A
Testimony—The
Refuge of Love
Donna Hacker
Hi,
my name is Donna Hatcher. I’m 23 and have a 2 year old daughter named Faith. She
will be 3 on April 3rd. I am a former resident of the Refuge Home where I moved
to when Faith was 8 days old. Moving there was the best decision I have ever
made for myself...and more importantly,, for my
daughter.
The
Refuge Home is filled with Love, Kindness, and Gentleness… (The fruits of the
Spirit). I can’t even begin to describe the love and nourishment my child and I
felt there.
I was
given opportunity for new experiences which included acquiring a ‘big family’,
continuing an education and or working. But the best experience I found was the
opportunity to start over! It gave (and still gives) me the chance to be who I
wanted to be—inside and out. My
residency at the Refuge Home also provided the feeling of the love and
forgiveness that God gives!
Having a big
family can be crazy at times but when you think about it, you realize it’s a
blessing. Getting close to others around the same age forms bonds that will
never be broken. There were plenty of times ‘a shoulder to cry on’ was needed.
Not only was the staff there but my sisters
were there.
If
alone, going to school, working, raising a brand new family, saving money is
very hard to do. But the Refuge Home made it so much easier. They provide
babysitting when we’re gone and help when we’re home. They supply meals,
diapers, charge no rent and offer freedom from bills. What a perfect
opportunity!
Rules
can be difficult but to be honest, in the long run we can see how blessed — very
blessed, we are.
I
have moved on and was ready but didn’t want to admit it. I am still in school
working toward a Bachelors Degree in Rehabilitation Services and almost done.
Faith and I have an apartment in Marion. The Refuge Home prepared me well,
introduced me to my new best friends — my church family, and most importantly,
Jesus Christ.
Thank
You! Donna and Faith Hacker