My week at camp with teen moms and their babies was ... everything. I cried, I laughed, I was frustrated, lacked sleep, watched love in action, had compassion, was disappointed, was surprised, showed tough love, jumped in the lake with my clothes on! You named it, it happened this week. The most repetitive thing that I did was loved. I loved. I loved taking 4 teen moms from Everett to camp where they are shown that they are treasured, treated like princesses and celebrated.
I loved partnering with the other two mentors from Everett, Kim E. and Lynn S. We prayed, conferred, celebrated and really lead (the teens) together.
I loved watching the childcare workers or Nannies (8 from Central Snohomish County) come and serve and pour out tender kindness onto the babies and their moms. On our departure day, a dry eye was hard to find as the nannies kissed their babies goodbye.
I loved watching as the teens began to understand how God loves them in their brokenness, in their empty attempts to feel loved. The speaker did a fantastic job. She used examples of their own recent motherhood to help them understand how God loves them.
I loved asking questions of the teens as they opened their mouths to release floods of stories about their dreams, experiences, frustrations and hurts. We had colorful and conversations as I boldly asked questions about their choices in boyfriends, sex, weekend activities, pornography and future career plans.
I loved cabin time. Every cabin time the girls jumped right in answering discussion questions and asking some of their own.
All of the teens moved along in their spiritual journey. B, who made a commitment last year has decided to step it up in her relationship with God. She still had some questions that were answered, she also seems to have some hope in her own life. I focused my conversations with B about God's best. I wanted her to know that God still has a best for her, if she is willing and faithful in walking in his plan. During the last 15 minute quiet time, she felt like God told her to go to school. (to pursue nursing) She's been dragging her feet about it but now feels like she should do that for herself and her baby.
J and S stood up at "say so" for making a first time commitment. S seemed to understand the least but was like, "whatever this is, it's better than the way I'm living! I'll do it."
J has been closer lately (to starting a relationship with God) and still has questions, but feels like it's time for her to set her priorities which will be knowing God better, school and baby. She recognized that she looks to others to love her and fill the void from her emotionally distant family. She also recognized that in her attempts to find love in boyfriends, she has been disappointed and empty.
K grew up in church, but is still counting the cost. I think she feels cheated maybe out of the perfect life. Kim feels lead to walk with her now. I think that is awesome. Kim will be following up with her as we go home. They go to the same church!
The drive home gave me time to reflect. I feel blessed to be part of this ministry that shows love and compassion to the shunned and broken teens who get 'caught' in their attempts to find love and value.
So, yes, at times the girls were grumpy. They did whine a little when they gave up their cell phones, and on the day it was hot. Getting them to dance at the dance party was like getting a Vegan to give up tofu. One night one of their babies cried loudly every 20 minutes leaving us, in a musty cabin, sleepless. Being away from Janna and Deek was tough. Leaving Jeff to speak to 600+ kids made me incredibly anxious. I missed my family so much!
But, it was very worth it. It was worth it for the love!
I loved partnering with the other two mentors from Everett, Kim E. and Lynn S. We prayed, conferred, celebrated and really lead (the teens) together.
I loved watching the childcare workers or Nannies (8 from Central Snohomish County) come and serve and pour out tender kindness onto the babies and their moms. On our departure day, a dry eye was hard to find as the nannies kissed their babies goodbye.
I loved watching as the teens began to understand how God loves them in their brokenness, in their empty attempts to feel loved. The speaker did a fantastic job. She used examples of their own recent motherhood to help them understand how God loves them.
I loved asking questions of the teens as they opened their mouths to release floods of stories about their dreams, experiences, frustrations and hurts. We had colorful and conversations as I boldly asked questions about their choices in boyfriends, sex, weekend activities, pornography and future career plans.
I loved cabin time. Every cabin time the girls jumped right in answering discussion questions and asking some of their own.
All of the teens moved along in their spiritual journey. B, who made a commitment last year has decided to step it up in her relationship with God. She still had some questions that were answered, she also seems to have some hope in her own life. I focused my conversations with B about God's best. I wanted her to know that God still has a best for her, if she is willing and faithful in walking in his plan. During the last 15 minute quiet time, she felt like God told her to go to school. (to pursue nursing) She's been dragging her feet about it but now feels like she should do that for herself and her baby.
J and S stood up at "say so" for making a first time commitment. S seemed to understand the least but was like, "whatever this is, it's better than the way I'm living! I'll do it."
J has been closer lately (to starting a relationship with God) and still has questions, but feels like it's time for her to set her priorities which will be knowing God better, school and baby. She recognized that she looks to others to love her and fill the void from her emotionally distant family. She also recognized that in her attempts to find love in boyfriends, she has been disappointed and empty.
K grew up in church, but is still counting the cost. I think she feels cheated maybe out of the perfect life. Kim feels lead to walk with her now. I think that is awesome. Kim will be following up with her as we go home. They go to the same church!
The drive home gave me time to reflect. I feel blessed to be part of this ministry that shows love and compassion to the shunned and broken teens who get 'caught' in their attempts to find love and value.
So, yes, at times the girls were grumpy. They did whine a little when they gave up their cell phones, and on the day it was hot. Getting them to dance at the dance party was like getting a Vegan to give up tofu. One night one of their babies cried loudly every 20 minutes leaving us, in a musty cabin, sleepless. Being away from Janna and Deek was tough. Leaving Jeff to speak to 600+ kids made me incredibly anxious. I missed my family so much!
But, it was very worth it. It was worth it for the love!
1 comment:
Tanya
You are amazing! I am so proud of you for the time and energy that you put into Young Lives. You are a gem!
We miss you so much! Hurry home!
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