The Little Things (which really aren’t so little)

 By Angela Prusia 

Recently my car picked up a call over Bluetooth as I drove my mentee home after ice cream and pinball. Since my daughter recently moved out, I asked Destiny if she cared if I answered. When I hung up a few minutes later, Destiny’s question floored me.  
“Does your daughter call you just to talk?” 

Even though we’re starting our fifth year of mentoring together, I’m still amazed at how different our worlds operate. In Destiny’s world, not having a relationship with her mother is normal. They barely talk now. Her question was valid. Why would they talk by phone after she moves out? 

Mentoring is powerful. Every visit is a chance to learn a different way to live, an opportunity for mentees to break free from the dysfunction they experience on a daily basis.  

The little things matter. 

*** 

Recently, two former T.R.A.C. campers gave birth. 

Michael Brewer, Director of Hope and a Future in Phoenix, Arizona, received the following message: 

“Hey, Michael . . . I’m still at the hospital. Baby boy is taking his sweet ol’ time here, but they (the hospital) did their morning Bible verse, and guess what it was? Jeremiah 29:11. I don’t know if it’s the hormones or not, but I burst out crying . . . This verse truly is a defining verse in my life . . . Again, thank you. Without your vision, so many kids would not be impacted in the way they are.” 

The second mama called me two weeks ago at 6:30 in the morning to say baby would be arriving soon. Within two hours, Will and I held the little miracle in our arms. We brought roses for his mother, a gift for baby, and lunch later for the exhausted parents.  

Both parents are former wards of the state, so we were humbled to learn we were their only visitors at the hospital. A few days later when we brought pizza for supper, their new little family still hadn’t had a single visitor.  

The realization hit me. Our relationship with mama started when she was 12 years old at a three-day camp called Teen Reach Adventure Camp. What if we’d never met? 

As I stared into baby’s face, I kept thinking . . . Teen Reach is impacting generations! 

*** 

 Quotes from a recent mentor survey: 

“The best moments with my mentee are when he experiences a deep belly laugh. I love seeing that kid laugh and have fun.” 

“When my mentee and I ran into someone I knew in public, I let her introduce herself, and she said, ‘Vita is basically like an adult bestie.’” 

“My mentee’s grades have improved since we started mentoring. He wants to be a role model to his siblings. He does not want to be another statistic of being given an athletic gift and become a fast-food worker when he gets old.” (his words, not mine) 

“Last time we met, my mentee told me she feels like she is maturing emotionally and mentally. She spoke about having more self-confidence and better boundaries.” 

“My mentee has grown in his confidence and ability to not let himself get in his own way of being the best version of himself.” 

“Since we started T.R.A.C.life, my mentee is much better at talking about feelings and opening up about his mistakes.” 

Mentoring makes a difference in a thousand little ways . . . that really aren’t so little after all!