Twenty years ago, God quietly began writing a story through one little girl's question.  We didn't know where it would lead, we simply kept saying yes.​

 

Bob and I were invited to help with a summer program at White Rock Apartments. Since we both spent our careers in education we had our summers free, saying yes was easy. ​

 

Our dear friend JoJo joined us, and together we filled the days with crafts, cooking projects, painting, games, and whatever creative ideas we could dream up to keep the children busy and smiling.  ​

 

One afternoon, while we were making macaroni necklaces, a little girl with big brown eyes walked up to me and quietly asked, "Can we have ballet lessons?" I smiled and said, "Not today, sweetheart, today we're making necklaces."  

 

But when I got home that afternoon, I couldn't stop thinking about her question. Why couldn't she have ballet lessons?​

 

Looking back now, I believe God was quietly planting a seed in my heart.  At the time, I had no idea where it would lead. I simply knew I couldn't let go of that little girl's simple question. 

 

JoJo and I started telling everyone we knew about that little girl's request and before long, our community began saying "why not" too. ​

 

We found a local high school student to teach the class, people donated money to purchase ballet shoes, leotards, tights, and tutus.  Twelve little girls enrolled in the class, and six weeks later they proudly performed in the very first dance recital.

 

It was beautiful. But it wasn't really about ballet. It was about seeing a child believing she mattered and watching an entire community come together to make something wonderful happen.  

 

That experience changed us. It taught us that God often works through ordinary people who are simply willing to notice a need, trust His leading, and take the first step.  Over the years, that same spirit has continued to guide us.​​​​