Tasha – 2017 Graduate

I was born to a single mom who struggled with addictions. When I was four years old, I went to live with my dad. I experienced sexual, physical, and emotional abuse from people I should have been able to trust throughout my childhood. I began to self-harm at the age of 13, and began struggling with an eating disorder at the age of 14. I was eventually kicked out of my dad’s house and ended up living in a homeless shelter. I turned to drugs after being raped and began selling my body to support my habit. I felt like I was just existing. I had been hospitalized several times and was told I would never live a normal life. Two years ago, my dad left my step-mom, and I felt like he left me too. Everything I was experiencing and the hurts from my past came bubbling to the surface, and I couldn’t pretend that I was okay anymore. I knew I needed God to provide a miracle. 

I learned about Mercy from a friend at church who had worked at the Mercy UK home. She encouraged me to apply, and I knew I couldn’t continue living the way I was. I decided to give it a try, and I’m forever thankful that I did.

Mercy as a whole has been a turning point in my life. God has shown me His love and His mercy. I have learned that He is a good father. I now know that I can turn to Him for comfort and help. He is my everything. I have learned to trust Him and that He is safe.

After graduating from Mercy, I plan to get a job and get plugged into my church. My heart is to move to Africa and work with kids.

Thank you to all the Mercy supporters for making a difference in my life! You had a hand in God breathing life back into me and making me whole. I know that your support has paved the way for others to find freedom and healing through the testimony of my life.