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Reba
O'Neal, Grace Cottage Mom, describes Ryan as "a
real sweetheart." She and husband Thomas have
known Ryan for more than three years and have loved
watching his growth during this time. While Ryan immediately
fit in with his Cottage family, Mrs. O'Neal says,
"He has had his moments. But Ryan decided to
do what he needed to do, and we're so proud of him."
She adds, "This past year has been a really good
year." Ryan smiles, obviously pleased, and nods
his head in agreement.
When Ryan first arrived at LBCH, he admits that school
was not a priority, and he didn't really have any
other interests or hobbies. The past few years, he
has become somewhat of a football enthusiast. As much
as he likes sports, Ryan is quick to add that school
is his priority and he spends the majority of his
time "focusing on my studies." Ryan's enjoyment
of his studies is apparent and he is very earnest
as he shares his commitment to school and grades.
Mrs. O'Neal confirms that Ryan has worked really hard
and is now an honor roll student with one B and the
remaining grades, As. Ryan's goal is to be well prepared
for college.
Ryan has attended a couple of different schools since
coming to the campus, but this year he is one of a
group of LBCH students attending Northeast Baptist
School (NEBS). An eighth grader, Ryan loves NEBS and
feels "it's the best school I have ever been
to." He's very thankful to Mr. Frost for making
this opportunity available to him and others on campus.
He's glad that the school offers a Bible class, which
everybody looks forward to. Ryan laughs that algebra
used to be his favorite subject, but it's getting
to be a little more difficult now. His new favorite
subjects are English and creative writing, and he
says that his English teacher "makes it easy
to learn." For his creative writing assignment
- an 80-page paper - Ryan is researching the Ark of
the Covenant, a project he's really excited about.
Mrs. O'Neal says that not only has Ryan excelled in
his studies this past year, she and her husband have
seen tremendous spiritual growth. Once again, Ryan
smiles in agreement. In the past, Ryan had a tendency
to follow the crowd. What the others did, Ryan had
to try. "Now he's strong enough in his Christian
faith to stand up for what is right. We're really
proud of him for that," says Mrs. O'Neal. At
Parkview Baptist Church, Ryan participates in a student
cell group. He has great respect for Mr. Terry. "He's
a good youth minister. He's not like a 'supreme commander'
personality or anything like that…. he's a friend
to us." Ryan is a guitar player and plays "wherever
I'm needed." He's played primarily for church
events, including Parkview, First Baptist of Monroe,
and the Campus Chapel services. He was also asked
to play at the LBCH Awards Banquet. Mr. Frost has
called on him several times, and Ryan says he is ready
to play anytime he's needed!
Ryan is a great "big brother" and role model
to the other children in Grace and on campus. Mrs.
O'Neal says he has great patience and understanding,
often helping the others with their homework. Most
recently, Ryan helped 9-year-old Zach, his new roommate,
with a math assignment involving reasoning problems.
Ryan took time with Zach and was able to present it
in a way that Zach could understand. Ryan's Cottage
family is special to him, and he's always ready to
lend a hand in any way he can. Ryan enjoys the family
dinners at home or eating out. The family received
an Xbox for Christmas, and they frequently enjoy game
time together.
Ryan is very mature for his age, perhaps in part from
helping care for his mom and watching her cope with
a chronic illness. It may be these life experiences
that have also influenced his career choice to some
degree. Ryan has decided that he wants to major in
biology and someday be a neurologist. Ryan is very
open, very genuine - a very likeable young man. He
is thankful for his time in Grace Cottage and as part
of the LBCH family; he feels it's been good for him.
Ryan is reflective as he shares, "Your cottage
parents and the others teach you a lot. You can grow
spiritually and do better here than you've done previously.
It's a good place to be for a while … a good
place to get on track." His spiritual growth,
along with encouragement from the O'Neals, has helped
Ryan discover his gifts and purpose. This young man
has definitely gotten his life on track. |
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