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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Home Group (11/29/07)
March 3, 2007
Dear Diary,
Ms. Tanaka says keeping a diary is good therapy and a place we can be truly honest. So here goes.
Hi. I’m Hana. That means “flower” in Japanese. I’m only half, though. My dad is full but I don’t really remember him. He left when I was a baby. All I do remember is my mom calling and yelling at him about how I’m still his daughter even if I don’t look Japanese and how I need a father and all that.
I really don’t belong here with the other girls. There’s nothing wrong with me. They say we need to eat more, but I think I eat too much.

March 23, 2007
Dear Diary,
Today Chaplain Mike said God loves us and is with us. I’ve heard this before but I still feel alone. But, since I’ve been here with the other girls, I haven’t felt like that as often. I actually feel I’m not alone anymore.
They know more about me than my mom. She’s so wrapped up in her own problems I’m practically invisible. I think that’s really why she sent me here, so she won’t have to deal with me. In many ways, Ms. T is more like my mom than she is. And she says she’s been where we are. That’s hard to believe since she looks Japanese. She says Jesus helped her get better and can help us, too. I’ve heard that before but I wonder if He really can.

April 27, 2007
Dear Diary,
Sarah collapsed at lunch today. They took her to the hospital. I hope she’s okay. Dear God, please let her be okay.

April 30, 2007
Dear Diary,
Today they asked why we starve ourselves. I guess that’s probably why I’m here in the first place. We can’t control the people and things in our lives so we try to control our bodies. But now they say we can’t even control that. I said it was because my mom’s fat and I don’t want to be like her, so I “buffet my body” like Paul says to. Sure, food is “lawful,” but I won’t be mastered by it like she is. That’s what I told them.
The truth is, I know my dad would love me if I were tiny like Japanese women. But since I look American I look big even when I’m not. So, to look more Japanese, so my dad will love me, I control my weight.

May 7, 2007
Dear Diary,
Ms. T said to write about things that make us happy and not just what makes us mad or sad. I’m happy Sarah is back home. She looks different, too. I’m also happy I’m with the other girls. Last night we laughed and ate popcorn while watching a scary movie. I don’t have a sister but if having one is as good as this, I wouldn’t mind it. Ms. T says we’re a family and we’re like sisters here. Some of the girls have real sisters, though, and they hate them. Maybe it’s better having pretend sisters. They’re sure more like a family than being with my mom.

May 10, 2007
Dear Diary,
Today was really strange. Sarah told us her heart stopped in the hospital but she was brought back. When she came to, she felt a strong sense of peace come over her. At that moment she said she knew “beyond a shadow of a doubt” that Jesus loved her and she’d be alright. She was “delivered.” I sure wish I could be “delivered.” Why can’t Jesus do the same for me? Or would I have to die like Sarah did? I remember hearing once that some people are “delivered” but the rest of us just have to struggle through “with Jesus’ help.” I’m tired of struggling and I sure don’t feel like He’s helping.
Anyway, the cool thing is, afterwards we hugged each other and cried. Sarah just kept saying over and over, “I’m happy to be home.” Then you know what? Being with all the girls, my sisters, a warm feeling came over me and I know now that Jesus is with me. And as long as I have Him and them, I’ll be alright, like Sarah. I didn’t get “delivered” but I do feel I can make it. And you know what else? I’m happy to be home, too.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Jan Ackerson
12/07/07
This would be a great article for teen and pre-teen girls to read; it addresses an important problem.

I'm not clear on what it has to do with "home group."

The diary format was quite effective.
nicole wian
12/12/07
The diary format was perfect for your subject. This hit me on a personal level and I think it was very good.