“I just have to make it to 18 & then…I’m outta here!”
“I remember being a little girl and thinking forward to where I am today. You see, for me, being eighteen and graduating meant freedom. Every time something bad happened to me I would think, ‘I just have to make it to eighteen and then I’m outta here’.”
From Kevin Blew: This has been a common sentiment for American 17-year-olds. Historically, Denice and I could verify it’s been even more common among youngsters at Shiloh. Sadly, it was the pervasive emotion for Abigail a full decade ahead of schedule. At the tender age of five, she spoke these words to her grandmother. I asked our 2024 graduates to share with you this month. Abigail is a future English major, and she took on this assignment with such energy and clarity. I will step aside and let her continue.
“Of course, this was before I came to Shiloh. This was before I knew that living with your family shouldn’t feel like a trap. Now, I write this knowing I am ready for the next chapter of my life because I do have an amazing family. I will leave this place feeling protected, supported, and ready to take that next step into life.”
“I came to Shiloh on July 1, 2015. I was a skinny little girl who had seen, heard, and probably felt too much in ten years of life. I had lived in three different states, had two different mothers, seen four of my siblings sent away. And living with a father that only showed up to eat, read the Bible, and leave again to go to work. For as long as I can remember I cleaned, took care of babies, and my own (life).
"Shiloh: in Hebrew means, "Tranquil," "A gift from God," and "peaceful one."I was not scared to come here; in fact, I welcomed it with open arms.
“Shiloh, for me, was exactly what it stands for. I love Shiloh because the people at Shiloh love me. Not just in my neighborhood of Shiloh, but also at church and at school. Or, the people I’ve met through Shiloh, such as our summer work groups. The biggest challenges for me were working through my past and becoming part of a new family. As soon as I worked through that my future got so much better. But a family is all I wanted so, as soon as I was given one, I fit right in. Truth is, discussing spiritual journey has always been hard for me. Since I can remember I’ve always known Jesus. But God the Father was hard for me to be okay with. You see, my father was not the man he needed to be. Now, he didn’t physically abuse me, but he didn’t protect me, either. This was really hard to work through. I have a wonderful example of a father in my life now.
“I was “homeschooled,” more like “Abigail schooled,” until 4th grade. I really was my own teacher. I had a workbook, and I would work through it and that be my school. I would also read A LOT. When I came to Shiloh I went to Tri-County Christian School where I got to be in the classroom with a teacher. I enjoyed this a lot more and was able to learn a lot. After Tri-County I transitioned to South Shelby where I was able to do more extracurriculars.”
“I was able to participate in choir, band, musicals, cross-country, FCCLA, FCA, NHS, and many other clubs and organizations. I made a lot of great friends that helped me through school as well. In the fall, I begin at Moberly Area Community College. After two years I plan to transfer to Northwest Missouri University. I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in English education. In the future I would like to become a high school English teacher. I’m not sure where that will take me on the map, but I am willing to go wherever it works best. In college I plan to still be involved with music. I have already auditioned to be in MACC Singers, and I possibly will be able to do band as well. I also plan to do some local theater or even help start one at the college. “
“I am grateful for my Shiloh parents Kirk and Dennae Moore. for giving me the environment to grow and learn. I am grateful to my teachers at both Tri-County and South Shelby for helping me through school. I am grateful to all of the people that work for Shiloh and people who donate to Shiloh. For everything they have done to ensure I had a childhood and a support system.”
“This will always be home. And it wouldn’t be home without all of you.” Thank you! Abigail
