Bobby is still at Job Corps in VA. and will be home for summer break in a few weeks. He called Saturday and for the first time since he left he asked for something. I guess he put us through so much in the weeks and months before he went into Job Corps that he was hesitant to ask for anything else. He knows we paid a lot of money to pay off all his bills and get him out of the mess he had gotten into. Money he knows we didn't have to spare but we just couldn't stand to see him ruin his credit at 19. So anyway he calls and beats around the bush a few minutes and finally says he has these two friends now and could I possibly send him two Bibles to give to them. They don't have Bibles and they both go around trying to borrow other boys Bibles to read. And both boys have started going with Bobby to church on Sundays. Well needless to say I was thrilled. I called my sister and told her about it and she said please wait about it until Sunday evening. She wanted to tell everyone at church about it at our Evensong service on Sunday night. She did and everyone was so pleased that Bobby had done that. The church gave me two Bibles that are going out in the mail this morning. I know we still will have hard times with Bobby. That is just life. But I think we have our son back. Just wanted to share this with my friends. Beth
Wow Beth! (((( )))) That is so wonderful, you should be so proud of your ds. How does the Job Corps work? My niece claims she is going to join but I really have my doubts. Can you give me some info.? I checked out the web site but the info. is pretty limited. She stated that she needed dental work but the site said basic dental care, what is included, do you know?
Shirley, I knew you would love hearing about this. Beth Job Corps is free. You have to go through an interview and write an essay about why you want to join. They ask you to do your best to stick it out for the first few weeks which can be hard for some kids and boring for others. They do provide basic health care according to what we were told. So far Bobby hasn't had any health problems since he has been there. They do make you have a complete physical when you get there and update your shots. If you haven't finished high school they help you do that before you start a career course. They offer all sorts of courses. Plumbing, carpentry, dental assistant, electrician and lots more. Every site doesn't offer every course so Bobby ended up in VA. He also chose VA. because he could get in a the site in Coeburn quicker than the NC sites. They pay the kids to participate and they can earn extra money by working at the site. Bobby mows in the evenings and I think on Saturdays too. They go to a local Walmart in groups once in a while and there is a store on site with basics. They feed them three meals a day on Mondays thru Fridays and on weekends they have brunch and supper. I am pretty sure they serve snacks too. There are several activities on site for free times. Weight room, basketball, and I don't remember what all. They wear sort of like uniforms to show which course they are in. They are limited in what clothes they are allowed to wear during off time. No gang related stuff is allowed. They get inspected and get marked up if they don't keep things neat. There are tons of rules but nothing unreasonable. Bobby says there is a lot of fighting and you can get kicked out if it keeps up. Thankfully he is behaving so far. There are several little Bible study groups and they provide transportation on Sundays if you want to attend church. You can't bring your own car. You can have money with you but they ask you to only carry small amounts. There is a safe in the office and each person has an account and can go get their money each day for anything they might want to buy that day such as drinks or snacks at the on site store. Occupational classes are hands on. Bobby says it is boring so far but hopefully it will improve after summer break. The Job Corps program pays to get the kids there and for them to come home twice a year at summer and Christmas breaks. They either fly them home or put them on a bus. You can go pick them up if you want to. They can go home on weekends if they live close by. I hope this helps some. I am very happy with the program so far. And again, it is all free for young people ages 16 to 24.
sloan127, I'm a recent addition to this site. I don't know you or Bobby. Nor his history (don't need to) but, your post brought tears to my eyes. I think that is so wonderful! What a great phone call to get! Sounds like you've got a pretty special son there! God Bless, LR
Beth, that is so neat. I hope things keep going up hill. Keep us posted and when he comes home give that young man a big hug from all of us and let him know we are so proud of him... my proud peacock feathers are spreading as I type this.
