Class of 2023

By Dana Philips 

Damian, our 2023 senior, is preparing to graduate high school this May.  He has been at NMBCH for several years; the house parents and staff have had an opportunity to pour into his life and watch him grow.  His houseparents, Jason and Elissa Farley, shared some thoughts and memories of Damian. 

"One of our favorite memory of Damian is from the summer of 2022; we took the boys on a cottage trip to Grand Junction, Colorado.  When we entered the mountains and got to the campsite, Damian was instantly a free spirit.  He loved everything about being outside in the mountains, and his personality truly shined.  He enjoyed building elaborate tree forts and exploring the surroundings as a "mountain man."  We were amused by the enthusiasm he had in building a tree shelter like he was going to live off the land.  He was completely in his element.  

Aside from growing taller, we have seen Damian grow in many ways since we began here at the BCH.  First, he has grown to be more comfortable with the idea of what family is, often being an influence on the other boys as a big brother.  Second, he is a quiet personality, but he has grown in conversation, allowing wisdom and tolerance for others' views and world expectations to be explored and challenged.  Finally, he has grown in faith, learning more and more about what it means to let God change your heart instead of doing it alone."  

Join us in prayer for Damian as he moves to the next chapter of his life.  Look for more on Damian in the coming days, including his thoughts on transitioning and how he has grown.