On Friday, August 12, 2005, the Class of 1985 held its 20th year reunion, and what an occasion it was. As I drove deeper into the boroughs of Kentucky that hot summer day, I was reminded of just how isolated Mt. Carmel really is. Yet despite its isolation, hundreds, if not thousands of students from all over the world have somehow been touched by Mt. Carmel, and because of the dedication over the years of the many faculty and staff who have given of themselves, and in many instances, given their lives teaching us the importance of faith, hard work, and education, our lives have forever been changed. Upon arriving on campus, the first faculty that I saw and recognized were Mr. & Mrs. Detwiler. As we stood on Mr. Detwiler’s front porch talking about the many changes that have been made to the campus, and about those that have since passed on to be with our Lord, Mr. Cundiff and Kathy (Cundiff) Hazle pulled up in the school van from gathering groceries in town. I must say that Mr. Cundiff looks exactly the same, except for a few more gray hairs, as he did 20 years ago. Once we completed unloading the van and storing the groceries in the basement of the dining hall, we began earnestly setting up the dining hall for our reunion. By that time several of our classmates arrived and we had a great time talking about our memories and experiences on campus while decorating and preparing for that evening’s event. As the time for our reunion approached, and as more classmates began to arrive, it was wonderful seeing the many changes that have taken place in their lives. Many of them are now married and have children of their own. Several of them have their own successful businesses. Others have traveled the world while others still currently serve in the military protecting our freedom and our way of life. That evening, our reunion turned out to be a great success. We stayed late eating, talking, and reminiscing about the good old days. We talked about the past, and we talked about our dreams and goals for the future. We also talked about God’s goodness to us and His faithfulness and mercy in our lives. Even though our time together came and went so fast, the memories that we shared that summer’s night will remain with us for the rest of our lives. I pray that God will keep us safe until the next time we meet. Until then, may God bless and keep the Class of 1985. |  |
