I became a YOKE leader at Carson-Newman University as a freshman in the fall of 2010. I fell in love with the ministry and with the kids we were serving. I was placed at Jefferson Middle School and served as a YOKE Folk for four years.
My second year at JMS, I was introduced to two shy, sweet, and precious sixth graders named Hayley and Brittany. I made it my mission to bond with these two girls.
Over the next three years, I grew close to Brittany and Hayley and watched them grow into beautiful young women. We frequently visited the mall, Sonic, and the Cherokee Dam. We had weekly Bible studies in my dorm room.
In 2014, I graduated CNU and Hayley and Brittany left Jefferson Middle, but our friendship did not end there. I was hired to be an Algebra teacher at Jefferson County High School and found Brittany on my first class roster! Both girls even attended my wedding this past fall. Over the past seven years we have always maintained a relationship.
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of taking the girls prom dress shopping and helping them get all dressed up for their junior prom. They even let me take them out to for dinner before prom. I cherish the relationship I have with these girls and I can not wait to see where the Lord continues to lead them in the future!
– written and submitted by Rachel [Hodges] Ogle
