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From
NIGHTMARE to DREAM come TRUE
a few poor choices, and encountered a serious battle with depression that led to a period of hospitalization. Even during those difficult times, neither she nor her houseparents gave up hope that April's dream could be fulfilled. On May 22, 2009, April graduated from Cookson Hills Christian School with plans to attend Dallas Christian College this fall. Of her 11 years at Cookson Hills, April says, "God has helped prepare me for the next phase of my life story." As a partner with us, you have been instrumental in turning April's nightmare into a dream come true. From all of us, including April, "Thank you." l
Since 5th grade April dreamed of attending Dallas Christian College. This fall her dream will become a reality. She has been accepted and will begin her freshman year at DCC with a goal of becoming an early childhood educator. April's nightmare began at age seven when she and her younger brother were abandoned by their mother. After living with their father for a short time, he died and they were placed in the custody of their grandparents. Their grandmother quickly learned that caring for a husband with the early stages of Alzheimer's was difficult enough without the additional responsibility of two young children. That's when they found help with Cookson Hills. Scars of distrust, anger, hatred and bitterness were understandably apparent in April's behavior. April was in need of the unconditional love and acceptance that God provided through her houseparents, Jerry and Pam Kramer. Almost immediately, she began calling them "Mom and Dad." For several years April's confusion over the loss of her biological mom and dad led to outbursts of anger and hatred. "Through it all," she says, "Mom and Dad Kramer never gave up." April accepted Christ and was baptized by her house dad during her early teen years. She remembers how she felt, refreshed and cleaned of all her sins. Though clearly desirous of living a life of discipleship, April still struggled. During her high school years, she faced difficult educational challenges, made

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