What an amazing journey these first two weeks have been. Our kids are amazing young people that God has blessed with gifts and talents, and yet most of them do not have any idea of His incredible love for them or plan for their lives.
Although it was clear from the beginning that this was exactly where God wanted me, I felt overwhelmed by the students' needs after the first couple of days. Elementary reading levels, lack of basic math skills, dysfunctional home lives, heavy burdens to work full-time, lack of goals past today, addictions, superficiality, and no knowledge of Jesus Christ's amazing love washed over me with waves of doubt and fear. What can we really do in a few hours a day to overcome years of hurts, habits, & hang-ups?
But God . . . (Yay Ephesians 2:3-5!)
. . . reminded me of Truth in Job 42:2, when Job remembered Who God is, regardless of would-be overwhelming life circumstances - "I know that you can do all things; no plan of your can be thwarted."
And so that is our prayer - that we would be conformed to His image, so that He might use us in His plan to reach these young people with His great love.
Day-by-day synopsis - (I will primarily focus on the spiritual aspect, although the students are demonstrating great motivation in completing assignments. Some are asking for more work to take home and excelling in reaching their individual learning goals!)
Tuesday, 9/2 - First day of school - orientation, 9 students attend. Joe shares his story of grace with the students in Connections time.
Wednesday, 9/3 - 11 students on campus. Jill shares her story during Connections time. Incredible Gus Gonzales (Watermark Community) comes to teach PE at the YMCA!
Thursday, 9/4 - First day of regular scheduling. I share my story during Connections time. Four of the 11 students are over 40 minutes late for school - attendance & tardy issues have to be addressed. Students complete math placement test, questionnaires.
Friday, 9/5 - The Amazing David Morgan (Garland Area Young Life) provides an awesome chapel time, sharing with students how their lives, no matter how messed up, are valuable to God, who loves and seeks them.
Monday, 9/8 - The Inspiring Michael Washington (Dallas Urban Young Life) talks to students during "Connections" time about how Jesus reached out and touched the leper, and how He reaches out to them. Students respond well to academic goals set by the teachers.
Tuesday, 9/9 - During Connections time, students are asked to share what they know about God or what they have heard about God. Students share "judge," "always watching," and even "pimp - always trying to hustle people for their money." No one says, "Father." Very few positive attributes are shared. Students are encouraged to think about the Westminster Catechism. What would you have to believe about God, in order to believe that, "Man's chief purpose is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever?"
Wednesday, 9/10 - The 12th student joins our school, having been released from his previous placement. Gus challenges students to trust him and participate in the physical activities in order to develop themselves mentally and physically. Some respond well, others test the limits, choosing not to participate, even though Gus tells them there will be a consequence.
Thursday, 9/11 - All students meet their academic goals for the week and show interest in their individual evaluations. Students are reflective about their behaviors and, for the most part, realize the areas they need to improve in order to improve learning. Gus brings a special reward to the students who participated in PE. As he shows some students how to eat foods from around the world, he also connects with those who chose not to participate and encourages them to meet the challenge next Wednesday.
Friday, 9/12 - College visit to DBU, where students attend a chapel service, have the special privilege of sitting in the locker room with DBU Basketball coach Blake Flickner, then touring campus. Sadly, one student is released from the school after having brought drugs on campus.
Please pray for our students. Pray that God will reveal Himself in miraculous ways, opening their eyes and hearts to the Truth about Who He is and the plan He has for them. Please pray that we will walk closely and be transformed by Him, so that we are useful to Him.
Love and prayers to all!
