My Thank You Letter to God

March 5, 17

Dear God

Abba father, Yahweh, my Provider, the author of my story, the only one who knows my beginning and my end. 

I need you. I thankful for this season of transformation and growth.  I am overwhelmed by my recent encounters, incredible women, and the community you have place so dear to my heart, to inspire, motivate, encourage, and empower me to draw closer to you.  Thank you for embracing my imperfect human self! You've opened the gates of heaven so that I could be free from so many things that bound me for so many years. You loved me when I was unlovable and you trusted me when I was untrustworthy. You have helped me transition from victim to victor!

Everything that I am today is because of your loving kindness. I hope to spend every waking moment of every day, giving you glory for all that I am and all that David and I have overcome. I am grateful for the peace and comfort that has come with me  finding my purpose and value in you. 

You have taught me how to find such purpose in my pain. For that I am forever grateful. I no longer question any of the mountains we had to climb along the way.  I now see you in it all and now see that some of the resistance I have faced in my lifetime has been you refusing to leave me to my own demise.

I asked that you continue to guide my path. Lead me to the right people, scriptures, the right places, and to the right encounters in my walk with you. I confidently trust you with my future and ask that you close all doors not meant for me and to open all doors I need to enter.

Let everything I do you glorify you.  May I represent you well in all that I do. 

Forgive me for my shortcomings, but know that I strive to be more my art like you daily. Forgive me for getting too busy to consult you at times. For forgetting how important your word is or not remembering that I need to be in your presence more than just on Sundays at church.  In moments I feel like I can handle no more I always hear your encouraging words telling me to get back up. Thank you for that encouragement. 

God I am aware that what is happening in my life is bigger than me.   I believe that you want more for me. I believe I will be a business owner, an activist for the community of South Phoenix, and maybe even a wife one day.   My dreams are big and everyone of them involves leaving an impact for the Kingdom of God.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve you with all that I am.

Thank you for the uncomfortable change in my life.  For a perfect son and a platform to change the lives of the hurting. 

I'm thankful that you've taught me to see myself as you do. A courageous God fearing woman, who is ready to do whatever it takes to glorify your name.  Please continue to guide me.

Your Daughter,

Michelle Campuzano

Cheesy Teacher post...

I'm doing A social intervention with some students on my campus that are having a hard time getting along or fitting in with others.  I had a heart to heart with the bullies and gave them a daily assignment.  I instructed them to give out two complements. One to the child they were bullying and one to  another person in their class.  At the same time I've been working with the student being bullied, teaching him to speak up and advocate for himself.  He has also been learning that no matter what anyone else thinks "he is enough".  It started a week and a half ago and so far not only are all the kids giving out compliments but they're coming straight to my room after school to share with me their experiences. The boy being bullied has now come to school for eight days without crying and refusing to go to class, he has become an Assistant in my science club, and he's smiling again.  Teaching has by far been the most difficult and rewarding thing I've ever done, outside of being a mother.  Witnessing love in action is a beautiful thing!  #KindnessWins #Room28

Goodbye 2016 Thanks for all you have taught me.

Goodbye 2016 ~ Thanks for all you have taught me.  

Every year life has gotten better for us and 2016 was no different.  Life has not necessarily gotten easier, but better!  Despite still facing challenges, the years continue getting better because with each life experience God teaches me something new. 

Even the tragedies and crisis we have endured over the years have offered me opportunities.  Opportunities to grow in the Lord.  Time and time again God has showed up in our lives.  He has reassured me that he will never leave me nor forsake me and his presence in our lives reminds me that God ALWAYS wins!  Learning to put my trust in God has been a long process.  A process that has taught me to trust and embrace the journey God has us on.  

At 37, I have a better understanding of my purpose and God’s plan and purpose for our journey.  I no longer spend my time dwelling on what should have, could have, would have been.  I don’t seek to understand things, because I know my God promises to offer me a peace beyond my own understand.  

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)

Over the years I have gained tools and strategies the help me find comfort and delight in the Lord, no matter where life is at or how dark the moment may be.

