our dream

Things changed when they met the Claymores. Jason and Meredith Claymore lived down the street and were faithful Athens Church attendees. At first, they simply got to know each other by doing the same things that many neighbors do - having cookouts, borrowing things, talking

about life during yard work breaks. Over time, Michael developed a sense of respect for Jason and figured he might take him up on that invitation to attend Athens Church after all.

That first Sunday, Michael didn't know what to think. His family was greatly impacted from the moment they drove on

the campus. Apprehensive at first, Michael is the first to admit that he had his guard up back then. "I was ready to point my finger at the first sign of a close minded hypocrite. I looked everywhere, but that's not at all what I found. Instead, I met real people who lived life just like me - except they had something I didn't. They seemed more alive." Even the kids felt at home as