As a kid, I felt very misunderstood and misplaced. I befriended others who were considered social outcasts. Middle school and high school years were difficult, and I began to struggle with borderline anorexia. When I was 17, I witnessed a shooting while on a mission trip, which was traumatic, but I think I just tried to block it out and go on with life. During my freshman year of college, I started to self-harm. During my sophomore year, I was dismissed by the university because of the way I was hurting my body through cutting and abusing diet pills. When I returned home, I was very bitter and I struggled with binge eating and cutting worse than ever. At age 21, I attempted to take my life. I was confused and honestly just lost myself. Thankfully, I didn’t die. God still had plans for me.
I found out about Mercy through my grandmother who had recommended I read Echoes of Mercy. I decided to apply because I had had enough of the struggle I had been facing and wanted freedom.
While at Mercy, I was set free from self-harm by God, and have learned I am uniquely His. I also learned to take my thoughts captive and much more.
After Mercy, I plan to return home to live with my parents and get involved in local outreach. I look forward to going to church and volunteering there. I would really love to use my musical gifts to glorify God. I also want to attend school to become a medical transcriptionist.
No words can describe how thankful I am for all the staff has done. They have shown me love and kindness and were so willing to come alongside me to help me through this period of my life.