Family reunions are a treasure as generations are remembered and celebrated. My family has deep roots in Sugar Land. Many of my relatives have worked at Imperial Sugar since 1908 and still live there after retirement, and my parents are proud graduates of Dulles High School. I was able to attend a family reunion right before the holidays, and my boys met extended family members for the very first time.
We recently welcomed our Boys and Girls Country alumni as they came home for a Christmas family reunion. Our staff was overwhelmed by the response and attendance. The event was highlighted with live music, BGC’s famous chicken almondine dinner, gifts and many stories filled with laughter. It was clear to me that Boys and Girls Country is still their home. Our alumni shared many fond memories as they toured the campus and were smitten by the new cottages, the Penny Loyd Student Life Center and the well-maintained swimming pool.
The best part of the night for me was spending time with the children of our alumni. Their parents can now give them a different lifestyle and hope to pursue their dreams. Even though many of our alumni came from hard places, they have their own stories of success. They are small business owners, college graduates, church members and homeowners. The success of our alumni is the BGC story – watching our kids become proud parents and contributing members of society.
Our mission is Christ-centered and our core values inspire faith and hope for the children we serve. My prayer for every child at BGC is to embrace adventure, connect with family, leave the past behind and believe in the power of our Almighty God. This year we have 13 graduating seniors. My counsel to them is, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). I love telling the children in our care that their future is as bright as the promises of God, and the challenges they face today will prepare them for a better tomorrow.
What will the family reunion look like this year at Boys and Girls Country? We expect it to be bigger, and we will prepare for a larger venue if necessary. I look forward to hearing more alumni stories and watching their children grow another year older. We are two years away from celebrating 50 years of serving children from the Greater Houston area. Your ongoing financial support will help us prepare for the next generation. We hope you will bring your family to the upcoming events at BGC. Our annual Pedal for a Purpose bike ride and Spring Festival are right around the corner. Blessings to you in 2019, and we send our prayers of health and prosperity to you and your family.
