Amber - aka BFF Llama
I met my best friend, Lacie, in 6th grade in 1992. I had started middle school mid-year and did not know anyone in the school district. Lacie and I instantly connected and became great friends. We were inseparable. We talked, walked, and acted like one another. Many even said we even looked alike. When I think about it now, I think that we must have always been friends because it never was awkward. We really did just click immediately. We were definitely family from day one.
Even back then, Lacie was an inspiration to me. She was so kind. I was amazed at how responsible she was. It was impressive to see her as a preteen, taking care of her sister, her dad, her household, and everything and anyone else. She taught me back then how to be a mom way before either one of us ever was. Throughout the years we only got closer. Our parents and families became close too.
Seeing More Clearly Than Ever
Lacie has always had a passion to help everyone around her. It is not at all surprising that she still has the same desire to do so now. She has always vowed to do a ministry of some sort for the women she is imprisoned with once she is freed. Lacie has had some trying times both in and out of prison and has a multitude of experiences and knowledge to bless these girls with. She herself has been so blessed.
Lacie has always expressed coming back and helping once she is free, but the Lord said, “Why wait?” With her obedience to Him, He opened the door for her to do more from behind bars than we could have ever imagined. She is likely doing more now than she would be able to do once she gets out.
Vision of Hope DOC is providing prescription eyeglasses to women who may not have anyone to lean on or anything to count on. In a cold, dark, and often lonely place, they are now able to find light, self-confidence, self-esteem, individuality, and actually see correctly.
Lacie is assuring them that they are not alone, and that God is always with them. The gift of sight is just the tip of the iceberg. Lacie is showing them that they are all worthy of love and grace. She is an astonishing example of love and grace herself. I am grateful and beyond honored that I can be a part of anything and everything that she is doing for the good of God.
It is just like having faith the size of a mustard seed and witnessing the impossible being done. Lacie’s small gesture of wanting to help a couple of girls improve their lives and see better has bloomed into this full garden full of blessings.
Being a part of Vision of Hope DOC is so very rewarding. I have had the honor to see the Lord’s work on some of these thankful, happy, smiling faces myself. We are giving these women a better overall quality of life behind those restricting bars.
I have always wanted to help Lacie in any way I could since she has been away. I always felt I could never do enough. I have prayed to be able to do more for her and more with her. Vision of Hope DOC has helped me to do both. Lacie and I have always worked well together and made a fantastic team. Now, we are employed by the Lord. I find it a bit ironic because I don’t even wear glasses myself, however, I have learned so much through all these blessings.
I now see more clearly than ever.