For 15 years I lived in the prison camp of my own home, where torture and violence were the family "normals" and where beating and trauma ruled life with iron rigidity.

My life style was a long way from the fairy tale vision of my very own "prince charming" and the happy ever after dream I had been promised through bed time stories since my earliest memories. What a shock to find out my prince was really a monster in a law enforcement uniform and my sorrow and suffering would eventually end with a decision to commit suicide.

However, that almost fatal night I called a 24 hour prayer line and instead of taking my own life I turned my life over to my Lord Jesus.

I guess that was the beginning of "dying to self" and it was that night I realized Jesus my ultimate role model never abused or violated any woman or child. Shortly there after my abusive marriage ended in a very painful divorce.

I had only a high school education and my learned helplessness from which to start my new beginning. My "I Can’t" mentality had me absolutely convinced I was worthless, helpless, hopeless, and useless.

But God’s favor and mercy were upon me and today I have a master’s degree and I truly believe that through God all things are possible. Many wonderful people encouraged me and supported me to learn how to overcome. Especially helpful were the staff at the Women’s Center at Red Rocks Community College and my teachers/mentors from the Peer I therapeutic community in Denver Colorado. God used many special people and mentors to give me hope and empower development of my self confidence. Now, I truly believe "I CAN".  Now I Can give back to others.

Through an abundance of testing and trials as well as many peak overcoming experiences, I was eventually led to Pueblo Colorado and led to develop and open a transitional home and therapeutic community for women and children suffering from the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and addiction to drugs and alcohol.

Today I also know the Mi Casa program exists even though many people who think they are important said "it will never happen, not in Pueblo" Some of the local "good OLE girls" went out of their way over and over to discredit me and destroy the program. We still do not have the funding we need in part because of their vicious selfish efforts. I have personally learned through much pain what persecution, betrayal, accuser of the brethren, and character assassination are all about. Sometimes even those sent by God to help me have betrayed me the most. Too many times cruel politics for selfish gain have waged war against the good works that I do.

However, nothing ever even comes close to the abuse I suffered at the hands of my own husband. The one who was suppose to love and protect me. The terror of my past gives me strength to bear the aggravations of the present.

Once I was a victim then I realized I had survived. Today I know how to over come. Today I know that if God is for me no weapon formed against me will ever see victory.

Times are sometimes very difficult. Often I do not know how program bills or my personal bills will ever be paid. Usually someone somewhere just feels led to help and an unexpected unsolicited gift comes in. Through the grace of God I have found the courage to heal and I now know how to encourage others to heal and to find hope.

I still need a lot of prayers. Please pray for me and for Mi Casa. Pray for God’s will and for provisions. Pray thanksgiving for the healings and miracles as each day God makes a way where there was no way. Please share our stories with others who need to hear.