It's hard to really describe what is happening here at the Vine with the residents.

Sometimes it is really aggravating because I expect them to be at the level of almost mothers.  I want them to be mature, make their own decisions, but also make the right ones.  But then, I have to think of myself when I was their ages and realize that I wasn't any more mature at their ages than they are.  But now, as soon to be mothers, they have been forced to grow up a lot faster than I had to grow up.  They are about to be responsible for the life of a helpless infant who needs their mother to survive.  But, these girls have to deal with a lot more stuff that has taken place in their lives before they're ready to grow up.  They only have a short time in which to deal with all the stuff that life has thrown at them.

My challenge really has been finding the line between being sensitive and still being someone who can help and direct them.  Not only am I working with girls who are dealing with a lot of anger issues, but also hormonal and pregnant girls as well. Let me tell you, the line is very fine.  It is a blessing, however, to be working with them.  God is teaching me so much about myself.  He's shown me how much more I need to depend on Him than I have been.  It's really cool to see God work in ways that I would never have imagined that I would see Him.

A couple of prayer things:
1. For the residents. There is a lot of stuff going on in each of their lives that they're all trying to work through.  Pray that in spite of my human limitations that God will give me wisdom on how to best help and encourage them in each of their lives' journeys.
2. As it seems that my next life step will bring me back to Athens, I'm trying to figure out what exactly that step will look like.  I'm praying for God's wisdom in that area over the next few months as I finish my time here in Savannah.

Thanks for all your love, prayer, and support as I've been on this journey of my own
Much Love
Melody
1 Peter 1:7