From Michelle McConnell: 5/17/07

I met Carrie during our original “home makeover” sparked by Lynda Cayax back last August 2006. Carrie was pregnant at that time, they were in dire need - we spent a couple days bringing in furniture. My husband, Eric, and his dad did odd jobs for them, etc.

But that was only the beginning. Moved by her sweet 6 year old daughter, I am convinced that the best thing I can do to help the little girl, is to “help” her mother. So I regularly spend time with them, often together as families, other times Carrie and I slip out for “Mommy time” alone. This has been an amazing experience for me.

I cannot recount to you all the ways Carrie’s life has changed since I first met her during our home makeover. Some of the steps are slow, but she literally LOOKS different, and that is only the beginning. I won’t share all the details because truly hers is quite a story, and the steps she is making to “change her life” inspire me in unspeakable ways!

But here’s the coolest part… last week Carrie and I were out having coffee one night. She told me - with huge smiles - of how she is now teaching Sunday School in their little neighborhood church. She volunteered at the free SPCA event held there, and also plans to volunteer this coming weekend at another charity event they are holding. She agreed with me that the greatest difference of all is “having God in her life” and now, within her little circle of influence in that neighborhood, she’s passing it on.

It made me think of our Lake Forest symbol of the leaf, and the ripples in the water…. and really blessed me.