12; and Janessa, 8. As a young single mom, Ashley was jaded against God and her family until she reconnected with her firefighter friend Landon, who had secretly always loved her. Eventually Ashley and Landon married and Landon adopted Cole. Together, the couple had two children—Devin and Janessa. Between those children, they lost a baby girl, Sarah Marie, at birth to anencephaly. Amy, Ashley’s niece, came to live with them a few years ago after Amy’s parents, Erin Baxter Hogan and Sam Hogan, and Amy’s three sisters, were killed in a horrific car accident. Amy was the only survivor. Ashley and Landon and their family live in Bloomington, in the old Baxter house, where Ashley and her siblings were raised. Ashley still paints and is successful in selling her work in local boutiques.
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LUKE BAXTER: Luke is a lawyer, married to Reagan Baxter, a blogger. The couple has three children: Tommy, 18; Malin, 12; and Johnny, 8. Luke met Reagan in college. They experienced a major separation early on, after getting pregnant with Tommy while they were dating. Eventually Luke and Reagan married, though they could not have more children. Malin and Johnny are both adopted. They live in Indianapolis, about forty minutes from Bloomington.
KAREN KINGSBURY
Were you surprised to learn about sex trafficking being just as bad in the United States as overseas? How have you helped your family, friends and loved ones avoid this situation? What are some things you would tell young people?
There is a “no kissing in public” rule in Thailand and other countries. Do you think a rule like that is helpful? Why or why not?
Tell about someone you know who has battled cancer. How did they get through the treatment process? Share ways you know to help someone going through a health battle.
Have you ever visited the 9/11 Memorial in New York City? Would you want to visit? Why or why not? If you have visited the site, what was most memorable?
Were you alive when 9/11 happened? If so, share your experience of that day. What struck you the most about the attacks?
Tommy told his parents he wanted to be a police officer. Do you have any law enforcement members in your life? If so, share about their lives, their jobs and their struggles.
Reagan was deeply afraid when Tommy made his announcement about wanting to be a cop. Would you be afraid if someone you loved joined law enforcement? How would you handle that?
Did you agree with Reagan or Luke, when it came to their reaction to Tommy’s announcement about wanting to be a police officer? Explain your answer.
Annalee and Tommy had agreed not to have sex until marriage. Some couples even agree to not kiss before being engaged or married. What are your thoughts about this? Explain.
When Tommy and Annalee witnessed the car accident while out getting coffee, Tommy ran toward the fiery wreck. Do you run toward danger or away from it? Give an example.
Annalee didn’t for a minute think she would have cancer. Do you know someone young who has suffered a cancer or health crisis? Did people rally around them? How did the situation affect you?
The faith of Annalee and her family helped her handle treatment for her non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. How has faith helped you through a tough time?
Tommy and his mom often watched the show Cops together. Have you seen Cops or a show like it? Has that affected how you see the role of police officers?
At the dance studio, Luke and Reagan were held up at gunpoint by two masked robbers. Has something like this happened to you or someone you love? Tell about that time.
Has a police officer ever helped you or someone you love? Share that experience.
Luke took Reagan dancing because they’d had tension in their relationship. If you are married, how do you work through disagreements? Give an example.
As Annalee’s treatment began, her hair started falling out. She held a ceremony of sorts at her home to be active, rather than passive, in that process. What did you think about that time for Annalee? What part was most memorable?
Officer Raul hoped that the teen he arrested for drug possession would turn his life around. Maybe even be a police officer. What can you do to help troubled teens in your area? If you’re already doing something—or if you know of something that is working—share about that.
What did you think about Reagan’s father’s final minutes during the terrorist attacks of 9/11? Imagine you are in his