Handcuffed, crying and knowing I would never see my Grandpa again, we began the drive to Advent Home.

Five days after my arrival at the Advent Home the students and staff went on a fun day trip to Six Flags. As soon as I knew we were going, I started planning to run away.

At Six Flags the perfect opportunity came to make my escape to freedom.   In a crowded situation, I slipped from the group and disappeared into the crowd.

During my escape, I managed to persuade two girls to give me $5. I spent $.75 on a bus ticket, and two hours later I was calling my mother from the airport. In spite of my threats and bluffs to her I could not persuade her to bring me home.

I called my friends to pick me up, but they could not come for three days.  For lack of options, I told my mother the truth, that I was at the airport.  While I was on the phone talking with my sister, my mother called Atlanta airport security and reported my whereabouts.

As luck would have it, the police station was right around the corner from the phone. The police came and escorted me to the station, just two steps away.

That night, Dr. B and his daughter drove from Calhoun, TN and brought me back to Advent Home, arriving at 5:30 am .

From running away, I learned a very valuable lesson in money management. With a smile, Dr. B charged me $110 for the cost of transporting me back to Advent Home.

After this incident I settled down and tried to work the program, but it was difficult.

About a month into the program, before I was able to see my Grandpa, he passed away. Nevertheless, two days before he slipped into a coma, he received a letter from me. In it, I expressed my desire to change. I asked his forgiveness and said goodbye to him.

From that point on, my attitude changed. I lost my self-destructive desires for cigarettes, drugs and alcohol. My communication and desire to spend time with my family improved. But most importantly, I gave my heart to the Lord and was baptized.

My ambition is to be a physician, specializing in radiology. Currently, I am attending Andrews University . My passion is to serve the Lord in whatever capacity He sees fit.

I give all the praise to the Lord for the miracle He worked in my life through Advent Home and the strength of my parents. Today, I am eternally grateful.