She had to compete in poise, which is evening gown, talent, which many of you have seen Molly dance at our Desert Ministry functions, interview, which she won overall interview and scholar awards, as well as the crown for 2006. 

          She won $13,000  in scholarship money, a new car for the year, a mink coat for the year, and a diamond bracelet.  Molly will also receive coaching and pictures and make-up and hair make-overs and be making appearances throughout Nebraska for the year.  She already knows that she will be making Desert Ministry appearances at no charge.  She also competed in swimsuit, which they say is to determine fitness.  Her Dad does not like this phase of the competition.  

          Molly will be going to Los Angeles to be part of a reality series, “Finding Miss America,” which will be aired before the pageant in January.  I will keep you posted. 

          All this to say, I am very proud of my daughter’s accomplishments but most of all I am proud of the heart she has for God.  Many of the contestants came up to me after the pageant and said that Molly was truly a humble and good person and they were very happy for her.  Our family and friends probably prayed more the week of the Miss Nebraska pageant than we did in the past year.   

          Molly most recently has been working with Paul Falkowski to develop movement to hymns.  Paul playing his saxophone and Molly doing a sort of sign language to dance movements that are simple and she can teach to the elderly.  We are so happy to have Molly on board with Desert Ministries as one of our volunteers.  She has danced at many churches as well as “Christmas in our Hearts,” and St. Joseph’s Villa, and our fundraising concert for the new DM van. 

          Molly’s  heart for the elderly and her willingness and eagerness to learn from them is very evident when she visits or performs. Our dear friends in the Nursing Homes love the friendship extended by all of our volunteers.  I especially enjoy watching them when young children and young adults take the time to spend with them.  It seems to bring back the days of old and those cherished memories locked away in their hearts.  They are able to relive those precious times and it brings a spark to their eyes and a lift to their spirits. 

           Thank you Molly, and all of our volunteers for the time and love that you extend to our forgotten population.