“One tree can start a forest

One smile begins a friendship

One star can guide a ship

One word can frame a goal

One vote can change a nation

One sunbeam can light a room

One candle wipes out darkness

One laugh will conquer gloom

One step must start each journey

One touch can show you care

Once voice can speak with power

One life can make a difference”

I started and ended my speech on Monday with that quote. I did that because I’ve recently realized how much of an impact just one life can make in the world. It’s amazing to think of how one person influences another and the influenced one influences another, and that continues suit.

The eight of us are here learning how to be that person who makes the difference. In Life Vision class, Grace has been teaching us about how the fears and lies we believe affect the person that we are. Besides having a terrifying fear of snakes, I’ve always thought I was fearless and didn’t believe any lies. My bubble was busted when I found out that wasn’t the truth, but God’s showing me His Truth in so many ways during my date with Him every day.

Saturday, we all discovered our hidden photography skills….or the lack of them. We went out and tried our hand at modeling for each other. Starbucks and laughter was included in the deal, so I was a happy camper.

Miss Stacey Smith has been with us the past two days. Her life is the prime example of a life that’s made a difference. She has an incredible testimony of a life that God’s redeemed and she’s using it to influence countless ladies in prison. She ended her time with us by signing “The Power of the Cross.” It gave the song a whole new meaning when we saw her signing it.

Tomorrow morning, we’re going camping in the rough and rugged wilderness. That’s a slight exaggeration, but it will be intense, I’m sure. Two of the AE girls have never been camping, so it should be an adventure. I’m not much of a camper, but I’m all about the social part of it and the group that I’m with can make anything fun. Our hope is that there won’t be any casualties, so stay tuned for exciting and exhilarating camping stories.

Drink Starbucks, try your hand at photography, go camping, laugh a lot, and make a difference.

-Whitney Hall