Before I came to Mercy, I experienced a lot of sexual and verbal abuse throughout my life. My childhood was very chaotic and there was a lot of violence all around me. I fell into self-harm when I was a preteen which, turned into a lot of self-destructive behavior. When I reached adulthood, I found myself in a very unhealthy, codependent relationships and I was willing to do anything to make others happy or love me. A friend told me about Mercy because she knew I wanted so badly to be different, but I didn’t know how to be different, or even if I could change. A turning point for me happened during the Renewing of the Mind module. It changed my life. I am now able to have authority over my thoughts, and I know who I am in Christ. God taught me who I was made to be and who I am when I abide in Him. He taught me it’s okay to feel, but also not to let my feelings control me. He also taught me that I have a future and He’s given me unique gifts for that future.

After I graduate from Mercy, I am going to work at a school that helps at risk and special ed. students learn who they are in Christ and that they are capable in education, the church and in relationships.

I want to say thank you to all of the donors and supporters for all your obedience to God. You are changing lives. Not only are you changing lives of girls at Mercy, but you’re also changing lives of families, friends and unborn/future generations.