Happy Holidays!

Wow it has been awhile since I have posted on here! It is around this time of year that I think about family, taking a break from school to breathe and relax after studying hard for finals. I have four of them next week! I have already turned in all my papers, now I just have the exams to complete. As I look on this semester, I can tell you that it was challenging and rewarding at the same time. I got a new perspective on what poverty is, I learned a lot about how children develop physically, emotionally, and cognitively from birth to adolescence. I also learned how to write a research proposal (final product was 12 pages, not including the review board form!). I also learned how to manage clients in a human services situation.

I also just completed the Beth Moore studies at Summit View. If you have not heard of her, you should go to lifeway.com and look at her studies! They are amazing! They have taught me so much more about Jesus my Savior! And how amazing He really is! It totally related to my life, and it was just what I needed to hear! I would like to thank Vicky Dillion and all the women at Summit View, especially my small group,who are helping me slowly better understand Jesus and how to deepen my relationship with Him everyday.

I have also been speaking and hopefully building a relationship with my half-sister Oneida. She is my Dad's daughter from a previous relationship before he met my Mom. She found me on Myspace, and we have been talking and sorting things out that happened in the past. Hopefully if all goes well I might be seeing her in May when I go to South Carolina to visit my Dad's family, and drive with them to Atlanta to see my cousin Jeremy graduate from Morehouse! I am SO proud of what he has accomplished in his life. I wish he and the rest of the family lived closer!

Last but not least the election was a historic event! The part that saddened me,however, is all the negativity that both candidates spread throughout the election, and how their personal issues overshadowed the issues that the American public needed from them in order to make a decision that affects ALL of our lives. I think that we have come a long way since the first elections in this great country of ours!

With Christmas around the corner and in the economic times, we are all struggling. Lets remember that Christmas is not all about gifts, and parties. It is about celebrating the birth of Jesus and all that He has done for us. If Summit View is going out on Christmas Eve to Downtown Portland and serving food to those less fortunate, you can believe I will do it again! I did it last year and it was a very humbling experience. The stories I heard and the connections I made were incredible.

I hope that this sees everyone well, and may you be blessed this Holiday season!

Morgan