I can hardly believe it’s been nearly 16 years since I graduated Teen Challenge.

Although it was a challenging time in my life, I look back with fond memories. Life since then has been a series of hills and valleys with each day complete with God’s grace.

I was a single mom raising my son for nearly 10 years after my graduation. It was tough to wait for the Lord to bring me a husband, but in the end definitely worth the wait.

I’ve been married for 5 years and am coming up on my 10 year anniversary of becoming an RN.

Two years ago we were surprised by the birth of my beautiful daughter, Marigold. I still have to pinch myself when I think about the fact that God has given me a daughter of my own after all these years.

I give the Lord all the glory for helping me reach my goals and sustaining me through the years. I’m still learning how to live a life that emulates Jesus to this day, but I am certain that my walk began during my time at Teen Challenge.

It was there I learned how to pick up my cross and follow Him and that my life has purpose and I am worthy of love.

I’ve often referred to the Teen Challenge ministry as a gold mine and I feel fortunate the Lord chose me out of the millions of women that could use some help.