Homestead Graduation

I can’t believe its been 5 years now. I’ve been involved with Homestead from the start and we’ve had over 45 women come through the program! Each of them are so special, so brave, so amazing. It really is an honor and a blessing to be involved and to be a tiny part of each of their journeys. Some don’t make it all the way through, but that’s ok. They learn that they are loved. They learn there is another way. They learn what is possible. Not all the graduates are able to sustain changes in substance use or in healthy relationships, but almost all of them stay out of the sex industry. We are learning so much. We are screening better and can better recognize those who are ready for next steps. Our referral sources have a better idea of what girls can be successful here. Now more and more of the girls are making it all the way through and are graduating. They leave with their debts paid, a support system built, coping skills, having worked through any trauma and issues, job skills or an education, and most importantly, a closer relationship with God.

When Andrea mentioned her upcoming graduation, I offered the use of our home. Several years ago, Heather had her party here. We love using our house for God. So Sunday afternoon, we hurried home from church and put some pop on ice and laid out the plates and other supplies Andrea and Deb had gotten. Scott got started grilling the meat even though it was raining! He stayed out there and grilled in miserable conditions for an hour and a half!

There were so many people!

and so much food! (I did zero food prep–Deb supplied most of it, Andrea a ton, and then people brought food).

After awhile, Dave came with his guitar and we set up in the corner of the living room and sang some worship songs. Everyone sang at the top of their lungs!