It feels like I’ve known Rylie for years, but to be clear, we didn’t even start a conversation until about last August. She was diverted to my core group at church, not alone of course. I’ve had the privilege of spending time with high school girls…whether it’s for coffee, bible study or just fellowship. It was a quiet start at our table. You know how it is: you get into a new group, you don’t know the leaders at your table well, there are other girls who you aren’t close to—in result it’s hard to open up.
It had to take time…months passed and the girls started to open up. I started to learn about them, their hopes, dreams, struggles in school, friendships and life in general. We began to tackle their questions about their walk with the Lord. I saw that the more honest I was about my own life, the more these girls started to open up…and they realized that I wasn’t just some “old” lady—just a stay home mom with kids…that I’ve been there! I was that high school student (though it was over 20 years ago) who went through pretty much the same stuff. Well the Lord has blessed these relationships! Thankful for His work!
Now, back to Rylie! She hired me to do a photo shoot for her and her special friend. Nate, didn’t know that it was for a gift that she was making. At least we don’t think he knew anything. We explored a couple of places in Escondido. Thanks for allowing me to tag along with you guys. I truly did enjoy it.
(We hit up EscoGelato, a brick building in downtown Escondido, and Kit Carson Park.) 
