Haley – 2015 Graduate

I was born to two wonderful parents and three playful brothers and was doted on as the long-awaited first girl. I was blessed with a great childhood, one filled with many fun trips to Yosemite, Disneyland, beaches and snow—perfect for my adventurous spirit. My parents also provided me with many opportunities to develop many talents. I took dance and singing classes, starred in musicals and participated in multiple sports. I never had a dull moment growing up. As I continued to grow, my confidence grew too because I excelled at almost everything I pursued, whether it was that “A” on an assignment, the lead in a dance or play, or trying out for a team. I never faced rejection or disappointment, and my pride and confidence were continually being fed. Slowly during high school, my self-confidence started to fade. School wasn’t coming easily to me anymore. I had to push myself hard just to reach a B! My academic identity was lost. I had always been thought of as “the smart one” in class. Now I was the one looking to others for help. Stress settled in, and I didn’t know how to get rid of it. Luckily, I was still excelling in dance and sports. So I came up with the idea that if I turned my focus on those activities, I wouldn’t feel like such a failure. But even with doing all the things that I enjoyed, it didn’t take away the stress of not doing well in school. My stress took away my appetite, and I began restricting my food intake. Soon my parents and I noticed I was looking way too thin. The doctors then diagnosed me as “anorexic.”

I remembered an old friend telling me she was going to a place called Mercy. I remember thinking the place sounded weird, and I had the urge to look it up on the computer to see what it was really about. The more I read about the program, the more I knew this was the place that could give me the tools for complete healing. I knew that all the secular treatments I had been to were missing the most important key for true healing: the Gospel. I applied that same day with a sense of peace in my heart that my life and hope were going to be restored.

My true healing at Mercy started when I realized that I could give my stress, worry and hopelessness up to the Lord. Because He already died for me, I didn’t have to carry those burdens any longer. Any time stress or worry would arise, I would pray right where I was and ask Him to take it away. And He did every time. Every time I thought I could not fit in another bite at a meal, He helped me eat the rest. He has been with me this whole time, and I can see it now.

After Mercy, I plan on returning home and hope to eventually start college in the fall.

To the donors who make Mercy possible, thank you for saving my life!