14

I am doing homework across the table from a 14 year old. She is a freshmen in high school. The school she attends doesn't have the best reputation in South Minneapolis. A few of us at the Oakland house have known her since she was in 4th grade. She is making a powerpoint for her Geography class. She had to write about the 5 best places in her neighborhood. One of the places she chose to write about was our house! A few of her cousins were over last week and they said " being at your house is like a retreat from our lives..." It broke my heart to hear them say that.. Yet, I hope as these girls continue to grow up they will know our house is a safe place to eat, laugh, and talk to each other in. They are prayed for in this home.. As inadequate as we may feel at times, I pray that they will know that they are not defined by their surroundings, and instead they will recognize how beautiful and talented they are.