Thankfulness for a changed life, from being used and abused to being loved and valued, inspires me to give back.
After growing up in foster care, in 19 different foster homes to be exact, I started looking for the love that I was missing. I wanted someone to love me and I would do anything to get it. This need led me into the arms of the wrong man. Everything was so perfect; he built me up and made me feel beautiful and special, AND loved. But when I found out I was pregnant he became real abusive in every way possible.
The State of Kansas enrolled me into high school completion classes at Youth for Christ-Wichita in 2010. The longer I attended classes, the closer I got to the staff there. I built a bond with them that was strong enough for me to know that I could trust going to them for anything. The YFC Parent Life Director, Pam, always knew when there was something wrong with me, but I was trying to hide the abuse as much as I could. Then the ‘love of my life’ told me I had to go out and use my body to make money. A 9 to 5 job wasn’t good enough, he wanted that fast money. I made several attempts to leave him, but he had cut me off from everyone so I thought I had to stay.
When our son was 9 months old the abuse moved to him. The day I had to see my son with bruises and cuts all over his face was my last straw. I couldn’t let my son go through what I did. So, with no money or belongings, I took my son and left. I had an old “trick” get me a motel room where I called Pam and told her everything. That morning the YFC Parent Life staff picked us up, took us to eat, and found us a place to live with another YFC couple, Chuck & Janis.
The hope, encouragement, and help I received through Youth for Christ-Wichita turned my life around. I completed my high school education and began attending church. I began to see my value through Jesus and accepted Him as my Savior. The choices I make in my life now are based on what God wants me to do not what someone else or the world says.
This past February I began giving back by becoming a volunteer with the ministry that helped me so much. YFC’s slogan is “Give Life to Your Story”. Sharing my story the first time was hard and brought me to tears, but it is so rewarding to know my story can help other young moms see their lives change for the better too! You can learn more about this wonderful organization at http://yfcwichita.org/.
Review from #MyGivingStory