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Education: In this, my last Westviewer article, I want to let you know of my plans for next year. The end of 2008 marks for me almost ten years of career family and children's ministry. My first youth group "kids" are now young adults finding their way in life as adults, parents, service personnel, and missionaries. They are now my peers, sharing wisdom and experience as equals. It is a unique blessing to still participate in their lives so many years after they were "forced" to attend my programs. And, although we remember them quite differently, the backpacking and camping trips, lock-ins, Sunday school lessons, and worship times continue to be some of their favorite memories of church life. Now that they are adults, the circle is complete. Through these experiences in my ministry, I feel uniquely trained to take the next step in my journey. This spring I will be attending a training program through the Colorado Bar Association to prepare for becoming a Certified Family and Child Investigator. In the meantime, I will be accepting more cases through Alternatives to Violence, where I currently serve as a Court Advocate; volunteering with Harmony House, where I will receive hands-on experience applying the court's standards of child psychology; fulfilling my duties as Board President of Birthright of Loveland; and continuing to serve on my home church's Nurture and Mission committees. In February, I plan to travel to Viet Nam to visit my sister who is currently involved in a program called "Reaching Out Viet Nam." I will also be going to South Carolina in March to meet my husband's new grandbaby boy who is due in February. (Yes, I will be a step-grandmother.) And, of course, I will continue raising my own, Fiona and Nora. My time at Westview has been a true delight. I have been well supported in the Children's programs by both staff and congregation members; you have embraced new ideas and have been inspiring to work with. Each day I have come into the office has been a gift of friendship, laughter, hard work, and a huge measure of God's grace. Thank you for including me in such an affectionate and talented staff; their choices will provide you with the leadership that will make your journey together spectacular. --Becca Giffin
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