My once constant need to control things for all of the complications in our lives that were out of my control, has diminished.   I have learned to lay my burdens at the feet of Jesus.   Countless mistakes have taught me that learning to rely fully on God is the only way to overcome the obstacles in our lives. I no longer waste my thoughts and energy worrying about the things I cannot control because I know I serve a mighty God who's plans and purpose for my life are far greater than I have the ability to control anyway.


I have spent many years of my life fighting an uphill battle. I have failed, fallen and learned how to get back up, and even injured myself in the process.  All of that being said, what God has taught me is that I don't need to climb mountains when I serve a God who can move them.

I know that the coming year will include challenges, for that is the nature of life. I also know that through those challenges God will allow me the opportunity to grow, better understand my purpose, the purpose of our journey, and to trust him even more. God has yet to change my situation and if that is not his plan for me, I'm content with that because I trust him.  What has changed is my heart and perspective.


So my resolutions going into do 2017 are much different than what they've been in previous years.  My resolutions are to learn to trust and rely on God even more, to let his voice and promises speak louder than the voice of fear and doubt in my mind.  I want to continue to find opportunities to grow in the Lord, relying on him more and myself and others less.  I want to love a little harder, give a little more, encourage, inspire, empower, and to allow the love of Christ to shine through me in all things that I do and all encounters that I have. 

I'm devoting 2017 to living more intentionally for Christ!

I want more intimate conversations with him.

I will read his word more frequently and faithfully stand on his promises. 

I will not spend my prayer time asking for what I do not yet have and instead will spend our time together thanking him for all the provision he has already blessed us with.

I will seek discernment, listen for his voice, and fearlessly go wherever he leads me and do whatever he calls me to do.

I will look at obstacles and challenges as opportunities to grow closer to him.  

I will learn to worship him through the storm and in the sunshine.

I will count my blessings without complaint of the things my flesh desires.

I will keep my eyes on the prize.

I spent a large part of my life questioning my purpose and how the difficulties in our journey could create anything beautiful.   Once I learned to fully rely on God, he answered those questions for me.  God is always there, he is with us even in the moments we feel so alone, God and God alone can transform any crisis, trauma, and/or tragedy into a beautiful piece of art, we just have to be willing to surrender the brush and let him create our masterpiece.


So I might not get skinny or give up habits in 2017, but I will definitely continue to give up my life as an offering unto God.

“But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ's triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.” (2 Corinthians 2:14)

Happy New Years… and remember that THE BEST IS STILL YET TO COME!  Walk into 2017 with confidence!

2016 Christmas Project ~ Thank You!

Now that Christmas has passed and all of our Christmas projects have been fulfilled, I find myself in awe, reflecting on the events that transpired this Season.  I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who was part of making Christmas a little brighter for incredible children and families this holiday season.

Here is what we accomplished this:

As a result of our efforts, 14 children in group homes were sponsored. Each child received clothes and items from their wish list.  A group of us were able to go into the group home and deliver the items on December 23rd.  My hope is that beyond the gifts, we deliver a message to these children, that no matter where they are, who they are with, or what their circumstances may be, they are loved and cared for!

A 5 year old, recently diagnosed with Leukemia, undergoing Chemo therapy, got a special Christmas delivery to her hospital room.  


ASU adopt a family sponsored 7 low income families from Ignacio Conchos Elementary, providing those families a Christmas they couldn't of had otherwise.

A team from Wells Fargo sponsored every child in my classroom with a toy that they wished for and Treasures 4 Teachers presented each of my 15 students with a backpack filled with school supplies.

Remnant South Phoenix church held an event called Affordable Holidays which provided 16 families from both the community we serve and my church to shop for Christmas items at a 90% discount. 

In addition Re/Max New Heights Reality, The Birthday Club, A Second Look Consignment Superstore, The Greater Purpose Project,  NFL Yet Academy’s leadership program, Students from I. Conchos, and my classroom (room 28) collected donations and made 60 stockings for children spending their holidays in a crisis shelter while waiting for a placement/home.  In addition to the 60 stockings we were able to collect over 500 sensory items for Child Crisis Arizona to distribute to new children who may come in traumatized and afraid. 

