| *The Hodnes* |
| Wow. I'm not even sure where to start when talking about Lauren and Derek. They are such an amazing couple and have always been such a wonderful encouragement to me. I met Lauren when I was like 15 or 16. I met her at a Youth Group function at this huge gym. We played all sorts of games including volleyball. I don't remember all the details, but she was extremely friendly and I remember liking her the moment I met her. She invited us to come back any time we wanted. Well, to make a long story short, I went to camp and there she was. She ended up as my counselor during Summer 1999 and I had the most amazing week with her. She encouraged me in so many ways and helped me through a lot of tough times that week. We can still laugh about some of them to this day. During the summers that we worked on staff together, I always looked forward to seeing and talking to Lauren. Our weekly meetings always put a smile on my face, or some tears. But God truly blessed our time together and He helped to develop our friendship so much. I could tell Lauren most anything and she just listened when I needed it. |
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| Lauren and I Summer 2002 |
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| Lauren and Derek Summer 2002 |
| She is one of my biggest role models in life. She loves God, her family, her husband, friends and strangers. She has taught and shown me what it means to be a true follower of Jesus Christ...what a real woman of God is. She is amazing and I can't imagine what my life would be without her in it. Lord, thank you for her mentorship and the love and compassion she has for others. Lauren, I continue to pray that your life and marriage will be greatly blessed...you are loved more than you probably know!! What's there to say about Derek? You can't say enough about Derek to explain what kind of a person he is. He just is. He's amazing in every aspect of the word. I met Derek through camp (and Lauren) and really grew to like him. He has this amazing personality that captures your attention and definitely keeps you laughing. His turtle faces are so funny! And his Moxie obsession is quite odd. But granted, he is still one of the most liked people around. Derek has encouraged me through not only his love and service for Christ, but also through the man he is. He treats others with respect, love, gentleness, compassion, and so on. He is a man after God's own heart and it is amazing to witness how God brings people together for His glory. Lauren and Derek, thank you so much for being such a big part of my life! You are both SO amazing in SO many ways. You are blessings to me and countless others. May God continue to bless your lives as He has blessed ours with your presence. Love you!!! |