It is hard to believe that EXCEL 32 is officially over and has been completed for a couple of weeks now. The Concert was an amazing success and the girls sang beautifully. Each of the young ladies Graduated and are now home with their families. It is hard to believe that it has been a few weeks since Graduation. Time has truly flown.

As these woman are home and back in the midst of their own individual schedules, it is my prayer that what was learned during their time here would not be put to the side, though temptation may sway towards that direction. Rather, that the insight and information gained would be continually chewed and thought upon as application of the material makes it's way into their lives. I know that God has amazing plans for these sweet young women and it will be exciting to see where the Lord takes them as their future unfolds.

Rachel and Emily

Meridian and Hannah

Team 4 CPR

Abbi with her CPR buddy
Enjoying the moment while learning new and interesting techniques

Meredith and Elisa

Our Birthday Girls

Getting beautified for the Birthday Dinner

Making homemade butter

Alex, Josee, and Elisa

Enjoying time at the park

Here we are, halfway into our sixth week! Time has quickly flown and continues to as each day passes by. God's work is most evident in the lives of these sweet young women. In fact, it would be impossible to attempt to count everything the Lord has done and continues to do in the hearts of all! It is my prayer that in the days ahead, we will continue to grow ever so close to the Lord and at the day of Graduation, we will look back at this time counting all as a blessing, and walk away without regret.

Elisa cleaning out the flower bed last Saturday during "Yard Work Day"

The incredible car wash!
Ruby and Meridian planting flowers

Lydia, Emily, Susanna, and Meredith showing off their completed banners!

Such creativity!

Annaliese, Hannah, Michelle, Christina, and Abby with their banners

The group picture with one of our beloved speakers, Stacy Smith

Rachel and Lydia

Hannah

Rachel and Hannah

Our contestants for the Spelling Bee

Cheers for our Contestants

Our Winner! Congratulations Emily

Sarah and Alex

Bethany and Emily with DMC staff
Our dear Team Leaders

The "Tater Sisters" during an EIC skit

Wow! Here we are at the halfway point of EXCEL 32. With 4 weeks behind us and graduation less than 4 weeks away we are excited about what God is doing in all of our lives. On Friday the girls successfully completed their week of Excellence in Communication with Patricia Ballmann. Although it was a busy and stressful week for many at the end it was declared a great and much enjoyed week. This week they are enjoying hearing from several different speakers. Our Directors, Mr. and Mrs. Bell will do the bulk of the teaching in the mornings. In the afternoons Mrs. Liz Barnard will be working with the girls on Banner design and creation. Wednesday evening and Thursday morning Ms Stacey Smith will be here sharing from her life message with the students. Stacey is the founder of Prison to Purpose Ministries and has such a way of connecting with young women. This week the class will also begin their music training with Miss Lauren Bell in preparation for the EXCEL Concert on March 26th. There is much to learn and cover this week and much to be excited about. Please pray with us that the Lord would continue to do a mighty work in the hearts and lives of the girls. Thank you!

Yesterday invitations for EXCEL 32's Graduation ceremony were mailed to the families. Graduation will be at 2:00pm on Friday, March 27th. We will have a Concert at 7:30pm on Thursday, March 26th for family and friends. Information was included with the invitations about possible hotel accommodations in the area. If you are interested in staying at the Dallas Ministry Center either Thursday or Friday night of the Graduation weekend please call the EXCEL Office to make your reservations. Our rooms are $50 a night which includes a Continental breakfast. All other meals are $7.50 a person. We look forward to seeing many of you soon!

Girls enjoying themselves while spending time at the park Rachel and Elisabeth

Playing Red-Rover

Mr. Bell and Ruby Playing at the piano

Learning how to properly walk down the stairs during Etiquette class

Anna and Lydia

Rachel and Susanna

EIC Week

We are right in the middle of the 4th week, facing the daunting Excellence in Communications! Encouragement is at it's peak during this week. Notes are going back and forth, Wisdom Searches are about fear and trusting God, and everyone is quick to come alongside another and say, "Just do your best; Christ will be your strength!" It's wonderful to be able to lift each other up and look to Christ as we are stretched academically.

Miss Patricia Ballmann joined us last Monday to begin instruction in geography, English, vocabulary, grammar, history, and Bible. She truly has a heart for seeing every young lady that comes through EXCEL leave with the skills to be an excellent communicator of Christ's truth.

Everyone is looking forward to the final exam this Friday and the home visit day this Saturday, though for very different reasons. Local families will take the girls out by teams on Saturday to go shopping or to just relax after such a busy, challenging week.

Everyone seems to be studying hard and applying themselves to knowledge. They are learning character lessons for a lifetime.