Three days, two nights, four lakes, thirteen miles, one million mosquitos later we are back at the vechile legs aching, back sweating, scratching our bites, and thankful for an incredible weekend. It was WEM's first unofficial trip with at-risk students. At-risk defined are youth that have been in the juvenile justice system, have had drug use, or dependency/behavioral problems, or have a broken family or a parent that is incarcerated. We learned a lot on this trip while hiking, sitting by the lake eating our "just add water" meals. Our pasts were talked about and how that affects are future, goals were set...like no more dirty UA's [urine analysis with drugs or alcohol in it].

God was the topic of discussion especiallly with some of the scenery that we were experiencing. How could all of this just have happened? WEM is about speaking hope into student's lives and believing in them because of Christ who lives through them. Our spiritual life is a journey as we continue to walk with Christ and work on our relationship with Him. So many at-risk youth are on a continuing process with their faith and figuring out what life is really about. Our goals were met, getting away from the routine of life, dedicating our thoughts to making choices that will have a positive influence, and changing our negative behavior into leadership skills that will produce positive behavior.

WEM is continuing to pursue official recognition from the juvinile justice system and will continue to be a safe place for youth to feel like they belong and are believed in.