, that doesn’t mean I don’t lose sleep over them.

Lately I’ve lost a lot of sleep over them.  I so badly want what is best for them. 

I want them to succeed in school, be healthy, have solid relationships, learn how to get and keep a job, believe they are beautiful and have value (to name a few) . . . all the while loving God whole-heartedly.

These are all really great things, however the more I try to control those things, the less they actually are able to live a life fully devoted to the Lord.  

They don’t need to learn that I know what’s best for them through my control (because, frankly, I am constantly learning how to walk out my own salvation!), but I want them to learn that God knows what’s best for them.  

I want them to know the conviction, comfort and leadings of the Holy Spirit. To be comfortable talking with God about anything.  If I step in to correct, comfort and tell them what to do always, they will look to me instead of Him (BAD idea!)

I want them to be stirred by the Word and apply it to their lives. To know it has power for today and to realize their peace and joy come from their knowledge of the Lord.

I want them to trip and fall, knowing the second they turn to the Lord, He will run towards them, celebrating their return.

What is fascinating about this process of “parenting” is that I am learning what a huge role my trust level in God plays in their ability to love God whole-heartedly . . .I am also learning that as my trust level grows, so does my hours of sleep at night :)

And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.   Philippians 1:6 Amplified

Singing Titanic ballads in Africa!

Back in December, I had the privilege of visiting the Khayelitsha township for a day.  After going to the craft market, I went outside to enjoy these local guys playing marimbas.  They are really good and perform daily, as well as at weddings and special events.

After a few minutes, they said that I could play with them...um, yes please!!!

 One of the guys taught me a rhythm (I can still hear it in my head!) And the others joined in.

All of a sudden, the signing started..."Every night in my dreams..." It was the song, 'My Heart Will Go On' from Titanic!  I couldn't help but giggle a bit as I played along in this 'cultural experience' :)

Only in Africa :) 

(Those of you who have been there understand what I mean!)

"Hakeem"

Some kids have a hard time moving on from SOZO Kids.  They come back weekly after they have gone into middle school, begging to be allowed to stay one more week.

I have to hold fast to the age limits - it's just not a good idea to mix kindergartners and middle schoolers.

Notice the thumb...kindergartners are still so young!

So when one of the boys, "Hakeem", came with his younger sisters on Friday to SOZO Kids, I was ready to stick to my guns.  He did what he had done in weeks prior - begged, questioned the rules and got his sisters to remind me how "stupid" the rules were.  I was not budging and let him know.

I wasn't ready for what happened next.

"Should we tell her?"  "Mom said not to tell anyone." "I think we should tell her."  "Do you promise not to tell anyone?"  And then out came the real reason for his desire to be at SOZO Kids for the night.  "Our electricity was turned off and I don't want to sit at home in the dark tonight."

All of my efforts to bring the hard line melted instantly as I held each of them tightly and reminded them that they would be okay.  

Ugh...I so despise the effects of poverty.  Especially on kids. 

So "Hakeem" was with us on Friday and I was so glad (I prefer being a softy if truth were told).  He and his three sisters laughed,  played and enjoyed themselves thoroughly.  I wasn't able to be at the front when they left for the night, but thoughts of them came up all weekend.  I prayed they would have a place to stay and that power would be restored soon.  I wish I could say this is the only time this has happened.  

Last week one of my regulars told me she had been taken into foster care and was no longer with her family.  Last week may have been the last time I will get to see her for awhile.  

All of this (unfortunately) comes with the territory.  These kids are so precious to me.  I can only imagine how precious they are to Jesus.  I know He sees them.  I know He knows all that is going on and I know that He cares. 

 Sometimes I wish I could just take them home with me.  

What a gift to be able to hang out with them week after week and share love and truth!

Ok, I may need to gush a bit...just look at these ADORABLE kids :)

A rap written by one of our kids

If you ever want to come and play basketball or jumprope with these kids...let me know.  

You won't be disappointed ;)

Grateful to love

Oh how I love these girls.



These were taken the week of Christmas.  They were a little down in the dumps...a recent break up and a grandmother in serious condition in the hospital can do that to anyone.  So we went to downtown Tacoma and did what any teen needing a pick-me-up would do--Starbucks, a walk in the beautiful winter day, a photo shoot and Christmas presents.  God loved them through the laughter, playfulness and new memories made.

Did I mention I love these girls?

We just finished meeting for discipleship today.  We always talk about our highs/lows of the week, pray using "TACOS" (thanksgiving, adoration, confession, others and self) and dig into the Bible.  Then we usually end up ministering to someone if something comes up.

I wish you could have joined in our TACOS prayers.  I was moved by their honesty in confession, hunger to know Him and great desires for others who don't yet know Him to know Him.

I wish you could have been there for the Bible study.  It amazes me what they learn of God as they dig into the Word and the foundation of truth they are creating at such an early age.

I wish you could have seen the tears of one who is dealing with more difficult things than most other 17 year olds do - at the top of the current list are homelessness (her family of 5 just moved in temporarily with relatives) and a slowly dying grandmother. I wish you could see her faith and witness her honesty.  I also wish you could have seen her friend (who's only been walking with the Lord a year and a half) lay her hands on her to pray, from her heart, as she listened to God for words to speak on her behalf I would trust these two to pray for anyone.

Tonight I am so grateful that He allows me to love these girls.  What an honor to walk with these beautiful lives as they are being transformed by His love and grace.