My Purpose Driven Life

What a weekend!  Dallas, TX weather went straight into winter this weekend.  It was quite an eventful weekend as we celebrated my husband’s birthday Saturday night and we also celebrated our daughter’s dedication at church on Sunday morning.  I really wanted to talk about baby girl’s dedication in this blog post, but it reminded me that I never wrote about the day I was baptized, what it means and continue into how adding my daughter’s dedication to our family ‘s commitments has truly made the journey this year complete.

Some of you know, I started reading a book called, “Purpose Driven Life – What On Earth Am I Here For?” earlier this year.  I actually received it as a birthday present and both my husband and I read the book together.  The book is divided into 42 short chapters (six weeks) that can be read as a daily devotional.  I would read each chapter out loud to my husband every night.  Afterward we would have small discussions.   I loved it.  I will have to admit that I started reading the book being a little hesitant, wondering, “Am I really going to find out my purpose in this book?”  Turns out, I did.  I would hate to spoil the journey by writing too much about what the book contained, but I would also hate to not include or give this book the recognition that it deserves.  It has been one of the main reasons as to why I changed a lot of things about myself, my family and my life this year.

Rick Warren wrote the Purpose Driven Life, which is the best selling hardback nonfiction book in history and is the second most translated book after the Bible.  I am a BIG Oprah fan and a BIG fan of her show called Life Class.  I saw the episode which featured Rick Warren and immediately knew I wanted his book.  How impressing to know that he had the best selling hardback nonfiction book in history………in HISTORY! 

I received this book as a birthday gift from one of my dearest friends  (Thank you Ale) and the journey began.  There were so many aha moments during this journey. Reading the book isn’t just what changed my life, it’s what I did that made everything fall into place. Without going into too much detail, this book did emphasize on the importance of attending church and becoming a member of that church, getting baptized, surrounding yourself with fellow believers, serving, and realizing what my talents are and using those talents to pursue the purpose God set forth for me.  While that seems like a lot of steps, I did follow through. The outcome of that was in turn an abundance of joy and peace.

First things first, I started by finding my second home, my church.    To backtrack and give you some history, I would like to let you know that I was raised in the church and went every Sunday.  I was saved at the age of 12 and I always had God as a foundation in my life.  As I became a teenager, my family stopped going to church because we had moved and our church was about an hour away.  So in turn, my mom would have us watch John Hagee and Joel Osteen on TV.  I have to admit I hated sitting down and watching church during that age.  (Sorry Joel) When I turned about 16 or 17, my family started going to a different church.  Covenant Church became my new church and I went consistently, even taking my friends to this church.  I experienced a very depressing point in my life at the age of 19-20 and Covenant Church was my go to every Sunday and Wednesday.  I’d love to go into that time period, but that’s for another day and time.  From the age of 21- 28 I didn’t go to church.  I was confident knowing that I believed in God and that was all that mattered.  I was so wrong.  While marvelous things happened to me during that time period, I also had turmoil.  I didn’t have it together.  Something was missing. It was God.  That’s when I knew, my life needed to get back to where it was when God was actually in my life. 

I was on the search for a new church and I found Fellowship.  I’ll never ever regret that decision, as it has not only changed my life, but my family’s lives.  Shortly after attending, we made the decision to get baptized and what was even more special was that not only did Chris, my husband decide, but my parents, my sister and my step son Alec decided to get baptized all on the same day.  Baptism is the first step of obedience after making a commitment to Christ. Baptism allows a Christ-follower to communicate to the world their heart-felt commitment to Christ.  Life change happens at Fellowship and I can only demonstrate the difference by how I live my life now.  Although I am not living in a lavish home with a money tree in my backyard, I feel very rich and so incredibly blessed.

From there, taking part and volunteering at church became easy.  That too is another decision I have not regretted.  It is not just a job, it is a fulfilling position that I am very proud of.  With that decision came the next step of surrounding myself with Christ believers.  I have met so many wonderful people that I truly love and respect.  They lift me up and I know that no matter what I face, come joy or dismay, they will be there for me no matter what.  That right there has been such a blessing to me.

