Photo Challenge Day 9

Day 9 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

I've been incredibly blessed to have so many wonderful people placed in my life--great friends, mentors, and family members who help me to see how beautiful life is. In college, especially, I really lucked out in being able to surround myself with an amazing support network of friends, professors, counselors, and mentors.



some of the "friends of Jen" at a little celebration in May 2008 to say thank you to all of these incredible people for getting me through one of my toughest years yet


A card, baked goods, flowers, a speech, etc. could never express to these amazing people just how grateful I am to have had them in my life. I find myself grateful to know them on a daily basis. Each of them, in their own special way, has brought tremendous grace to my life with acts of kindness simple and profound. They are encouraging, inspiring, generous, kind, forgiving, and loving people who meet me where I am and challenge me to push myself to be the best that I can. They've listened to me, offered advice, let me make my mistakes, helped me to deal with the consequences of poor decisions, cried with me, laughed with me, celebrated with me, and dreamed with me--they have walked alongside me these past several years and without their support, friendship, and sometimes "tough love" I don't know how I would have made it through. These past few years have thrown a lot at me and at times I didn't know how I would get through the darkness but here I am today, with more hope and confidence in my abilities than I've ever felt before. And there's only one certain reason why I have come as far as I have: all the love and support of the communities that have uplifted me. Through them, I have a strengthened confidence in human ability to comfort one another, in God's ability to protect & provide for us in our times of need, and in our abilities to arise to any occasion.

A shout out to those pictured as well as those who aren't: Renee, Caity, Christian, Linda, Stacia, Jen, Michelle, Nalini, Carolina, Kim, Lindsay, Jacque, Fondse, Cindy, Sarah, Kay, Ling, Debbie, Matt, & Bethany ~ I love you all and am more grateful than you can know. ♥