Sydney – 2017 Graduate

Throughout my childhood, my parent’s relationship was emotionally abusive and controlling. As I grew up, we moved often because we didn’t have a lot. There was division and separation between my family, and life was always very chaotic when I was little. My parents separated, and my siblings and I started having weekend visits with my father. During these weekend visits, I started to be sexually abused by multiple people. I finally told my mom about the abuse, and I believed she hated me because of it. She took me to a counselor, but I continued to lie and act out. When I was 15, I started to self-harm. I was so confused and shameful about what happened to me when I was young that I believed self-harm was the only way to control anything in my crazy life. While I was in high school, my mom married my step dad. I was very angry at her for marrying him because I believed he would hurt me. I started to sneak out, meet up with boys, and party. I was lying and had bad relationships which caused a lot of chaos for my family. When I was 17, I ran away from home multiple times. I would run to friend’s houses where I could easily drink and do drugs. I became a different person around whatever crowd I was hanging out with. When I was 18, my out-of-control behavior and sneaking around was too much for my family. I moved in with friends, and I continued to self-harm. I also developed an eating disorder, continued lying, and engaging in harmful behavior. I was miserable and had nowhere to go.

I learned about Mercy Multiplied through a family friend. I decided to apply because my life was so out of control and I couldn’t take it anymore. When I first arrived, I was very angry and didn’t really like to listen to authority.

A turning point during my Mercy journey was when the Asbury Church team came to our home. We had a worship night, and I really met God for the first time.

God has completely changed my life. He turned my life from a mess into something beautiful. I have learned that my emotions are a gift from God and they are not out of control. I learned how great God’s love for me is. While at Mercy, I have learned honesty and how to depend on God for my happiness. God has also restored my relationships with my family and my friendships back home.

After Mercy, I plan to go back home and work in a daycare.

Mercy donors, thank you for all you’ve done to completely change my life. You have no idea the amazing impact you are making on girls’ lives. Thank you!