Tuesday, November 28, 2006

jeny

We have a new roomate. Her name is Jeny. She's sixteen and came to us last Friday, with no other place to go. Thanks for that extra bed, God.

She's got a history here in Bastion, attending camp for the last number of years, in and out of youth group since she came of age...everybody knows her, or at least knows who she is. Before Friday though, I never knew her.

She moved out of her house about 5 months ago, feeling threatened (in every sense) by her step-father. Her mom did nothing to defend her. She had been living in Block 6 with another family (family friend) until last week, when the economic stress within those walls became too great to bear, and the living conditions smelled of the same danger she knew in her mother's house. Dear Jeny.

So, she's ours for now. But this is totally bush-wacking territory. Would you please pray for her? And would you please pray for me? It's wierd, but wonderful, all at the same time. So far, we're working on her curfew...and spending a lot more time cooking. Beth and I were so lazy when it was just the two of us. :)

The first night Jeny and I sat up in the hammock and I listened to her lifestory. I couldn't help but wonder at the God-given capacity this girl has for love. She loves. I haven't gone into details, and won't... but it is amazing that her heart is still capable of giving.

Please ask God for His best for her. We don't know if that is... staying with us long-term? or if God is going to provide something else for her? She wants to work. Please pray for something that Jeny can pour her heart into that will help her feel useful. She's not feeling very significant these days.

Pray most that God's love would rock her world and fill her with the security and sense of purpose that He brought her to this world to know.

Thanks again LORD for that extra bed.

10 comments:

Christiane said...

I would say that if you are praying for her to feel the Lord's love...she is exactly where she needs to be right now. I don't know of anyone who can love on those kids and make them feel totally special and unique in God's eyes like you can Jay.

I'm praying.
I love you.
:)

Bobbi said...

I just know that God is going to use this girl in amazing ways! I'm praying for you and for her.

Anonymous said...

Janna, I just read your November 28th post. That was a real encouragement that boosted my day. Thanks Janna for serving God with such a passion!
Your Friend,
Johnnie Monette

Carolyn said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Carolyn said...

Janna, I love to read the comments between you and Chris, you two are a great model of sisterhood. I will be praying for Jeny.

Some exciting news!!! Kelly just informed me she is pregnant, what a great thing to hear first thing in the morning.
Love you!

Anonymous said...

Hey Chica,
I love the gift that God has given you in communicating with the written word. In communicating Jeny's story the way that you did you have brought a lot of dignity to a situation where so much has been taken. It's poetically redemptive and strikes me as the way Jesus might tell a similar story. It blessed me and made me "misty" (our little secret). I will definitely be before the throne of grace for her and you and praying that Jeny will find her own path their. Thanks for sharing your heart.
Jer

The Chocolate Lady said...

Your story of "Jeny" is very touching on a dangerous side of how people can be and the situationsx we are put in. I do not know any of you but I'm a christian and praying for all of you has begun.

For such a young person at the age of 16 to be through an ordeal such as this one, makes me wonder about the world these days. I pray that you will guide her, help her to heal within. That sometihng good comes out of all this unhappy sitation with her step father.

I pray that Jeny will seek God's help that she will find her way and her place in this world. To find the love and kindness of others to take her on the right path in life.

Matt, Christine, Elijah, Joseph, Sarah, & Oliver said...

Hearing about others' struggles sometimes makes our biggest worries pale in comparison. How easily I can take family/friends, security etc. for granted. I will pray for Jeny, and for you Janna.

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The Kohlers said...

Hey J! Thanks for all your comments on our blog- it's awesome to hear from you- I miss ya:) Your spanish must feel so natural by now- how do you feel about it? I sometimes think how terrible my Spanish has gotten since I never practice anymore:( I've been subbing lately (last day and a half) so that's been cool and different...I'll be praying for you and Jeny and Beth.
Lots of love- are you able to come home for the holidays or are you staying with Beth and fam?
dee><>:)