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Kari Kampakis: FACES of Birmingham

Posted by dataperk on August 28, 2017

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    Words can’t express how deeply touched and honor Words can’t express how deeply touched and honored we are that Camille won the Sid Ortis Award at 9th Grade Honors Night. Sid was “a friend to everyone.” He united our community with his courage, kindness, resilience, and love for LSU💜after being diagnosed with cancer before the start of 9th grade. Tragically, Sid passed away 14 months later, with his friends constantly coming and going and keeping vigil by his bedside, and though this October marks the 10 year anniversary, his spirit and legacy live on mightily through his family, friends, and #sidstrong community. Camille was a little girl when this transpired, yet I remember it vividly. Mountain Brook was awash with purple bows in honor of Sid, and you couldn’t help but be astonished and inspired by the bravery and faith of a 15-year-old boy living life to the fullest despite terrible circumstances and letting his classmates witness his journey to heaven. What a gift to have Scott Ortis, Sid’s father, present this award. He said that after Sid died, he couldn’t believe how many kids came up and said, “Sid was my best friend!” and my hope for Camille and her classmates is that they enter Mountain Brook High School next year with that same heart and aspiration. Sid left big shoes to fill, yet what a gift to have a vision of how to treat others and build the community we all long for. It’s the end of an era of the last Kampakis leaves Mountain Brook Junior High. What stands out, after 10 years here, is how they genuinely love these kids. The leadership we have in Donald Clayton, Derek Kennedy and Brook Gibbons sets a really positive tone, and I’m beyond grateful for their impact (along with so many teachers) on Camille and her sisters. I never thought I’d say that I’m sad to leave middle school, but I will miss this special group that has shaped my children during their most impressionable years. Your influence is a gift I can never repay❤️
    One thing that young parents often crave is a “f One thing that young parents often crave is a “formula” for raising great kids. Yet what I can say, at 50+ years of age, is that just because a child is thriving as they leave home doesn’t mean they’re set for life. Just because someone checks all the boxes doesn’t mean they’re close to God. We live in a broken world, and we’re all sinners in constant need of a Savior, and I’ve seen many people self-destruct in their 40s and 50s despite tremendous success in their 20s and 30s. I’ve also seen people turn their poor choices around in unbelievable ways when everyone assumed they were a lost cause. So while I believe in intentional parenting - and making peace with doing our part - I also believe in trusting God with the outcome of our efforts. Putting faith in Him above any formula. The Lord hears our prayers, and He loves our children more than we do, so be faithful in praying, steady in planting seeds and showing your child the way, and steadfast in asking Him to use every event for good and work miracles when miracles are needed🤍
    Marie Claire’s last day of high school —> firs Marie Claire’s last day of high school —> first day of kindergarten. Senior year, you are killing me!😭
    Senior Prom!🩷 Senior Prom!🩷
    Officially an Auburn alum!💙🧡 4 years of hard Officially an Auburn alum!💙🧡 4 years of hard work and graduating summa cum laude. Ella, we couldn’t be more proud of you, and we can’t wait to see what your next chapter holds. We love you and pray that you’ll always stay close to the Lord and listening to His call for your life. Thankful for this day and most importantly for YOU! Joshua 1:9, Psalm 27:1
    Graduation weekend for our Ella!!!🧡💙We are s Graduation weekend for our Ella!!!🧡💙We are so proud of this girl and thankful for all that Auburn has given her the past four years that extends far beyond a college education. We’ve watched her grow in her faith, her friendships, her talents, her confidence & resilience, and so many other arenas, and though we’re excited to get her back in Birmingham as she starts grad school (UAB’s OT program), I know Auburn will always be her home away from home. We love you, Ella, and we can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with you!
    Praying for our new pope, Pope Leo!🙏🏻 May th Praying for our new pope, Pope Leo!🙏🏻 May the Holy Spirit guide him as he brings spiritual leadership and clarity into such a time as this. I can’t wait to learn more about him. Also, if anyone is interested in learning more about the pope, the Catholic church, Catholic teachings, etc., I highly recommend Bishop Robert Barron of Word on Fire Ministry and Father Mike Schmitz of the Bible in a Year Podcast. (The Hallow app and Ascension Press as well). Both Bishop Barron and Father Mike represent & explain the Catholic faith very well, and I consider them two of the most trustworthy voices in our modern age. @bishopbarron @wordonfire_catholicministries @fathermikeschmitz @bibleinayearpodcast
    The other night, as I read my husband’s message The other night, as I read my husband’s message in my daughter’s graduation card, I paused at what I consider the most important part: “Through everything that life offers you - the good and the bad - don’t ever forget that your identity is in Christ. I love you, my angel!” Amen. Especially as our kids leave home, their beliefs about themselves will be challenged like never before, and it’s essential for them to know that above all things, their identity is in Christ. Only through Him will they find the peace, purpose, hope, and joy their heart is longing for. Only through Him can they discover real and lasting security. From #loveherwellbook 🤍
    And that’s a wrap for sophomore year at Alabama And that’s a wrap for sophomore year at Alabama for my Sophie Bear! Again, time has flown, and I can’t believe she’s halfway done with college already. Thankful for the many great moments, memories, and special friends that defined this year. Also very glad to have my girl home for the next month❤️ We love you, Sophie!! Roll Tide!
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