It has been an interesting week. Still no official word on Eli (although there is rumor that he is just partying with some friends here in LA, or with his brother). Sad Girl has made some really poor decisions but is still set on coming back to the program. Hopefully she can hold on for 23 more days.

In addition to that, four kids ran from the program yesterday - two boys and two girls. One of each came back, but the other two spent the night out on the streets together. They came back this morning and are both being dismissed from the program. My heart is so broken right now. The girl that is leaving is one that I was so close to. I see so much of myself in her. It is so hard to watch someone you love so much make so many of the same stupid decisions you made as a kid (a little taste of parenthood I guess). I just want her to believe that she is beautiful and valuable. But she doesn't. She thinks she is trash and that the world would just be better without her so she continually makes trashy decisions. If she could only she how precious she is I know she would choose life, but she doesn't. I knew she was going to run. On Thursday I told Cami that she would, I just didn't think it would come so soon. I thought I might have more time with her, but I don't. I am glad this is all coming out now. She is young and if she chooses to begin dealing with the lies that bind her now, she will discover freedom soon.
Her parents live a little ways away, so I did get to spend the morning with her and say goodbye. I just wish it could have been a happier ending. Her parents are sending her to a lock down facility now. It is hard to watch, but we all know it is what she needs. I just hope she believes in herself enough to actually make it through.

A Call to Prayer

One of our students is missing. He is from Montana and was on the bus home to visit his family, but no one has heard from him since Wednesday. He was a student about ready to graduate the discipleship program and he is 18. He got on the bus at noon on Wednesday, with $100 and a calling card. He called his grandma on Wednesday and said he was on his way, but did not tell her where he was. He was supposed to arrive home on Thursday morning but no one has seen him. His uncle missed a call from a pay phone two blocks from the greyhound station in Portland.

His name is Eli, he is native American. Please help us as we search for this young man. Because he is an adult and considered a graduate of the program, there is not a whole lot we can do legally, but we have informed the police. Please pray for Eli, his safety and that we find him soon.

I know it's not a great picture, but it at least gives you an idea :)

Eli in the back playing his flute.

In addition, I ran into Sad Girl at church today (check the blog titles Blessings to read about her). She was really bummed today because (as she put it) she really messed up. She left the program a couple of days ago and is really regretting it. She talked with her leaders and they have a policy that you have to wait 30 days before you can re-enter. She is really scared to mess up some more and greatly desires to be back in the program. Although I am worried about her, she seems to be making good decisions at the moment and I was refreshed by our conversation. She is already a different person. This is the first time I have been able to talk to her in two months. Her countenance is different. She is more talkative and less sorrowful. There is just a new presence about her, she is peaceful. Please cover her in prayer as she has to walk through the consequences of her most recent mistake. Please pray that this time will pass quickly for her and that she will be back in a process of healing soon.

Thank you for loving these kids with us and fighting for them alongside us. I will update you on both Eli and Sad Girl as soon as I can.