Chirky

Her story has gripped me. Last night, I began at #1, and read through #37 within
just a couple hours. This morning I read #38 as soon as I turned on my computer.

I cannot imagine the pain she experienced. I cannot imagine how much therapy she
has probably endured to get to this point.

Through her blatant, descriptive stories, I feel as though I have walked along
side her. I feel her joy, her anger, her shame, her fear. She is in the process
of recording in novel form what happened to her in a little over 63 days.

My soul, riveting, wishes that I could spend time with her, one-on-one,
listening to her recount her story, with me as her lone audience.

I feel this way about many people I meet. I want to know about them. I want to
know what makes them tick. I find that God repeatedly draws me near those who
have suffered greatly. And often, those who have survived sexual abuse.

It is a topic that is dear to my heart. It is the reason I have considered going
back to school for a degree in counseling. Until that day, I will use the gifts
that the Lord has given me, and the story that he has given me, to speak to
others.

The following is an excerpt from her "About Me" section:

"In the 80's, "boot camps" for troubled teens became the new treatment dejour
for parents at their wits end. However, after numerous allegations of severe
abuse, untrained staff and several deaths, these camps came under much
scrutiny. Steve Cartisano ran the most notorious of these camps, called
Challenger Foundation. I was 15 when I was kidnapped from my bed and taken to
Challenger. 63 Days is the story-in-progress about my brutal experiences
there, my subsequent escape and the aftermath. This is my story, this is my
life. "

Join me in supporting Alli through her story. Scroll down on her blog to start
at Number One.