Olivia – 2015 Graduate

I grew up in a Christian home with nurturing parents and four loving sisters. I had a fairly good childhood until I was seven years old and moved to a new town and unexpectedly developed hearing loss. I was bullied endlessly throughout elementary and middle school. I suffered a lot of rejection and never felt loved or wanted. In high school, I found comfort in my eating disorder, drinking with new friends, and being very promiscuous. During my senior year of high school, I looked to a friend’s boyfriend to fill the void that I later learned only God could fulfill. As a result of my actions, all of my friends turned against me. I had never felt so alone, unwanted and unloved. Alcohol and food enabled me to numb the pain and feel at least a glimpse of temporary joy.

My mom heard about Mercy from one of her friends and told me about it. The day I looked at the Mercy website, I immediately began my application. A new sense of hope shot through me. There was always a small seed of faith in me, and when I learned about Mercy, that seed grew. Something in me knew, “This is what I need.” I knew God was the only answer, but it was so easy to get distracted. When I first arrived at Mercy I was very lost, empty and alone. I felt hopeless and discontent with my life.

There were so many turning points during my time at Mercy. I think the biggest was when I realized that I was created in the image of Love itself and that my need to be loved and wanted is actually quite legitimate. Now that I recognize that, I have been able to find the true source of love and acceptance—God.

While at Mercy, I was able to experience God’s unfailing love. I learned that no matter what goes on in the world, He is always with me, and I am never alone. I learned that what I have done in the past does not define who I am. I am a new creation in Christ. It is unexplainable how my joy and peace was restored. I have never smiled so much in my life.

After graduating from Mercy, I plan to spend a lot of time with my family and restore my relationships with my parents and sisters. I plan to get involved in a Christian community and build a vast support system of friends and family. I really want to go to college and continue exploring the future God has for me. I also eventually want to get married and have a family of my own.

To Mercy’s supporters, you have no idea how greatly your contribution to Mercy has impacted me. Mercy has truly changed my life. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be the free and radiant young woman I am today.