Now that things have slowed down and I've had the opportunity to reflect back on the many projects completed this season, I find myself overwhelmed by God’s faithfulness and provision.

Christmas is not about the gifts we give it is about the love we share. Watching so many strangers and companies come together to share love and support for those who need it, was such an incredible experience that I am proud to have been part of..  Not only did our efforts impact the children and families we served, it taught the children involved in the projects some very valuable lessons.  They leaned the value of sacrificial giving, they where empowered knowing that no matter what adversity they may face, they too have the ability to make a difference in the lives of others, and most importantly they learned that love truly does conquer all.

None of these projects could have been successful without the support, collaboration, and partnerships of willing vessels like yourself.  Watching a community, churches, business, and individual’s all come together to rise to the challenge and serve it’s own, was just the hope I needed this Holiday Season. 

On a personal note, this was the first time in many years, that instead of grieving the loss of my father this holiday season, I was able to see his passion for giving live on, which has been a very healing experience for me! 

I wanted to take the time to personally thank everyone who has inspired and empowered me through their generosity and willingness to help. 

My personal mission in life has always been to "change the world one person at a time".  A special thank you to all of the participants who were willing to be “world changers” with me.  Thanks to you, hundreds of people were impacted by your desire for change and mission to love. May you be blessed beyond measure in the coming year. 

I declare… THE BEST IS YET TO COME!

Treasures 4 Teachers Remnant South PHX Wells Fargo Arizona State University The Greater Purpose Project A Second Look  Remax New Heights Realty Child Crisis Arizona

This year is the first year since my father passed that I have been able to find the strength courage to overcome my holiday blues!  For me it was a matter of perspective. Once I was able to keep my focus on Christ and everything he has blessed us with instead of the things we were yet to have, God opened incredible doors for us.

I don't have my own little ones to be excited about Santa, but God gave me over 100 children who don't have parents to bless this Season.

My son is still in a wheelchair, but God gave us a vehicle that makes this world more accessible for us.

Although our family was not able to come together for the holidays, God provided me a beautiful family to share these special moments with so David and I did not feel all alone on Christmas.

And to top our Christmas off, today we blessed one of our youth James Cardenas Byus as he begins his journey in ministry! A young man that I have prayed for for many years!

God is a loving and faithful God, but the minute we take our eyes off him we risk missing out on incredible experiences God has planned for us!

Merry Christmas and a special thank you to everybody who made this Christmas extra special for us!

One of my students Michaels sister Brianna struggles with her speech. Since I have been doing inclusion during reading intervention in the morning, she's been coming to my classroom for reading. We have been working diligently on her speech.  Today her teacher called me with some proud news.  None of us have ever heard Brianna say more than two words together, but this morning after coming in she went to her teacher and said "Michael's teacher wants me"!

God has spent this entire month showing me how abundant his grace and mercy is for me.  These are the moments in teaching that deposit something very special into my life. #room28

Love in Action!

As Educators we are responsible for teaching our students far more than academics.  My students have been learning valuable lessons about kindness and giving.  Witnessing my students love in action today made me extremely proud!  One of my Kindergartner's Christmas wish was "to give presents to the kids who don't have homes".  A special THANK YOU to all the extraordinary people have supported our cause, helping me teach my students young, that they have the ability and power to be "World Changers"!

David... My Giant Slayer!

I know today is your special day, but is on your Birthday that I receive the greatest gift, another year with you my love!

On moments that I feel weak and alone, you remind me to stay focused on God,  that together we can conquer the world!

When I am tired and overwhelmed, your strength and perseverance encourage me to keep going!

When fear begins to whisper in my ear "your not enough", your courage tells me that God has selected only the best for you, and that was me.


