| Working with struggling teenagers in any capacity at The Joy House can be stressful; the day-to-day struggles can temporarily obscure the miracles God works here. Sometimes, though, those miracles proclaim themselves. The evening of Thursday October 5, was one of those times.
Emily, a resident and student at the Joy House Academy for 19 months, graduated not only from the program but also from high school. That accomplishment may not sound so amazing to some, but when Emily’s background is considered, it is the story of a rescue.
Emily lost both of her parents when she was 9 years old. She and her brother were given a home by her mother’s sister. As time went on, Emily’s ability to cope with her losses diminished. She became, as Mr. Darren, our counselor, said, “mired in darkness—stuck, unable to move.” Her relationships with family suffered, her grades plummeted, and she became self-destructive. Her aunt reached out for help from the Joy House.
During the interview process, Emily acknowledged that she needed this place. In fact, she is one of the few residents who, despite the struggles with school and emotion, never tried to convince anyone to take her out of here. Her willingness for help played a huge part in her ultimate growth.
In the Joy House home environment, Emily learned to deal with emotions and frustrations in a productive way that did not damage herself or her relationships. In counseling, she was able to process her devastating losses and actually begin to foresee a future for herself.
In the school, Emily went from taking shortcuts and experiencing failure initially to working hard and going from, as Ms. Robin said, “math gizzard to math wizard!” In fact, in her last few days of work here, Emily exclaimed, “I’ve gone from everything gizzard to everything wizard!” Indeed, through her hard work she not only caught up but actually graduated 7 months early.
By her own testimony, the most valuable change in Emily was her relationship with the Lord. While a resident at the Joy House, she was baptized and not only participated in but began leading devotions in the home.
So in the presence of staff, friends, and family, Emily received her high school diploma. Her achievement was recognized in many ways: she was gifted with a ham radio by Pete Payne and the regional ham radio operators for achieving her second level ham radio licensing while here. She received flowers and gifts and letters from many who love her. A most special gift was from her Aunt Wanda, who gave her the class ring that had belonged to Emily’s mother.
A graduation ceremony is always special, but Emily’s ceremony was a testament to God—to his Power and his Love. He sent a rescue for Emily, and the Joy House—staff, volunteers, and donors— were all blessed to be part of it. Through her, God reminds us to “…be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (I Corinthians 15:58).
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