Teresa enjoys worship and daily devotionals. She was baptized in October.

She’s no longer afraid

Teresa has been running scared for most of her life. After experiencing “every type” of abuse since she was a child, Teresa admits she had no idea what healthy relationships looked like. “I didn’t know what not being in an abusive relationship was,” she said. “My mom was a heroin addict and was physically abusive towards me, even as an adult.

“When I met my ex-partner, I was already used to (abuse). When we got together, I felt like I was running away from my mom. But he was abusive too, just more verbally. And I didn’t know he was involved with drugs.”

Teresa and her partner had four children. After her partner had trouble with the law, the couple moved to Mexico and Teresa’s mother looked after their children in the States. Teresa had one more child while in Mexico. This period of Teresa’s life was extremely turbulent, each day was filled with uncertainty, anxiety and depression. Teresa turned to drugs to deal with everyday life.

But after spending 13 fearful, abusive years in Mexico, Teresa found the courage to leave. “I was tired. I lived in fear of my kids’ dad; he was very violent,” Teresa said. “I’ve been attacked in Mexico when people were looking for him, they knew where I lived, where I was. It was terrifying. I got tired of running. And I realize now I’ve been running away from everything I’ve experienced before. I’ve been running for the majority of my life.”

Now, nine months into the program, Teresa can’t believe the level of safety and security she feels. “The Mission has changed my life. I wasn’t sure how things were going to go. At first, I thought about running, but the ladies here made me feel comfortable. I’ve gotten a lot of encouragement and prayer from everyone.”

Teresa is thankful that the program is faith-based; the worship and devotionals have been instrumental in her healing process. In October, Teresa was baptized. “It was a wonderful experience that I did with some of the girls here. It was a blessing that I could only have experienced at the Mission.

“We can’t do anything without God in our lives. He is in control of everything, no matter what we’re going through, Jesus answers everything for us. I truly believe that.”

Teresa has faced major health setbacks, recently having surgery to remove her gallbladder. Although Teresa felt anxious, she’s grateful to be surrounded by people who support and encourage her.

After graduation, Teresa plans on going back to school to become a case manager or emergency dispatcher. She is hoping to ger her youngest son to the United States and has reconnected with her older children and her mother.

“I’ve forgiven my mom for all the abuse. She’s no longer on heroin; she’s been off drugs for 20 years now,” she said. “I want my family to be together.”

To others struggling, Teresa advises: “The program changed me; it can change you. But you have to want it. The Mission has helped me in so many ways. I’m safe here, and you’ll be safe here too. You have a loving home to come to, you really do.”