And so, with following those steps, came confidence, joy, love, blessings and so much more.  It has truly become my life.  I live for God and I live for going to church.  And I must say, being a Christ follower isn’t always easy, as it is hard to conform to the world where so much temptation surrounds us. It’s not easy, but it is totally worth it. What I love about God is that he is a forgiving God; he will not forsake me when I make a wrong decision and he will never abandon me when I need Him the most. He is everlasting and truly the love of my life.   The truth is, I will mess up, I will never be perfect, but the expectations I have for myself is to be better. It truly is just a day to day battle of choosing right over wrong.  I’m nowhere near perfect, but going to church and surrounding myself with positivity has without a doubt helped me in making the right decisions. 

My purpose is here where you are.  This blog.  God gave me the talent and passion to have a love for writing.  I'm using that talent to share my story, to share my love and to inspire and to let you know that God is the way to everlasting joy in life despite your circumstances.

To conclude, I just want to say that making the commitment on Sunday to raise my daughter in a Christ centered home is one of the most important things I have ever done for her.  I want her to be able to make the decision one day to follow in our footsteps and be a Christ follower, to know that with God all things are possible and to know that the secret to true fulfillment in life is to put God first. 

I hope you enjoy the pictures and if you have any questions at all about the book, about my journey, about baptism or anything related to this blog post, please let me know and I will be more than happy to answer. 

Gentlewoman, Andrea Gutierrez

This week’s gentlewoman is Andrea Gutierrez who happens to be a Rita Mireles’ sister.  Rita Mireles was was one of my very first interviews, so I’m so excited that they are both on my blog!  Andrea, or as she is more commonly known as Dre, has literally bloomed right in front of my eyes.  Of course, I would see her at family functions and she was always as sweet as can be, but it took her coming to Fellowship and attending the weekly Flavour gatherings for me to truly get to know her.  Dre started coming to Fellowship in October and I can tell you in just a matter of a couple of months, this young lady has blossomed into my sister from the same mister – God! 

During this time, I have gotten to know Dre and I have seen her progress of bettering herself.  To see her sweet smile every week is a true pleasure.  I think what captured my heart in wanting to feature Dre was her resilience and her openness to trying something new, falling in love and grabbing hold of the love she had for God and now the love she has for herself.  To see someone “get it” to actually understand that God loves us no matter what  is one of the best things I have witnessed.  I am so excited for you to read her story and to see how she now understands the true power of faith, love and church and how it's changed her.

1.       For those people who don’t know you, can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

First off I want to say that I’m not much of a writer, but here goes nothing.  My name is Andrea Gutierrez. Most people know me as Dre but you can call me Drea. I am a single mom of two wonderful kids. I have three wonderful siblings who are my best friends.  I have a great mom that I love dearly and I also have two wonderful nieces.  I work for Metro Tex which is an association for realtors. I have been there for a little over 3 yrs. On my spare time I love to cook. I wish I had someone to cook for all the time!! I also love to sing.  I might not be the best, but I still love it. I am quiet when you first meet me but when I open up, it’s like I’ve known you for years. I am a kid at heart and I love to make people laugh. You will know when I get comfortable around you because I will act like a big dork.

2.       You have two children, a boy and girl.  Can you tell me a little bit about them?

My son, Adrian, is 11 years old; he is sweet, loving, caring, and funny and is changing every day. He is my little mini me! He looks just like me and acts like me.  This year he was accepted into a predatory school and attends 6^th grade there.  When he’s not playing Xbox or basketball, you can find him watching out for other kids around him. That boy definitely has a great big heart!! My daughter Alyssa, is 10 years old and she is in 4^thgrade.  She is my little princess/diva. She is very sweet, loving, strong and very daring. She is the one who keeps me on my toes for sure!  Alyssa is the type of girl that is so girly but can also take care of herself (I love that about her). I can see her working in fashion one day or maybe even being “The Boss” somewhere! Oh and yes she loves One Direction!! I don’t know where I would be without them in my life! I try my best to raise them to have respect for others and give 100% in all they do. I just pray that it shows in them.

3.       You recently joined your sister Rita (who I featured on my blog as well) and me at Fellowship Church.  How long have you been attending and can you recap how and why you started coming to Fellowship and what you think of the church?

The first time I came to Fellowship Church (home) was on October 6. One day my sister Rita asked if I would come to church and I said yes. Normally I would say “Let me think about it.” or “Maybe one day I’ll go.” I didn’t hesitate, I just said yes. That was the best “Yes” I have ever said in my life. I have always wanted to find the right church for myself and my kids. I have always wanted to be that person that is true to the word. I would always say “But I pray every night” and thought that was good enough but it wasn’t. I never felt the way I feel now which is real love from our God. I love Fellowship Church and the people that are there. No judgment, no worries, just love and support. I can use that in my life.

