My Teenage Summer Break

by Ruth Gummin (16 years)

What comes to mind when you hear the words “summer” and “teen”?   You might think of swimming, ice-cream, rollercoasters or summer job.  Regardless of the activity, it really should involve hanging out with your friends enjoying life and making life-long memories.  And that’s just what brings mixed feelings for me when summer vacation comes around.  I do love being able to sleep in past 6:00, having some lazy time in my room, and traveling with my parents.  But what fun is it when you’re the only teen left at your house?

For me, summer is probably the loneliest time of the year because all of my Seng friends have gone back to their hometown. I’m used to living in a tight circle with them; we eat, study, sing and act like crazy teens together.  We even argue, but we always make up.  I have grown so close to some of the girls that they are like my extended family and I introduce them as my older sisters.  I have learned to love them as sisters from different parents. My best friend, Sophia, has taught me many life skills and given me an example to follow; she is someone I look up to and admire.  I have learned so much from the girls, I don’t know how my life would be if they hadn’t come to live with us. I would have definitely missed out on some of the best years of my life.

(Ruth lives at Project Eden with her parents, Dale & Cyndi.  Together they provide a safe and nurturing home to many girls from the Seng Girls Home to catch-up on lost education, and open doors of opportunity for each girl to have a vibrant and independent future. Their dedication is an inspiration to anyone who visits their program. At Captivating we see girls arrive at Project Eden shy and lacking confidence, but leaving a few years later confident, full of life and ready to take on the world. We know the key is an environment based on the love of genuine family. Ruth, thanks for being a key part of that. For more information about Project Eden, contact juliec@captivating.org).