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My Girl

I have realized that I have used this blog recently as my own therapy, my outlet and solace.  And I have not made sure to share enough about the treasures of life here in Monticello.


Like "my girl," as my supervisor called her after I shared my growing attachment to her.  I definitely should have told you about "my girl."  We've only been journeying together a few months now but what a journey it has been!  It was only recently when I sat down and processed where we started with her and where she is today.  It's the kind of story you want to repeat itself and you want to remind yourself of amidst everything else.  We aren't in a perfect place today and sometimes we are not even in a great place, but I am so amazed what some stability, the Truth, and some nurturing love can do for a soul.  She came to us very hardened and grown about ten years beyond her own age.  I remember being slightly intimidated by her refusal to smile...today, she has moved from refusal to reluctance and seeing her smile can be one of the most joyous moments of our day.  She asked my sister when she visited if she could leave with her...she needed a way out of this place.  I remembered that the other day and smiled to myself.  I wonder what she would say to Molly if she visited today.  And yes, I am growing a bit attached.  A heart so hungry for Love.  A soul begging for Truth.  A life coming into the Light.  She isn't perfect (as I am not) and still has a host of issues and behaviors that we deal with each day, but she is an encouragement to me...because she is a reminder that our God heals.  That our God restores.  That our God can soften the hardness of a life full of pain, that our God can encourage the depths of a hopeless heart.  And I thank Him every day.

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