Hello my name is Viviana Garcia, and I’m in the 8th grade at Sierra Madre Middle School. A year ago on October 16, 2012, seven gang members invaded our home and frightened our family. They beat up my brother-in-law who had nothing to do with these men. Luckily the police came and arrested them, but my mom was so scared that she was rushed to the hospital. That night my mom almost had a heart attack. For almost eight months I wasn’t able to share this with anyone and kept it to myself, keeping my fear from showing. It wasn’t until this past summer that I was able to open up and share with my Lake peers. The Middle School group goes on a trip to the
California Delta and Yosemite every summer to camp and we stay on a houseboat. During this year’s trip I opened up to God and to my small group, allowing myself to heal from this tragedy. Without my friends in the Middle School group, I don’t know how I would have coped. Through this experience God has strengthened me and has cared for me and my family. Thank you for letting me share this story with you.
Viviana is an integral part of our Sunday morning and Wednesday night programs. Want to get involved as a student or a leader? Visit us online at www.lakeave.org. For Questions contact Annie Neufeld at or 626.817.4876.