Friday night Jake and I, along with Larissa and Dawn, took a very special young woman out for dinner to celebrate her 22nd birthday. I have only known her for a couple years, but even in that short time I have seen so much growth and change in her.

Her story is one of those that really pulls at the heart strings... She came to Casa de Paz as a young teen, broken, and about as down as a person can get, having seen and endured more in her young life than most of us endure our whole lives.  But she still had hope.  God was her hope and He brought her here to Casa de Paz.  This is a house of peace, a place of healing and restoration.  I have seen it many times now, when a child comes in here, the transformation that happens. Love heals.  Praise God for how He is using this place!

I look at this young 22 year old now and see a strong, accomplished, independent woman. She is in school studying to be a psychologist, her heart is to help other young girls who are going through the same things she's gone through.  She is also a part time house mom and spends her free time here with the kids at Casa de Paz.  She is a great role model and a beautiful example of how God works all things out for good to those who trust in Him.

Happy Birthday Milagros!

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11