Leah is one of those people who really does not need an introduction. Her style is her own as is her unique personality. I have had the great opportunity to not only photograph Leah in the countryside of Merrill, but also serve as one of her super awesome youth group leaders at the CEYC here in Medford. Over the past few years, I have been blessed to serve as a mentor, really just a glorified participant, as a mentor for both Junior and Senior Highers. Since I cannot have favorites, I will say she is simply one who faith and journey have enhanced my life. I am continually encouraged by the youth of Medford and their courage in facing the trials of everyday life as a teenager or worse a pre-teenager. There is no way I would ever want to take their place. I thought growing up not only a decade earlier that my life was rough, buy we, and my we I mean most parents, don't have a clue of the challenges they face daily in their walk with God. Leah and many of the students I see every week show up, more or less against their will, but every week are touched and changed a little more by the Gospel. I am remarkably fortunate to work with the always-effervescent Pastor Luke Hatfield, who I call my friend and confidant; it is his dedication to Jesus and the spreading of the Awesome Message of the Gospel that compels these students to stand for something much bigger than themselves. Their faith is not perfect, neither are their leaders, however, their candid and sometimes shocking reality is enough to test my faith daily and for that, I am thankful. Senior year marks the end of a journey I have with these students and while I wish I could say I had a greater impact on their lives, I know that Jesus alone will have done it all. To him be the glory. As you journey away from familiar faces, hallways, and parents, take Him with you wherever you go. Leah, you will do great things - you will mess up and feel unsure of probably everything, you will say I wish I could have done that, or wish you had everything planned out, but remember that you can make all the plans in the world, but God always has the eraser and the pencil to your life. Give the master of the universe the freedom to write your story. It already is a great one filled with grace and mercy. It has been a pleasure and I wish you the very best that life's trails has to offer you. James
Medford Area Senior High Senior Outdoor Field Portraits
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