On February 28, 2022 we lost Jalen (Mareko), 23 years old, to suicide.  Jalen was loved by so many.  He was an elementary education major.  He attended SWAU where he met so many friends that are still like family today.  He took a mission year and spent time at the Iakina SDA School in American Samoa.  They took him on as a bible and science teacher. He lived with his grandma Fetu Tamaleaa where he quickly picked up the language.  He had a profound and lasting impact on many young people in Samoa.  When covid hit and the entire country was on the verge of a global shutdown,  he returned immediately back to Kansas City with his grandma, ending his year of mission in American Samoa.  But not before returning fluent in the samoan language. 

     He resumed his studies at La Sierra University.  Again, he met so many people there and continued to shine his light with whomever he came in contact with.  He played volleyball, pickle ball, football, and basketball.  

     He had a love for kids like no other.  He was always the favorite camp counselor and every kid wanted to be in his cabin.  He was a great story teller and classroom management was a natural gift. So many kids loved him and at the end of every week of summer camp, he would tell his campers, "If I never see you again on this earth, look for me under the biggest mango tree in heaven.  I'll be there waiting for you."