Middle Schoolers, Motherhood, and Mountains.

**If you have or have had middle schoolers,** you've experienced the [Middle School Moan](http://blog.notalonemom.com/2013/01/11/the-middle-school-moan/), the eye rolls, etc. Every Friday I have the privilege to be a contributing writer at [Not Alone Mom.](http://blog.notalonemom.com/the-vision/) All parents alike, feel free to read today's article on those precious middle schoolers [here.](http://blog.notalonemom.com/2013/01/11/the-middle-school-moan/)

Also, congratulations to Lou Anne, the reader who won [Amelia Rhodes's ](http://www.ameliarhodes.com/)**Isn't it Time for a Coffee Break** giveaway. I'd encourage any of you who need encouragement in friendship to purchase one - you can find out more about the book and where it can be purchased [here.](https://brendayoder.com/2013/01/03/eggs-muffins-and-a-coffee-break/)

**Thinking today about many things.** You can read that[ here.](https://brendayoder.com/2013/01/11/today/)

One of them includes my daughter, a junior at a large east coast university, **who is saying good-bye today to children she has learned to love very deeply** in Zacapa, Guatemala, at [Hope of Life International. ](http://hopeoflifeintl.org/) She spent the summer [](http://brendayoder.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/1228_417796268295738_1380745067_n.jpg)there and returned the last two weeks to translate for medical teams. She has a deep love for the children she's worked with and will be saying good-bye and returning to begin a new semester tomorrow.** God is doing tremendous work in this young lady's life**, and I don't say that because I'm her mom. Those of you who are pray-ers - would you pray for her today as she says good-bye, as she returns to school, and leaves part of her heart in the mountains of Guatemala? Thank you.

**Tomorrow I will be sharing a tremendous story of** [Tanya Glazman](http://www.myfathersdaughter.com/), a contributing writer to [Circle of Friends, ](http://www.ourcircleoffriends.org/)who is sharing her inspiring story of overcoming child abuse and abandonment. Tune in this weekend for her story.

Readers, I don't know who all of you are, but I know **you bring breathe and life to my day,** to my journey beyond the picket fence. I hope this space does that for you, also.

Have a great day,

Brenda