I've got three things on the agenda. First, a late lunch with this guy. I'm pretty excited. He invited me to join him at "his restaurant" (where he works). Should be a fun time of catching up and sharing.
Second, a meeting to discuss how to help this young woman. A small team of us will be gathering with her mom this afternoon to discuss how to come around and support this teenager who is struggling with all areas of life and rapidly spiraling downward. We'll also discuss how to support the entire family through an ugly eviction process (the eviction is the result of the teen's behavior). If you are the praying type, please pray for this young woman, her family, and the team of people who will be meeting today. God has done miracles in this family before and we are praying He does one again.
And finally, tonight I will be going to Grant High School to celebrate the graduation of two very special young woman, Lola and Crystal (Lola is pictured below). I've known them both since they were itty bitties so we have loads of memories together. I love them to pieces and couldn't be more proud. In the fall, Lola will be starting at Sacramento State University! In the entire time I've been at The GreenHouse, I know of only ONE other student that went directly from high school into a four year university. It's a really, really big deal. Crystal will also be going to college in the fall, at American River College. And third senior from the GH, Johanna, will be graduating tonight, too, across town at a different high school. Sadly I will have to miss that one. But she too, will be going on to junior college in fall. Three cheers for three young woman finishing high school and going on to college!
Such stark contrasts. My mind is reeling about all of the factors that go into a young person's life - some have factors in their lives that seem to hinder them from ever "making it." Others have factors that help to ensure that they will be okay. Family structure and cohesion, immigration status, resiliency, addictions, job stability, housing, education, health, friends, mentors, opportunities, faith. So many factors. Praying that Hope wins this time around for all of these young people.
.JPG)
