WOW, WOW, WOW, WOW, WOW!!!!!

And I'm not talking about Michael Phelps getting his 8th gold medal and 7th world record in the last week.

Tonight I went to see Jeff at the Chrysalis retreat. First, I got to surprise him by escorting him to his seat for supper. I asked him how he was doing. He said he was tired. All I could think was that he ain't seen nothin' yet! But I didn't say it out loud. I was just glad to be spending the moment with him on my arm. We were both smiling. Before the meal was over, he introduced me to a couple of his friends; I introduced him to a couple of mine.

During that same meal, no less than four different men came up to tell me how Jeff was a changed heart, that a different boy was coming home with me than the one I left with them, and that he was really a joy. With every comment, I had a more and more difficult time fighting back the tears. I've always known that Jeff had the potential to be a man of integrity, though it was lost for a couple/few years in there. Tonight, others saw it too. What an amazing night. And that was just supper.

The prayer service was wonderful too. We started by singing Days of Elijah. I LOVE that song! I was a little worried about the prayer that I had to say out loud for Jeff. But I spoke from my heart and just asked that Jeff ALWAYS go to God and trust Him to guide his life.

THEN I got to see Jeff again. My friends each hugged him. Then I got to hug him. He totally broke down. We just held each other and cried. Finally he said, "I love you, Mom." Do you know how long it's been since he told me he loved me? I can't even remember the last time. I've known lately that he does; our relationship is so much better lately than it was before his move to Kentucky. But it was SO NICE to hear. I told him that I was just happy that he was here (at Chrysalis). He said he was too. Ahhhh, it was BEAUTIFUL!

But wait! There's more!

During the prayer service, Gavin mentioned that these 21 boys were so moved even from the first talk. He said that one boy practically demanded to speak one-on-one with the young man who gave the first talk because it spoke so directly to his heart. That BOY was JEFF! He hadn't even been there 3 1/2 hours and he'd already been that moved by the first witness. He was DEFINITELY ripe for this sort of experience. Praise God!

I happen to know the young man who gave that first talk. His mother works with me. She said that if Jeff wanted to spend time with her son, she was pretty confident that he'd mentor Jeff. Wow, what a blessing is that?! I just KNEW that something amazing could come from Jeff's weekend. I'm just so happy, SO HAPPY that it's actually happening. Wow! WOW!!