July 2012 Newsletter

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This Is Home Base

Desirae is pictured here at Samaritan Inn working in the garden. She said, “This is home base. If I ever get lost, I know where base is. There is always an ear to hear and people who really care. If I’m not feeling right, I can get back to the Word (of God) and the ladies. I can be restored.” In her 7 months at Samaritan Inn, Desirae did get lost both physically and otherwise. More than once she had to call home base to get directions back. And once she moved out prematurely against all advice. She ended up in a bad situation, then returned to base to try independence again, later under better circumstances.

Some women move from Douglas County to a safe place, some move from other places to here for safety and a fresh start in life. Desirae moved here. In a week, she had a part-time job in a delicatessen that she still has. In addition, she worked a second part-time job during the Christmas season. Soon she will be moving to a transitional housing place that is safe and supportive.

Desirae has a convoluted past, the details of which would not be edifying for anyone. Yet an overview explains the need for our homeless shelter. Her mother was a drug addict that involved Desirae in her world of doom. From childhood to being an adult, their relationship of codependence and self-destruction consumed them and everyone around them. There was never a solid foundation to build a life upon, no home base. She grew up in foster care homes, but never felt completely bonded anywhere. The Mission became home to this adult robbed of a nurturing childhood.

An aunt took her to church as a child. She excitedly said, “I got saved last Sunday at church.” Then after a moment of consideration she said, “I actually received Jesus as a child. I had cut Him off. I did not deserve to be forgiven. Now I know I am forgiven of past mistakes. I am going to be a work in progress. I have hope in life now, increased faith. I’m allowing the Lord to work in me, letting the old life go, growing. The Lord said He would lead me, if I just let Him.” In chapel at Samaritan Inn, Desirae said the speakers related numerous times to her story, confirming the Lord’s presence and hope in Him. She learned, “He will never turn His back on us, and He will forgive us, even if we turn our back on Him. I feel blessed, God is working here to help us get on our feet. This is where He wanted me to be. Thank you.”