Our kids are growing up

Several years ago, we both had the opportunity to work with the youth of our church. Derek was the scout master for the 12-14 year old boys, and Angie worked with the 12-14 year-old girls. Then later, we were able to be the honorary "Ma & Pa" for the pioneer trek that our church stake takes every four years. On the pioneer trek, many of the youth 14-18 treated us like their mom and dad as we pushed a pioneer handcart thru the Wyoming wilderness -- It was a lot of fun and a very memorable experience. That was 3 years ago. This was all before Cassidy was born. The last 3 years have been focused more on learning to live with our wonderful little girl.

Last night, we had the opportunity to go to a special graduation night for the youth in our ward that are graduating from high school. These were our kids! The ones we taught back at age 12. That we encouraged, loved, counselled, hung out with at summer camps, etc.. It was a proud moment to see these same children, as young adults, preparing to head off to college or on missions. We think we felt much like Alma when he saw his old friends after a long absence: "therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord (Alma 17:2)". We are so proud of these kids, and their parents, and that we were able to have a small role in their greatness.