4.       I get to see you every Sunday at church and I also get to see you every Wednesday during Fellowship’s Flavour Sisterhood gathering.  For me, Flavour has been my rescue from bad weeks and has reassured me that we as women CAN be our biggest support system.  I always feel this sense of empowerment from my sisters and I wish all of my girlfriends outside of Fellowship could experience this.  Can you give my readers your take on Flavour Sisterhood?

Where to begin with Flavour Sisterhood? Well the name speaks for itself. Flavour, because there are so many woman from different cultures who attend. Sisterhood because from the first time you enter the room you already feel like you are part of the family. Everyone there has their own story good or bad, but no one judges you and when you open up about what life has thrown at you, you can feel the support. I haven’t been there as long as others but I feel as if I was meant to be there, and I thank God everyday that I told Rita “Yes”.

5.       Recently in our Flavour weekly gatherings, we have been talking about leaving old baggage and knowing that God doesn’t care about what has happened to us, what choices we made a year ago or two seconds ago.  God loves us just as we are and he is ready to start doing miraculous things in our lives if we just accept Him and put Him first.  What has happened to you since you realized God was the missing piece of the puzzle of your life?

I have accepted God in my life. As a human being, I still struggle everyday with my life and some of the decisions that I have made and do make.  However, learning that God loves me unconditionally, regardless of those choices, makes me feel better about myself because I know HE forgives. Before, when I made a bad decision I would beat myself up thinking why would God ever forgive me?  But now, I know better. He is the reason why I feel good about myself every day.  He is the reason why I feel confident. I realize now that through God, I have no boundaries and that He is by my side and loves me unconditionally.

With him all things are possible!

6.       What do you think women in our generation need to hear?

I believe every woman needs to hear that she is beautiful inside and out. Never give up on yourself because God will never give up on you.  Always remember no matter what situation you are in, you will get through it.  Remember to always put your faith in God because He is the answer to it all. Oh, and sometimes it’s good to pat yourself on the back and say “Good Job”!

7.       Who inspires you and why?

 There are so many people including the Man upstairs who inspire me. I can’t name them all, but if they are a part of my circle, then they inspire me to be a better person inside and out. There is one person in particular that has inspired me the most. This person raised me to be the best person that I can be.  He was my best friend and my everything.  He was the best Grandfather in the whole world.  His name is Abraham S. Gutierrez “Popo”.  He was the sweetest man you could have ever met. He would give you the shirt off his back and the rest of the money in his pocket if you needed it. He was a great husband, uncle, brother but most of all an amazing grandfather. He worked hard for his family and did it with a smile. He took care of me and my kids when we didn’t have anything. He would always be there to love us unconditionally and he never judged me for my faults.

When I was at my lowest and felt like I had no one in the world that understood how depressed I was at the time, he was there to pick me up and tell me that he loved me and that everything was going to be alright.  My grandfather inspired me to be the best mother, sister, daughter, and friend I could be. He taught me to stand up for myself and to work hard for what I want and need. Every time I would say thank you to him he would say “Don’t thank me, thank Jesus”.  So I thank Jesus for allowing me to have had an amazing grandfather.  He was the only dad I ever knew. I know realize how fortunate I am for that!

  

8.       What are your dreams?

I have dreams that my children fulfill all their hopes and dreams. I also want to own a food truck!! Oh the things I could make in my own food truck!!  I even have some secret recipes!   My dreams also include the ability to be able to provide for my family and to one day meet my better half.

9.       What are you most proud of?

Everyone knows that I’m proud to be a mom and I’m proud of my family, but I’m especially proud to attend church every Sunday.  And to tell you the truth, I don’t think I’ve really ever said that I am proud of myself. Now after attending Fellowship, I have to say that YES, I am proud of myself. I have done so many things in my life that I’m not proud of, but I still move forward every day and try to make things better.

   

10.   If you could share any piece of advice, what would it be?

No matter how hard things get, remember God is right there with you every step of the way. He will get you through anything.

I Can Do All Things...

