Hooray!!!

Today my runaway came back! I was so excited to see him, although he definitely thinks that what he did was kinda funny, and feels like he mentally has started the program over from the beginning...I'm still glad that he came back!

Prayer

I'm really bummed right now. The hard part about being so immersed in ministry is that you really start to feel like a parent. Not that I know what's best for these kids, or have all the answers, but I really do care about them. Which is why when kids make dumb decisions it's really hard to stand by and watch. It's a great picture of Christ, but right now, unfortunately, that doesn't really make it feel any less sucky.

On Saturday night a student that I have been close to for the last 6 months, a student that I love a lot, that loves me a lot, decided that he didn't want to be in the discipleship program anymore, so he RAN from church... just left. I know it sounds a little anti-climatic but you have to understand that running away from the program is the same thing as deciding to get back into the drugs and alcohol and gangs and girls that he has been able to stay away from for the last 6 months. It makes me really sad because he was doing SO well. It was very much like he just gave into the attacks of the evil one. If you could join me in covering this little one with prayer I would appreciate it.

Blessings!!!

Bri and I on the roof of the Dream Center with LA in the background.









Making breakfast in Ro's kitchen.









Fun times at a rodeo with the best friends a girl could ever ask for!


Blessing #1

Two weeks ago my good friend Bri drove all the way down from Portland to visit us and experience our lives here in LA. We were so honored to have her come all that way to see us, and I was especially blessed by her presence. We didn't do anything extravagant, we just spent time together. It was so refreshing to be around someone I feel so known by and that I know so well. There is depth to our friendship that I do not experience here with my friend yet. Bri and I have shared so many dreams and passions, intimate times in prayer that it just feels safe and comfortable to be around one another. It truly is a gift to have friends like her.

Blessing #2

We got to go to Oregon for my father's 50th birthday party!! We weren't there long, so we didn't get to see many of you that we miss so dearly, but we did get to see most of the family, including Cami's side. Ryan and Nelle (who live is Japan) flew to the northwest the same day we did, so Cami's parents picked them up and then we all went down to Salem together to hang out with Ro. It was a quick day, but so wonderful to be with family. Sorry we didn't have more time to see the rest of you. :(

Blessing #3

There is a young lady I want to tell you about. For the sake of this story I am going to refer to her by her street name, "Sad Girl". Sad Girl is a 19 year old mother who has had a life you would not wish upon your worst enemy. When I first began at the Dream Center, I think it was her mission to make my life as difficult as possible. So I just hugged her all the time, continually told her how much I loved her and just lavished her with affection. She never really hugged back, but I know she enjoyed it. Unfortunately, do to a whole bunch of things, she was kicked out of the school in April. In the last few weeks that Sad Girl was in my classroom, every day she spent the majority of the day at my side. She was so depressed and suicidal I couldn't even trust her with staples. We had many conversations about the fact that hurting herself hurt me, I don't think she fully understood how true those words word but she definitely hoped they were. Anyway, back to the blessing. After Sad Girl got kicked out of school she talked of entering our women's discipleship program . She wanted to join the teen home, but being 19, she was too old. The women's home is a year long commitment and Sad Girl really struggled. At times she would tell us she was going in the next day and then text a teacher, "not doing it, dancing with the devil." Or "the devil has got my heart forever." But it finally happened!!!! Two and a half weeks ago Sad Girl checked herself into the program!! She is still in her orientation period, so we cannot speak to her yet, but I see her around a couple times a week. And the most amazing part is, she smiles!!! Not just a little grin, but a full on smile, teeth exposed and all. I have prayed so may times that she would experience joy and freedom and I can see the joy all over her face!! Sad Girl is no longer sad!!!!!!!! I wish I were better with words. I wish you could understand what a victory it is just to she her smile. I am speechless. What else can I say.
Please do pray for her. Discipleship is not an easy program and many back out. She is close to her neighborhood, which sometimes makes it more difficult to stick with the program. She needs everyone on her side, fighting for her heart. I truly believe she is a conquerer and we will continue to have great stories about the changes that God is doing in her. Thank you for rejoicing with us.