Meet Destiny and Karla

Meet Destiny and Karla who are both graduating from High School this year.
I first meet Destiny the summer of 1999 when I worked as summer missionary at the Deaf Church. This is what she looked like back in 1999.

I know! Just want to squeeze those cheeks! Destiny was one of the first kids that we would pick up on the vans for our summer program. She was incredibly smart. She would watch what I signed in ASL and then explain it to the other kids in MSS. I called her my little interpreter. She has the best giggle and it is very infectious. She has a rough looking exterior, but a soft and kind heart. Destiny has always been a tomboy, but recently at the girls retreat got a manicure in hot pink! It was a proud moment! I love how during Bible Study she will always have a question which usually begins with "what if....." You can always tell she has a question either by her confused look or her smirk when she thinks she is clever and going to stump you. When instead of stumping the teacher she is given an answer she has an enlightened look on her face and says "true", it's hard to explain if you don't know her!

This is Karla her 6th grade year when she moved from Puerto Rico with her parents.

On the back of the picture she wrote me a note in Spanish. I still don't know what it says, but that's ok! Karla has had some trials in her life, moving to Texas from Puerto Rico (new schools, new friends, new culture and language) and then shortly after losing her mom suddenly at the tender age of 12. Karla was not quite a woman then, but not totally a little girl. After her mom passed away she grew up fast. She handled everything with an amazing amount of grace that I don't think I could show even at my age now. She is an amazing girl. Karla and her dad and step-mom, Kristy,  live 4 houses down from us and I love that they are so close, even if we don't see each other that often! Jacob adores Miss Karla! She is a total girly girl, but a wrestler and a good one at that (Check out her arms in the last picture!) Karla is always ready with a smile and a hug.

Destiny and Karla: Oh the stories I could tell about you both! LOL I feel so honored to be able to watch you grow into the women you are today. I'm excited about the new adventures you will be starting soon and a little sad that you are "growing up".  Always remember to keep your relationship with God the most important thing in your life and find your security, Love and satisfaction in Him. Love you!