Gretta's Story

For most of my life, I can remember there has been a feeling of worthlessness and never being enough.  My way of coping with these feelings was seeking attention and it didn't matter

if it was good or bad. 

At school, negative attention seemed to be mostly what I received since books didn't come as naturally as playing music or sports.  At home, it also seemed to be a lot of negative as well, as my parents were dealing with marriage difficulties in which they eventually separated.   Before high school, I had dropped out and found myself running with individuals much older and opening me up to a world that no one should ever see.  I found acceptance here, and so thought this was it.  But I soon found myself stealing, drinking, being promiscuous, using and selling drugs.  I also found myself very hurt, angry with my family (and anyone else for that matter), depressed, confused and hateful to the world. 

As I was off in my own world, by God's grace my parents began reconciling and a week before their divorce was finalized they called it off.  I wish I could say that was the start of my turn around, but it actually got worse before it got better.  I found myself in a very abusive relationship and continuing in the negative cycles.  In all of the mess, I did find myself reaching out for help to a local church.  I was searching and didn't even know it, but felt safe there and found myself visiting again and building new relationships with people who loved me and cared for me.  Throughout the next year they walked alongside of me and eventually walked me out of an abusive relationship and to the doors of Teen Challenge on September 2, 2009. 

Since I have come to Teen Challenge so much healing and forgiveness as taken place towards myself, family and others.   One thing that I find quite amazing was before entering Teen Challenge I had never read an entire book.  Now I can say that I have read the whole Bible, as well as books for classes and contracts.  On top of it all, I also received my high school diploma in June.  I once believed that I was stupid, but my verse that has been used again and again this year is that "With God, all things are possible."  He has proved that, and I plan to give him praise for what and who He is and what He has done in my life.

I will be completing at the end of December, and will stay in Pella saving and preparing to attend either college or the International House of Prayer in Kansas City.  I am excited for my future and what God will be doing. 

God has blessed my life and this year has been the best year of my life.  They tell me the best is yet to come.