The radiant smile you see in the photo above took time to appear. Mauren, a 19-year-old pre-leader in San Carlos, has always been quiet and introverted. Two years ago, she had a difficult surgery, which was very challenging for both her and her mother. Though the surgery was a success, Mauren continued to struggle, feeling anxious about attending SuNica’s programming. She often missed events because she worried about socializing and connecting with others.

Despite her fears, the SuNica staff saw her kind heart and deep faith. They began having intentional conversations with her, encouraging her to recognize her value and gently challenging her to get involved. Recently, Mauren took a huge step by signing up for a community race. Even though sports aren’t her thing, she was one of the first to volunteer. She finished last in her category, but that didn’t matter—she crossed the finish line with so much joy! It’s amazing to think this is the same girl who once felt too embarrassed to participate. We are constantly reminded that when people see their value and embrace the way God designed them, they flourish in ways beyond expectation.