We were able to experience a lot of hopeful, bright things this month. One being from our very one family member, Michael Huber, who we have the honor of sharing a little bit about his story. Michael came to us in January of this year, right out of foster care. He honestly shared, “I was kicked out of foster care, partially because
I turned 18, but really it was my behavior. I was dropped of January 3 and ended up in The Lodge 5 days after.” When Michael arrived on January 3, there was quite a big discussion on his future with regards on how to help him. The board had a meeting and, at the time, Andy Fischer and Debbie Jenkins (our Case Management Supervisor) said, “Give him a chance.”
And 5 days later, Michael entered The Lodge, being one of the youngest people there since The Lodge has been built. By giving him that chance, the months to follow were filled with the process of discipline, love, and, most importantly, growth. Michael remembers it took some time getting acquainted and learning the rules and responsibilities. “When I first came here, the majority of the people here had to peel me off the wall to do something, and whenever someone told me to do something, I still was hesitant,” he recalls. But, time progressed and Michael became more comfortable, and the staff here has attested to this, saying he has grown tremendously. “As I progressed, I got in the mindset of ‘I’m going to give Operation Inasmuch a try’. There were still bumps in the road and some mountains. I battled with my past and certain things that led me to come here.” Michael still persevered and attended high school at Terry Sanford, participated in the ROTC program, and graduated this past June.
Michael has enlisted in the Army, as an E-3 s; right now, (July 30, 2020), he is in basic training, and after completing AIT, he is thinking of going in to Airborne. His plans also involve hope. Hope for happiness, completing basic training, getting to his permanent duty station, and hope for finding the light in the darkest place. In his final days here, he expressed, “I’m glad I came to The Lodge. My mom of all people said she’s glad a place like this exists, she said if that didn’t happen, I wouldn’t be where I am today. And I could agree. The most obvious way God’s hand was in it, was when I got dropped off January 3, that night.”
We believe too, and we are thankful of Michael’s new growth and new future. We pray he continues in the Lord’s path and for his safety and for community around him. Michael would like to share a word of thanks: “Fayetteville Area Operation Inasmuch and Men’s Lodge, I appreciate you all for not giving up and actually dealing with me. Ms. Debbie, Bo, Mr. Mitch, all the supervisors at The Lodge, Ms. Sue, Kuntry, Chef James, Ms. Lillian, Ms. Cora, thank you all for helping me. I promise I’ll make the most of my life and I appreciate everything you’ve done.”
UPDATE: September 8, 2020, from Michael. Thank you everyone for praying for him!