On Sunday, November 3, I completed my very first half marathon at White Rock Lake in Dallas, TX - a goal I had made earlier this year.  At the time the goal was far fetched but I knew with dedication and proper training I could achieve it. (You can catch my full running story here.) Running became the norm every week and eventually it became more than something "I had to do" - it became my stress reliever, my time to think, pray and connect myself with God, nature, and myself.  I loved running at White Rock Lake during sunset.  The reflection of the sun setting on the lake was gorgeous.  It was so calming and beautiful. When my children started school in August my running took the back burner and I could tell it affected me physically and mentally.  I lost my time away with nature, with silence and my thoughts.  I began to lose confidence that I would be able to achieve my goal of completing the half marathon.  I began to stress and that didn't help.  My friends who are runners advised me that I would be able to do it, but even with their words of wisdom and encouragement, I still doubted myself.  As the event date approached, I had every arrow pointing to God and trusting that He would give me the strength to persevere, and that is exactly what happened.  I had several supporters including my husband who was also completing the half with me, friends, my sisters from Flavour, my family and of course the number one man in my life (God). 

On the morning of the half marathon, I woke up at 3:58 AM and I could NOT go back to sleep.  The nerves must have kicked in during my sleep. There I was wide awake, thinking today is the day I have been anticipating for.  So much for going back to sleep, I laid there, turned on the T.V. and watched an episode of “Regular Show”. 

Surprisingly, as we approached the Start point, the nerves seemed to disappear.  Chris and I met up with friends and got ready to begin and just like that it was Go Time!  The first miles came and went and as we approached the 4 mile mark, there they were - my sister in law, brother in law and niece with a big giant sign.  

I was not expecting this so of course, being the big sensitive baby that I am, I had my eyes fill up with tears. Seeing them was such a big boost of love and support. Chris and I both ran 8 miles without stopping – an accomplishment on its own, because that had NEVER happened before for either one of us.  My body always requested a break at least by mile 4 or 5.  By mile 9, there they were again, with another sign.  

I saw the sign from a distance and when I realized it was them, my eyes filled up with tears again.  From mile 9 and on, things took a turn because I could feel my body reaching its point of depletion.   What I kept repeating in my head was “I can do all things, I can do all things, I can do all things”…….. over and over.  At the 11 mile mark, I really felt the pain in my legs and inability to keep going.  The most I had ever run in my entire running journey was 10 miles.  There I was with 11 miles behind me, feeling defeated because I constantly had to stop and walk.  And then, just then, our little angels appeared once again with the best sign ever.

This one really made me want to cry.  It was the perfect message at the perfect time.  I would love to say that I ended up running the last two miles like a beast, but that is so far from the truth.  It was PAINFUL!  I continued to take breaks and I was starting to get frustrated because I kept thinking I’m so close and my body doesn’t want to keep going.  Luckily, I had my biggest supporter, my husband by my side.  He kept me going, he helped me tackle those hills and he stayed with me throughout the entire 13.1 miles.

And so, two hours and forty three minutes passed and we found ourselves at the finish line.  Wow!  I still can’t believe it. 

Thank you to Rita, Sammy and Briana for being our great supporters on our race day.  Thank you for the motivating signs and for your support in the cold weather.  It meant so much.

Gentlewomen, Brenda and Maria Garcia

Today’s featured Gentlewomen, Brenda and Maria Garcia are two sisters who have experienced difficulty, tragedy and turmoil in their short lives.  Most of us have experienced obstacles in our life, but when you read Maria and Brenda’s story, you’ll realize, some people and families, for some reason (that only God knows)  are given the short end of the stick, or so it seems. 

I use to think there was such a thing as bad luck, but actually there is no such thing.  God has our lives planned out even before we were formed in our mother’s womb.  Everything in life has a purpose and a reason for why, who, what, when and where.  You may look at Maria and Brenda and think “Wow, these girls had a bad luck streak.”  But I don’t think that at all.  What I see is overcomers, strength, wisdom and inspiration.  What may have been difficult for them has now in my eyes, become a message for everyone reading this, and that message is, “You can get through whatever comes your way, with God by your side.” 

These two ladies have shown great power in sticking together, being there for each other and their families and pushing through, even when they thought they couldn’t.  I am VERY inspired and deeply touched by their story and I hope you will be too.

Warning: You may need some tissue/waterproof mascara before reading this.

Brenda Garcia

Maria Garcia

1.    For those people who don’t know you, can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

Maria: For those of you that don't know me, my name is Maria Garcia. I'm 30 years old and a mother of 3 lovely kids. I'm engaged to my children’s father, but I consider him my husband already.  I am very outspoken and I say things the way they are. I never try to sugar coat things. Most people think I am stuck up and uptight when they first see me but I am a very humble, down to earth person once you get to know me.

