Martha Stone, M.A.

In many cultures, in order for a young person to become an adult they must go through a rite of passage. These mark a significant time of change in the life of a young person. Passage rites vary according to each culture but one thing is constant-they are intended to be painful in order to more effectively guide that young person into adult.

The joy of graduation is only over shadowed by the pain that parents feel—especially at Harvest things will never be as they once were. Children who we have raised as our own are planning to leave and there will be change in our lives. Nothing ever stays the same. The only constant in life is change. As parents, we want to hold on to our children, but know we can’t. Sadly, we must turn them loose in a world that does not respect, honor, or deserve them.

Graduation is only one of many rites of passage that our children will experience through the rest of your life. This one will begin as they leave to embrace a world that is exciting yet uncertain. It will not be easy. It will be painful at times. These young people will face a world unlike any their parents have known or their grandparents could have imagined.

At graduation Amanda was challenged to continue to grow as she has in past years. When she first came to Harvest, she was so shy that she would hardly speak or socialize with others. She became the mascot for the Lions basketball team and inside “Leo” she was able to feel comfortable enough to let us get to know the real Amanda. She is an awesome young woman. Her ability for art and drama are gifts given to her by the Lord. She was encouraged not to waste these talents on things that will not bring honor to Christ. She was encouraged to remember what she learned at Harvest and to never forget she is “wonderfully and fearfully made” and most of all loved.

Shawn is a truly unique young man. Over the past years he has grown in his Christian walk. He is dedicated to learning to play instruments and has inspired others to do the same. Every basketball game Shawn played was a thriller. We never knew what part of his body he would injure next. He entertained us and made us laugh! What an awesome gift. Shawn’s energy and enthusiasm can be contagious things. He was encouraged to harness them and use them for the cause of Christ. He was reminded that he is greatly loved which is a rare and precious thing.
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