Story of the week: Candy

This is a story of a young woman named Candy. She is the kind of woman that we will be helping with the House of Hope. Through your prayers and support, we can reach countless women just like Candy.

When I was just 7 years old, my uncle raped me, and my parents did not believe me and treated me like I was a liar. They were consumed with their own problems and only focused on themselves. I started to feel dirty and bitter. I grew up and as a teenager and I liked to get drunk after school and go out with boys. My parents were Christians, but I couldn't know God like they wanted to show me- their criticism and rejection made me flee to the street where I could have fun. I fell in love with a boy at 18 and he tricked me and left me pregnant. I could not stand it and I was in utter solitude. I hated myself for this and then someone came to me to take me into the world of prostitution. I needed the alcohol to forget all the pain and I came to live among the trash. Thanks to Camino de Vida, now I know the merciful and gracious God, the God who loves, forgives, and restores. I have started all over again, but there are still fears and old patterns to change and I cannot do it alone. I went back home to my parents, and I'm trying to win back the trust of my daughter who is now six years old. I do not want to go back to where I was, I want to be completely free of all the past. I no longer drink or have any physical relationships, and I don't feel lonely - but I am not yet strong enough to walk alone. I need your help.