The Transformation of “Mary”

One of our REACH teens has been going through a beautiful transformation over the last few years. As a child “Mary” was quiet and somewhat withdrawn, coping with challenging family dynamics including HIV stigma and divorce. As she entered her teen years, Mary began spending time with an outstanding REACH mentor. Soon after, she volunteered to read Scripture for our 2020 online camp worship service. Mary kept her video off for the whole service except when she was reading, but she did a beautiful job. In 2021, when camp returned to in-person, Mary handled all the communication with REACH and registered each member of her large family to attend. She did the same thing for her family members this year at camp. When camp friends and volunteers began coaxing Mary to do an act at talent show, she hesitantly signed up to sing a song.

Traditionally, the talent show is our most clear display of REACH’s core value of unconditional acceptance, as performers receive cheers and applause and standing ovations whether they tell a joke, do a magic trick, or dance for 20 seconds. Despite this welcoming vibe, Mary found herself extremely nervous when it was her turn. She took the cordless mic out the back doors of the auditorium and into the hallway where no one could see her. She could still hear the music from out there, and when it was time, Mary began to sing. By the middle of the song, she emerged through the double doors and into view. By the end of the song, Mary was on stage singing with confidence, a joyful smile on her face. Many campers and volunteers said this was the most meaningful moment of camp, seeing Mary be cheered on, embraced, and encouraged to be brave. To us, it felt like an outward representation of the transformation we sensed has been happening inside her for the last three years. In Mary’s own words: “I was encouraged to sing although I started from the back, and now I feel less fear.”