Emerson: The Drums were Waiting for Me

“Quickly, Emerson, put your clothes in your backpack’” my mother told me. We were moving to my stepfather's house. I was 13 years old and a little afraid because I was leaving my friends and my brothers. Everything felt uncertain.

With my heart racing I arrived at the new house. Although I already knew the physical space because we visited it frequently, I wondered what would happen now that I would live there permanently. I could have never imagined all the good things that would come into my life thanks to that change of address.

“Hello Emerson! I want to invite you to the Vida Plena program!” Milagro, my stepfather's sister, told me. I didn't understand what the program was about, but I agreed to go with her. We walked for about 30 minutes and arrived at the facilities where there were many children playing. First we listened to a Bible story, and then we were called to eat. I was impressed that everyone shared the food. I had never seen that before, and I really admired it.

Now I am 15 years old, and I have learned a lot through Vida Plena. They have taught me to control myself when I get angry. Before I would explode, but now I breathe deeply, relax, and ask the Lord to help me control myself. I am much better at controlling my emotions now!

I love coming to the program. I enjoy all the activities and especially when they make nachos for lunch because it is my favorite food. I am in tenth grade. I go to school in the morning, and when I leave class I go straight to the program. When I have to research information for school I can do it in the computer lab. This helps my mother with costs because sometimes we have no money to make prints and copies.

Last year we went on a trip to a nature preserve called La Tigra, and I really had so much fun! I still remember all the challenges we had to go through on an extreme obstacle course. I climbed the mountain, went on a zip-line, crossed obstacles and even got wet in a creek. It really was a spectacular day!

But the greatest thing that has happened to me was my introduction to the drums. They invited me to participate in the Music School, and I had to think about it a little because I had no idea what that was. I had only seen the drums on TV or in the internet, but I have discovered that I love playing the drums! My teacher says that I am very good. I take classes every Saturday, and I practice twice a week to become a great drummer. I have participated a few times in church worship, and it has been a nice experience. At first I felt nervous with so many people watching me, but then I remembered my teacher's lessons. The nervousness went away, and I enjoyed the experience a lot.

In ten years I see myself as an Automotive Mechanic and being the drummer for the church. I want to continue serving the Lord with that drum kit that patiently waited for me and allowed me to realize the gifts and talents that the Lord has given me!