Just when I feel like I can no longer bear the weight of life, you're contagious joy inspire me to smile my way through

When I reflect back over the past 20 years we've had together, it makes me proud to acknowledge that we've been one heck of a team. Needing to be your voice taught me the value of mine.  Knowing that my strength would be necessary to carry you to places your legs couldn't take you, taught me how to dig deep.  Discovering your heart would take mine to places I didn't know it could go, taught me to trust love.

You my son are responsible for the woman I am today.  I'm forever grateful for the miracle God sent me 20 years ago today. A "fragile" Child whose smile would change the world, at least my world.  I would've never imagined myself as a mother of a child whose every breath would testify of God's mercy and  faithfulness!  Here we are 20 years in the making, and I am so honored that God chose you for me.

Happy 20th  Birthday David

The last few weeks of been tough as I faced one of the most difficult professional decisions I've ever had to make. I don't know why this decision was so extremely challenging for me, but it was.  

Eight weeks ago I got a very special student. He immediately stole my heart and I knew he was going to need a lot of extra love. I gave him all I had, but I eventually realized that even that was not enough in my current classroom setting. As a team we decided that he was better suited for another program on another campus. I know it was what was best, but goodbyes are difficult for me and my students mean absolutely everything to me.

Today we celebrated my friends last day in class with us. We celebrated his successes and all of the accomplishments and progress he's made in two short months. Still my heart was heavy that I wouldn't see him every day. I had to trust that the next teacher will speak life into him and love him through his conflicts as our team did.  

Today at gathering Circle the children were asked to share something they were thankful for and his first response was "Ms. C". I knew even for a brief time, his life was impacted by my dedication, and my life was impacted by his courage. He then looked up at me and said "Ms. C did you know that God is my father? That means that you are my sister and your son is my brother".  

In that moment God used my first grader to remind me that I was not handing him over to a system or program. I was handing him over to God. I also knew that God was going to take great care of this little boy who will forever have a place in my heart! #room28

Today my babies learned a valuable lesson. Friday is our class payday. Throughout the week they earn money for good behavior and homework and on Fridays they get to withdraw their money from their "bank accounts" and purchase items from her classroom store. 

Today we did things a little different. Each student hand selected an item from prize box to donate to our stocking drive. With no hesitation or resistance each one of them selected an item that they wanted, but were willing to sacrifice for a child in need. It's so beautiful to watch my students compassion and love in action!  

I have struggled this week. Because my heart and soul is invested in creating change, it is hard not to become discourage when there is so much change that needs to happen. Our educational systems are so broken and the same passion that keeps me a dedicated educator also makes my heart break for my students and any and all children who suffer. 

Sometimes as an educator we have to put down our grade books, stop stressing over lesson plans, and all other demands of teaching, to understand that above all else there are greater lessons to be learned. Today my babies made me proud! Along with academics they are learning to be compassionate human beings who care to make a difference in the lives of others. #room28

 

Just one of those days...

I've been dealing with extreme behaviors in my classroom for eight weeks. It's been hard for me to come to terms with the fact that some children need more than my staff, myself, and our program can offer. I've been emotionally exhausted and feeling defeated. 

The great thing about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is he knows exactly what you need right when you need it. 
I was feeling extremely discouraged, questioning my efforts. In that moment I got two phone calls about partnerships I have been diligently working to build for months now. Partnerships that have the potential to have a lasting impact on our school and the community I have passionately invested in. 

Only God knew how desperately I needed that reassurance in that moment. He reassured me that there is a greater purpose and my efforts are creating change where change is desperately needed. God has put incredible people in my life to keep me encouraged and focused on the great task at hand. I was comforted in the reassurance God sent me, reminding me of his promises. 

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) 

Life is all about perspective and when we put our trust in God, God and only God has the ability to calm the storm.   

This how I find comfort tonight! Reminding myself that my savior is the King of it ALL.

"King Of The World"

I tried to fit you in the walls inside my mind

I try to keep you safely in between the lines

I try to put you in the box that I've designed

I try to pull you down so we are eye to eye

When did I forget that you've always been the king of the world?

