My VR girls

For 2 years now, I (Rachael) have been a volunteer with Vertical Reality, the high school ministry at our church. Two other leaders and I are entrusted with a group of girls that just finished their sophomore year in high school.

Katie and Leanne

We do small groups, go to the beach, eat at In-N-Out, go to camps, and pray about the things that are happening in their lives. Throughout the years I’ve watched them literally grow up before my eyes. There were some rough moments during their freshman year but this year I can honestly say that our relationships have depeened. There is nothing more amazing that walking into a room and having a bunch of high school kids, who are known for being notoriously aloof and nonchalant, come running up to me for a hug, tell me about their day, or just running up to me to literally cry on my shoulder.

Kelly, Kristin, Emileigh

Amy and Jessica

I can really say that it has changed my life and inspired me to grow deeper in my walk with the Lord. I pray all the time that these girls would find something in me worth emulating and that I could point them towards the heart of God.

Kat and Ilyssa

Brittany

Emileigh and Chelsea

I learn so much from my girls. One of them is that I would rather be a rabbit in the midst of a pack of wolves than be a high school student in our culture today. They deal with so much more than I ever had to, and I remember thinking I had a lot to deal with! Our culture is getting increasingly darker and more nihilistic, and our kids are fighting to find where life is found. My prayer is that they would see God’s truth as a light. Some of their families go to church, some do not. Nearly all of them come from broken homes, some from situations of abuse, and all have too many burdens to carry.

Blurry: Emileigh, Chelsea, Kelly

Jessica, Katie, Amy

Ketura, Michelle, Kyana

I pray that our girls cling to each other as they cling to God. I am so honored to be a part of their journey.

Me And Kyana

Before the Zipline at Winter Camp

winter camp 2005