Ten years. One decade.
Sometimes it's hard for me to believe it. Others it seems fitting. Either way, I'm so honored to be here as we countdown to our 10th year next February.
So for those of you who were not part of this special day on March 23rd (or for those who want to relive it like me), here's a recap of that beautiful day.
The day started out on an incredibly positive note. Almost the entire board of directors came down the day before to meet with our administration staff, share breakfast, and listen/talk about concerns, suggestions, etc. I was told after our meeting by one of the board members this was the first time (in 9 years) where the board and the staff here felt like they were on the same page. Everyone left with such a feeling of pride in the work these people do here and hope for what God will accomplish in the future.
After breakfast we went to meet up with the rest of our guests for the morning presentation. All the boys were all cleaned up and matching ready to start the show. The president of our board and our executive director stateside started things off by welcoming everyone and talking a little bit about the past 9 years, the vision that started JEC, and what all had been accomplished. Then each house passed up front to introduce themselves, talk about their dreams, and sing a few songs for everyone. The houseparents spoke a little bit also about their boys and how far they had come.
But of all the boys, our oldest really stole the show. I say this because they left not a dry eye in the house. Each boy stood up, introduced themselves, and then felt convicted to talk about what Jovenes means to them.
At this age the majority of these boys feel jaded and bitter towards the life they have had. The houseparents have one heck of a time trying to work with these boys about being grateful they're here at JEC, eat three meals a day and have a place to sleep at night. The reality for many young men their age who lives in poverty in the streets and is forced to do not so great things for money to survive. These boys, because they were placed in Jovenes 9 years ago, have a future ahead of them. They have a chance to study, learn trades, and have dreams for their future.
I'm not sure at what point this realization happened for the majority of them, but we were the "cloud of witnesses" that day as we listened to each one pour his heart out about what he believes JEC has done for him.
Some spoke on how much the houseparents and staff treat them as their own children and how much that means to them. Others spoke about how Jovenes to them is the father and mother they've never had. A few spoke about how, because of the opportunities Jovenes has given them, they have a chance to make their wildest dreams come true. These boys are finally getting it. They are finally realizing this place is an enormous blessing, and many others on the outside would kill for this chance.
I turned around to see the staff, houseparents, and younger generations intently watching these former angry boys turn into men. After being permanent at JEC for two years, it was my proudest moment to be a part of this mission. I couldn't even cry because I was too busy bursting with pride for this place, these dedicated houseparents and these MEN of God.
I think the reaction was mutually felt from the board and our other guests, so everyone felt such a warm feeling when we finished the presentation like that. Our board then prayed over all the boys and staff and the future of JEC. It was such a beautiful moment to all come together for the sole purpose of thanking God for the past and asking God to bless our future. What a humbling moment.
After the morning presentation we shared a lunch together (everyone raved about our cooks, which was a well deserved reaction for these hard working ladies) of roasted chicken, veggies and rice. After lunch we played together, had an easter egg hunt, and gave tours of the campus. Then the day ended with pinatas and cake. We watched our new promotional video together (minus a few technical problems) and said goodbyes. After buying new tshirts and other souvenirs with our new logo, our guests hopped in their buses and headed off.
I think, in many ways, it was one of the greatest days our boys have ever had.