I try to take life back right out of the hands of the king of the world

How could I make you so small

When you're the one who holds it all

When did I forget that you've always been the king of the world

Just a whisper of your voice can tame the seas

So who am I to try to take the lead

Still I run ahead and think I'm strong enough

When you're the one who made me from the dust

When did I forget that you've always been the king of the world?

I try to take life back right out of the hands of the king of the world

How could I make you so small

When you're the one who holds it all

When did I forget that you've always been the king of the world

Ohhhh, you set it all in motion

Every single moment

You brought it all to me

And you're holding on to me

When did I forget that you've always been the king of the world?

I try to take life back right out of the hands of the king of the world

How could I make you so small

When you're the one who holds it all

When did I forget you've always been the king of the world

You will always be the king of the world

I am noticing that when God is about to move in our lives, often times a bunch of junk begins to surface. That's a difficult place to be in especially when that junk comes from sorrows in your life that have once bound you. 
There is always a purpose for our pain. God graciously allows us to deal with the pain from our past in seasons. Trust me, when that season comes rejoice because that means your breakthrough is just around the corner! Freedom is on its way.  

I'm truly grateful for my painful past which has allowed me to gain such unique perspective and find purpose in my life! I'm going through a few growing pains right now, but I know when everything is said and done those pains bring growth!  

I do not know what but I do know God is doing something in our lives right now.

#godhasgotit

It was an honor to share in such an incredible event, for a cause I'm very passionate about, with people I treasure! The 2016 Best Buddies Arizona, Spirit of Friendship gala was a huge success. I just wanted to personally thank everyone who diligently works to create change in our communities! Your friendship matters and has enriched the lives of both David and I and my precious students who mean the world to me! #bestbuddiesaz

Reminiscing about all of the incredible encounters and life changing events I have had the opportunity to experience around the World and praying for our nation!

#prayforournation #friendsforlife

HONDURAS 2014

MEXICO 2015

AFRICA 2016

Most of us have fought a the battle that many will never understand. Be kind to one another because you never know what is going on behind the scenes in someone's life. Show the World Jesus so that they long to find the God they see in you!

One of my Tuesday highlights...

The district has been unable to fill the position for a one on one aid for one of my students to be able to participate in after school programming. Of course I was not going to let anything stand in his way so I signed up to be his one on one. 

As science club began, I overheard some of the students at Andrew's table asked him what grade he was in and when he responded 3rd grade they didn't believe him. The students were not at all trying to be mean they, were trying to understand. They then asked him "if you're in third grade, what is 100×100?" 

He couldn't respond so I immediately jumped in and explained to them that every class learns different things at different times and that he could not answer the question because we had not yet gotten to that curriculum. They were very kind about it and the conversation ended. 

When I came time to write their observations I took a highlighter and wrote the words on Andrew's paper. He has issues with fine motor so I write all of his words for him and he traces them. As The students began their next task I looked over and the same student who asked him about his multiplication facts grab the highlighter and wrote all of the words on Andrew's paper for him before completing his own. 

I know I'm a big baby but I cried my little eyes out! I can explain The joy that overtook me as I watched this encounter from the back of the room. watching one of my school babies get the opportunity to have this experience with his same aged peers, was too precious for words. I love how kind the culture of our school is!

Today was an incredible reminder of this! 

I never thought I would be a teacher. In fact, I was forced into it because being a single mother made it difficult to work around David's schedule. I figured special education was the one place I could share my very unique perspective as both a mother and an educator.  Today I can't imagine myself doing anything more rewarding or working in any career that could be a better fit for me!

Today I was ordained as the Assistant Youth Pastor at the River of Life. I also had the privilege of being part of the baptism of children I have prayed for, for many years. I dreamed of this day as a child, but after making many different choice in my adolescent, at one point I felt as if I had disqualified myself from many of my dreams. Today I watch my life come full circle. I am now serving the special needs community for the same district that served my son for many years and I am now serving in ministry in the very same church that I can my first encounter with Jesus, almost 25 years ago. I am so thankful for God's grace. I am grateful that God does not choose the qualified yet qualifies the chosen. To God be all the glory.