Brenda: Hello everyone. My name is Brenda Garcia, I'm 31 years old, happily married to such a wonderful man and I have 2 handsome young boys. I'm a property manager for one of the best companies I have ever worked for. On my spare time I love being with my family and I enjoy every minute of it. I would describe myself as always smiling and willing to help others.

2.    You both have beautiful children. Can you tell me more about them? Names and ages please.

Maria: As I mentioned, I have 3 kids, Adan (7yrs) he is a momma's boy and he gave me the strength to hang on and move on when I was going through my divorce from his father. He loves to build Legos, be on his iPad and he keeps to himself.  He is not much of an outdoor kid. Then there is Ava (2yrs) my miracle child. She is a fighter, very outgoing, loves attention, and she is a very friendly love able girl. She taught me to have faith in God and that He is great. Last but not least, there is our new arrival of only 2 weeks, Andrea(Andy) she is my baby, my fatty  and I am just having a blast with her.( I never got to enjoy Ava as an infant.)

Brenda: Christopher is 12 years old. "Mi Chaparro" Wow, this boy is something else (I think he's a little me) Mr. thinks he's all grown. He loves to dance, play soccer, clown around, and be the center of attention, but deep down, he is a very caring and loving young boy. Bryan, my second child, is 10 years old; he is “My Teddy Bear".  He is caring, loving, and responsible. He has his bipolar days and he keeps me busy with practices and soccer games. (He is a goal keeper). No matter how old they get, they will always be mommy's boys.

3.    Maria, you just gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Congratulations. While this was a beautiful time, it must have been bittersweet for your sister Brenda, who lost her baby girl Kate earlier this year. I really admired how you were both there for one another. Can you both share your feelings on how you handled the situation?

Maria: When I first found out I was expecting Andy we (hubs and I) were super happy and excited because we had actually planned her and we just didn't think it would happen so soon.  At the same time I was sad because it had only been a month since my sister, my best friend; my other half had just lost her baby girl! I didn't know how to tell her as I felt guilty and selfish for feeling such joy in my life when I knew what she was going through.  When I finally told her (she was the first person I called), I could feel her pain through her words but I could also hear her sincere happiness for us. Brenda was there for all of my pregnancy and the day Andy was born wasn't going to be the exception.  When she walked in my room and saw the baby she broke in tears and once again I felt selfish for my joy, but I also understood her pain I cried and prayed in silence to God and my mom to give her the strength she needed. My sister walked in once again, but this time with her big smile. She didn't need to say anything; I could see how happy she was for me.

Brenda: Honestly I was very happy for my sister throughout her pregnancy, even more now to see what a beautiful healthy baby girl she has. The hardest day for me was when I was driving to the hospital to see baby Andrea for the first time. I started to have flashbacks of when I was rushed to the hospital by the paramedics, staying in the hospital for two weeks and coming out empty handed. I felt my eyes get watery; I felt a knot in my throat and a sharp pain in my heart. Since I held all my emotions in, when I walked in the room and saw baby Andy I broke down in tears and ran out the room. Once I was able to vent and cry it all out, I felt a great relief. I was now ready to see our new bundle of joy.  

4. Brenda, as mentioned, Kate went to be with the Lord much earlier than anyone would have ever anticipated. Can you share your emotions, thoughts and experience of what happened this year?

Brenda: Looking back on what happened this year, all I can say is that I do not wish it upon anyone, not even my worst enemy. I still now ask myself what happened, but only GOD knows why. I find peace knowing she is in good hands. (She is with our LORD and my MOM).

4.    Maria, your middle child, Ava has been a miracle baby. Can you give my readers a recap of the health issues Ava endured and a recap of her current health conditions? Also, as a mother, how did you find the strength to be a wonder woman mom and take care of not only Ava but your son Adan, balance being a wife and working?

