The resounding YES!

Working with teenagers is a constant roller coaster.  One day everyone is excited about work, loving life, helping in everyway possible and demonstrating so much growth and maturity.  Then suddenly one gets upset for no apparent reason, the idea of helping a teammate seems ridiculous, the whole world is against them and any sign of maturity has disappeared.  Teenagers. In all honesty, some days I confront that discouraging question: Have we made any progress at all?  But that question is always quickly answered with a resounding YES in my heart.  To simply look at the quality and integrity with which the LiderJovenes (as we have titled the teenagers working with UPH) run the AfterSchool Program immediately screams with evidence of growth and change. To reflect on the focus and depth of our weekly youth meetings leaves me incapable of denying the work of God in this place.  My personal favorite way to recognize the growth and impact that is happen in the lives of my LiderJovenes is through the sincere one-on-one conversations that I share with them.  This is by far one of the best parts of my job. Through the intentional act of talking with these amazing young people for just one hour, with no agenda, no interruptions, and no distractions I am allowed to hear and understand what is going on in their hearts. I have learned about their struggles and insecurities.  I have listened to them express the joy and motivation they experience through teaching classes at AfterSchool Program.  I have shared tears as they let down their guards and fears.  And I have prayed with them, begging God for healing in their families, direction in their futures, restoration in their relationships, and peace to cover their hearts.  Those one-on-one conversations are like liquid gold to my heart!  That is the fuel that ignites the confident YES to the question about impact and change happening here in UPH. Five minutes later I might be listening to a LiderJoven trying to get out of planning his class for the day, but God graciously reveals everyday how far these teenagers have come, and reminds me of the great and mighty lives He has created for each and everyone of them.  No one will say that working with teenagers is easy.  But no one can deny that it is quite an adventure that is well worth the ride.  As we approach the end of yet another year, I smile at these beautiful and MATURE teenagers that carry the title LiderJoven.  They truly carry it so well.

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