Marla, a recent graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University, never knew God’s plan would lead her to Compass Rose. “God had a different plan than my own. He worked in my heart and showed me the path,” she said recently.
Her reason for choosing Compass Rose was simple: She wants those who struggle to know they are loved and cared for every day. She has shown many students this love and care, and she has already witnessed growth in many of their lives.
Recently, she was able to see this growth as it happened. “The other day, I could see that one of the girls was struggling. She was searching for a way to express herself, but it was very challenging for her. We, together, found that it was easier for her to express herself through a song.”
After listening to the song and lyrics, the girl was able to find the words to describe her experiences. “She was able to talk about the emotions, struggles, hardships and desires she was having. Instantly, I could tell that she felt heard and understood. I felt the sense of relief rush over her as a smile spread across her face. Her smile and the sparkle in her eye meant the world to me.”
Marla is a house parent at Compass Rose. Her role is to help our students navigate through life’s difficulties while providing them with a safe, loving and structured environment. Her favorite aspect of working at Compass Rose is at the end of the day, when she is able to go around to each girl’s room to tell them goodnight and remind them how much they are loved and cared for.
Compass Rose continues to challenge Marla as an individual. “I can truly say that being involved with CRA is helping me be the Marla that God designed me to be,” she said. She takes one day at a time and lives by Psalm 121:1-2: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
This verse has guided her journey throughout her life. She knows God will always be her compass. “I am taking life one day at a time and am waiting to hear what God has in store for me in the future.”