A Letter From a Student

Have you ever tried talking to a rock? I have. Crazy as that sounds, I sat there for an hour trying to make it talk back. It didn't work. Maybe living in Onalaska my whole life just got to me that day, or maybe I identified with the rock. I mean, I've been told that talking to me is like talking to a rock. At least I have eyes. If it still hasn't been established then let me point out, I'm shy. Making friends has never been easy. I remember when I was in grade school, if my friend was gone I'd spend the whole time at recess walking around with my head down hoping anybody would come talk to me. I got over it quick though, because I knew that Jesus loved me and that's all that mattered.
To be honest, my life has so far been a wade across the shallow Newaukum River. I grew up in a Christian home. My parents loved me and whenever I had some sort of problem, whether it was smashing my finger, or a friend found a new friend, my parents were there for me. My problems have never been huge, just the slippery rocks that everyone steps on in life.
Up until I started helping out at Young Life events, it had never crossed my mind that there were people in Onalaska who were crossing more deeper and dangerous waters. There is so much need here. Teens have told me how horrible their family life is and how they aren't loved like they should be. They don't want to grow up and be like their parents. I think its hard for them though because they think that if their parents don't care then why would anyone else. So they turn to their friends who are in the same situation. Its like two people who are drowning and clinging to each other hoping that they might be able to save themselves.
This is where Young Life comes in. They're the life jacket. They show that they care by hanging out with them and showing the kids that they can decide whether or not they make it to the other side. Not everyone accepts the help, but for the ones that do it's well worth the effort.