As a team, we're really looking forward to a break! It's rather full-on during the school term, both timewise and emotionally, so the Summer holidays are always a welcome break and a chance to recharge batteries. It would be assumed that this is certainly the case for the country's students...but about those who actually miss school?
For some young people up and down the country, the prospect of losing the structure to their daily lives until September fills them with dread. Some don't have the out-of-school life many of us take for granted, whether it's a loving home environment or a well-stocked fridge...but what can we do about it?
Practically, almost nothing. We obviously don't communicate with students out of school hours, but we can't forget how some of the young people we mentor are returning to a less-than-desirable situation at home*. So, our opportunities for input and problem-solving are non-existent during August, but this doesn't mean we aren't entirely helpless...
Please, over the Summer break, pray for us as a team. Pray that our energy levels will be refreshed, that we can learn to turn off our laptops (especially Matt!) and we can enjoy a time of refreshment and recharging. Most crucially though, please pray for young people who are dreading their six-week break. Pray that they will be filled with peace, that situations they are anxious about facing will be idyllic settings, and that God will fill their time with a lifetime of memories.
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*We've mentioned it many times, but if a young people is being mentored it doesn't indicate a desperate homelife or personal situation. Most of the young people we see are struggling in an area of life whilst supported by a wonderful, loving network of family and friends. We just thought we'd mention it, just in case anyone made the calculation young person + mentoring = awful home life!