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“People think we
don’t have problem.”
“People think
we’re too young to have problems.”
“They don’t know
how much we have to go through...”
“The pressure I
have is more than I could handle, it’s so hard to do the right thing.”
I see tear drops
running down their cheeks as they courageously speak their minds.
Wow! What a wonderful feeling! Right at that moment, and even right
now, as I recall those moments, I can’t think of anything else to say
besides: “cảm tạ Chúa”. God had made an impact on their lives through
me, and changed my life through them…
I was as
depressed as I could ever be. I was worn out and wanted to let go.
So much pressure, I felt life was about to lose its meanings. I kept
my constant prayers with God though, simply because I didn’t know who
else on earth could understand my problems. I thought I needed to get
away for a while, so I went to a retreat up in The Stone House for
three days. Along with my friends’ support, life’s balance was
finally coming back to me. After a downfall in life, getting back up
was indeed, a miracle. Seeing God’s grace and the feeling of
appreciation brought the smiles back into my life.
The companionship
God gave upon me through my friends was undeniable. After the retreat
up in The Stone House, I got closer with a few friends and we wanted
to do something special. We started making contacts, phone calls,
writing emails, meet in person, and researched every source available
to bring this special event together. “I AM NOT AFRAID OF YOU,
LORD”. God loves us, and it’s amazing to see our love in tears like
the river returning to his ocean. August 2nd, 2003, that one night,
changed my heart. Seeing so many teenagers coming back to God,
returning to his love was a miracle. I knew right then that true
companionship exists, and it happens at the least expected moment.
My experiences
continue as life goes on. October 18th, 2003 marked another special
day in my life as I saw more Vietnamese Catholic youths uncovered
confidence and faith in God. I was not afraid of you, Lord. And as I
come closer, I know, “I AM NOT ALONE”. School, work, friends, family,
and all of life’s pressure are returning to me again. But now
everything is falling into place, and I am feeling a lot more
fortunate. “cảm Tạ Chúa”. I know I can count on you!
em nhỏ Ban
Mai
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