Maria: Ava was born with a LIVER HEMANGETHELIOMA (a tumor on the liver) and although it is non cancerous, it was the size of a naval orange therefore causing her many health issues. Since the mass was so big for her tiny body, her heart was producing too much blood causing it to over work itself and stop working. Ava also had thyroid problems. The mass is made up of blood vessels therefore there was too much blood flow activity in her body and although some of the main vessels that were feeding the mass were coiled(clogged with spirals) others started growing causing her to over bleed herself inside so she was spitting up therefore needing blood transfusions. Doctors gave her two weeks to live since the mass was very big and most babies never make it out of surgery. Ava made it out of surgery twice. Ava ended up getting stomach ulcers because of the strong medicines she was on. She had pick lines put in and a central line for her steroids and fat nutrition. March 17, 2012 was the scariest day of my life. I got a call that Ava's weak body was being transported to the hospital via ambulance because she had caught bacterial meningitis through her central line and it had traveled to her brain. Ava was in the ICU for about a week and once again she fought it and beat it like a champ. To make a long story short Ava spent most of her 1st year of life in the hospital. Her central line is now out, her tumor is still there, but steroids have made it a little smaller.  The tumor hasn't grown in the last year and it is not causing any problems.  Ava is seen by a group of doctors yearly instead of weekly and we are only hoping it won't cause her anymore problems.  If it does she'll actually be old enough to have surgery and have it removed. During all this time I had my son to care for and who also needed all my attention.  Thanks to my husband and sisters, they were always there to take over and be with my son when I couldn't.  I practically lived in the hospital that year. I also had a full time job as a restaurant manager and I had to be there and handle other types of problems and be there with a clear head, but I had a nice and understanding boss who let me be out whenever I had to. It was a hard, rough year for us but I had lots of support from my family and my husband. I had to put my faith in God and trust that this would pass. A nurse once told me this when she saw me crying," There will be hard times before you get to all the good times and then all of this will be worth it." Oh man she was right.

6. What do you think women in our generation need to hear?

Maria: Women in our generation need to hear that we are the greatest thing ever created by God and by having faith in him we can beat all obstacles.

Brenda: I think women in our generation need to hear and know that we need to respect ourselves and have dignity. Also, never let any man put you down. Love yourself since we are God’s creation.

7. I think that the both of you are VERY strong women. Another tragic event that you both experienced in your lives was losing your mother. How did losing your mother affect you and how did you find the strength to get through such a very difficult time?

Maria: When my mom passed I was a week away from graduating high school and at that time I needed her more than ever.  All of a sudden all of my goals were over. I didn't see a point to achieve anything that my mom wasn't going to see. I was 18 years old and at the age where I was able to do whatever I wanted without someone getting on to me.  I started going out and partying and I also got myself into credit debt.  I was “living the life", or so I thought. It turned out that was my way of grieving.  I wanted my dad’s attention, but he was grieving himself so we never talked about it.  One day I was in a pretty bad car wreck with my cousin and from that day I realized I still had my dad and siblings who cared for me. Not a day goes by that I don't think of my mom, but I now know she is with me daily.  Even then, I can't help but miss her dearly just like the first day that I lost her.

Brenda: Loosing my mom was really hard and painful for me as well. I had hidden my pregnancy throughout her illness not knowing how to tell her and how she would react. I wish I could hear her one more time even at least her getting on to me. I miss her dearly. I know I was not the best daughter but my conscious clear knowing I took care of her and did they best that I could until her last day. I know she is very proud of who I am now.  It is all thanks to her.

8. Who inspires you and why?

Maria: My inspiration is my parents. They came to this country to give their kids a better life than the one they had. My dad worked hard and never asked anyone for help to raise his 6 kids while my mother raised us in a way that I will always be grateful for. We were always first in their life.

Brenda: My dad is my inspiration. He always goes out of his way. He is such a hard working and dedicated man. He has taught me to work hard for what I want and to achieve my goals and be the best that I can. Not only is he my inspiration but he is my role model. He is my cook, babysitter, bank, landscaper, and my counselor. I thank God for giving me the best dad I could ever ask for.

9. What are your dreams?

Maria: As a mom my dreams is to see my kids grow up and have a career and form a family of their own always with God in their heart. As a person my dream is to one day have my own restaurant, well more like a small cafe. I know I will do it in the near future because I have my family's support and also because I want something I can call my own. As a wife my dream is live a long life with my husband. We have been put through a test of God that I know anything we can overcome anything else as long as we are there for each other.

Brenda: My dream as a mother is to see my boys grow in life, succeed and have a family of their own. As for me, my dream is to have my house paid for, be debt free, and travel with my husband. Last but not least have health, live and have God with me at all times.

10. What are you most proud of?

Maria: I am most proud of my kids. Everything I have done or accomplished is because of them. They are my most treasured trophies!!!

Brenda: I’m proud of what I have accomplished in live: Great work position, purchasing my home at an early age and for the united and humble family I have.