Beth, Thank you for that info. I like the part about the rules. My niece said she was raised without rules and she is in need of direction now. She did not graduate from high school either. I know she has checked into it, just don't really know how serious she is. Question: Do they require a copy or certified copy of the birth certificate?
Bobby had to take a certified copy and we sent a copy of his adopting papers along just in case but they didn't need them. They want high school transcripts too but to help us out they had the school fax those to them. We needed them quickly and the school was closed. So they took everything else and faxed the school the next day. It was really a fast process.
I was doubting whether or not my niece was being truthful when she said a photo copy of the birth cert. was all she needed. Her mom, my sis said about 11 months ago my niece was joining. So, I have my doubts. My ds' offered my niece a job with their business and she didnt seem interested in working.
Bobby is home. He looks good and seems happy to be home. He and Freddy got here around 4:30 this afternoon. Freddy is beat. He drove about 6 and a half hours. Bobby will have to go back on July 14th and I hope to be able to go this time. We all went out for supper and had a nice time this evening. Now Bill and Bobby are at Bill's house playing video games. It is nice having him home. Beth
Beth, sure glad he made it home and is happy, that is the main thing. I hope things keep going well for you all.
Thanks Kris. Bobby is doing fine. It was hard seeing the youth leave for camp today and him not going with them. He went with us to see them off so I know that was hard for him too. He is spending the night at our oldest son's house tonight and tomorrow my daughter in law is taking him and some other kids to Carowinds. He can't wait to ride the newest roller coasters. In case I haven't said it often enough, I have the worlds greatest daughter in law!
Freddy took Bobby back to Job Corp in VA. yesterday. It was pretty hard seeing him leave. He wants to come home in October for his birthday if we can work it out. He was born on Halloween. I think we can manage it if our oldest son will take him back on Sunday. Freddy has to work that day. He had a long break here and seemed ready to get back and get on with his future. I did see him doing some of the same old things that get him in trouble over and over, like not being totally honest. It was nothing huge but he got another cell phone and tried to act like he didn't have one. We knew he had it but acted like we didn't just to see if he would tell us. He never did so Freddy heard it vibrate one afternoon and said aren't you going to get that? Bobby was so shocked that we knew. I guess he will grow up some day. Please continue to pray for him. Thank you. Beth
Bobby called and it sounds like things are really crazy at Job Corps right now. He seems so frustrated and I am worried about him. He said they have a whole bunch of new rules and regulations all of a sudden. He knows of about 5 or 6 that are leaving because of it all. It sounds like a mess. One of the instructors got fired for stealing from the students too. That really upset him. He says he is not planning on quiting but I could tell he is down. He says everyone seems to have an attitude all of a sudden. Please pray for things to settle down and for him to hang in there. Thank you so much. Beth
Beth, I'm sorry that things don't seem to be going well @ job corps and that your son is temporarily down. I will be praying for your son and this situation @ job corps. I will also be praying for you. I know it must be difficult for you to have your son away from you, knowing he's down and not be able to "momma" him. Thank God for our Heavenly Father who is with our loved ones even when we can't be! Remembering you all in prayer, LR
Thank you for your prayers and thoughts. Bobby was so depressed yesterday. When I asked if he was going to the church near the Job Corps site today he said he didn't know if he would be able to. Normally they come around on Saturday and find out who wants to go and make transportation arrangements, but yesterday they didn't. I got the feeling he was afraid to ask. They do have a small Bible study group there on the campus so I am hoping they got together if he wasn't able to go to the church. This is really getting to me. I want to call and talk to someone and find out what is going on but I think he would resent that. He is all about being a man now and finishing what he started with Job Corps. I do respect that and will try not to interfere. Beth
I'm sorry to hear he is struggling and will be praying for him. What a great thing that he is determined to finish what he started. That is a great quality in a man. I truely believe God hears the prayers of a mother, even though we don't know what He is doing trusting in Him is what He requires. Remember Abrahams belief was counted righteousness to him. (I heard that today (((hugs)))
