Tuesday, July 10, 2012

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!