| 03/13/09 04:39 PM |
#2038
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Susan Jones (Badger)
Hey everyone,
I wanted to share some awesome news with you guys. I have now gained custody of a former student of mine. Her name is Veronica and she's 17. I had her as a freshman and she's just had a horrible life. We remained in contact for the lst 2 1/2 years. I found out that she dropped out of school about 3 months ago and has been working 2 jobs to support herself. She's basically homeless living from friend to friend. She would tell me bits and pieces until I finally put the entire puzzle togerher. She has $1000 saved up and has done a remarkable job except be the kid she needs to be. So her mom agreed to give me custody. It wasn't even a fight it was Can I take her and she said yes where do I sign? Very sad but she's mine. Now she will not be living with me. There is a South Texas Children's Ministries that is a Christian based home for children that is nonprofit. I will place Veronica there on the 23rd of this month. She will live there with the houseparents, go back to high school, and graduate hopefully next May. They provide her with all of the necessities of life and she will go to church as well. She gets a horse (we do live in Texas) that she will learn to care for and ride. I told her I wanted to pack up and move there too. College will be an option which she is so excited about. If so the foundation pays for her college as long as she maintains her grades. I will be able to have monthly visits. She is not allowed to have a cell phone which is good. She will have chores and bedtimes which she is not use to but so needs. They are just better able to help her get on track than me be a single mom. She is nervous but very excited. I have always told her that if she graduates from high school I will take her to Vegas and that's the first thing she asked me the other day was when I graduate do we still get to go to Vegas. I said the very next day.
If you are interested check out the site it's www.stch.org It's about 2 hours from me but we both know it's best for her. I will still be the parent and talk to her teachers and counselors just like a mother should.
I guess the reason I am asking is NO NOT for money but for your awesome prayers not for me but for Veronica. This child has been through hell and back and has survived. She was molested more than once by more than a few family members. I almost think her mother pimped her out but she won't tell me that. She has taken care of her little brother and sister for 7 years. Her parents call her for money because they don't work. She gets up at 4 to work from 5-noon at mcdonalds then goes to dairy queen from 4-midnight. She buys her own clothes, food, and pays her phone bill. She has never been pregnant and doesn't do drugs or drink which with what she has been through, I think is amazing.
She is nervous but very excited. She told me that she feels like God is blessing her now when before all she thought was God never loved her. I have told all of you that I love my job as a teacher but it's much more than that. It's a big step for me too but it's what God wants me to do and I know it.
Thanks for your prayers in advance!
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