REAL-LIFE TRIALS
We normally try to let our newsletters focus on the positive side of life and the Bridge House, but we do have struggles here, as in any other home (especially with a bunch of youth around). Some of our biggest struggles are at-risk tendencies and our constant effort to try to teach healthier
thinking. A strong connection to family and friends brings to life many at-risk ideas that are common to a country of extreme poverty. We spend time talking about those at-risk behaviors and how they affect them: living with and seeking out abusive relationships, dishonesty and lack of integrity, confusion as to who to trust in life, just to name a few. Little by little they are learning to make healthier decisions. Please pray with us that God continue to be gracious to them and that they learn to seek out healthier relationships as they learn to honor Him in every area of life.
NEW DIRECTION IN LIFE
We normally try to let our newsletters focus on the positive side of life and the Bridge House, but we do have struggles here, as in any other home (especially with a bunch of youth around). Some of our biggest struggles are at-risk tendencies and our constant effort to try to teach healthier
thinking. A strong connection to family and friends brings to life many at-risk ideas that are common to a country of extreme poverty. We spend time talking about those at-risk behaviors and how they affect them: living with and seeking out abusive relationships, dishonesty and lack of integrity, confusion as to who to trust in life, just to name a few. Little by little they are learning to make healthier decisions. Please pray with us that God continue to be gracious to them and that they learn to seek out healthier relationships as they learn to honor Him in every area of life.NEW DIRECTION IN LIFE
Speaking of at-risk behavior, we recently had one of our girls move into the Bridge House to continue her education here in the city with us. However, she proved to not be mature enough nor ready for the independence that is involved at the Bridge. She made some mistakes that endangered her and others at the house. She therefore needed to move back to the Ranch to grow up more.
GOALS FOR THE FUTURE
As we look at the specific needs of our youth and strive to help them learn independence, we have to constantly look at where they are compared to where they need to be. We have just started to have our youth set specific long-term and short-term goals to reach their dreams and
to be ready to leave our house. These goals include how far they want to go in their education, working or volunteering in areas that will prepare them for what they hope to be, and finding accountability partners to hold them to higher standards. The goals allow them to set a date of departure into the real world and to look at all details they need to know or improve in order to leave ready and with excitement. We are excited for each of the youth since these goals will help them find direction as well as think and move toward their own future beyond the ministry.
