“My heart began beating fast. It felt like it was now or never. I left everything I owned except the kid’s toothbrushes that I threw in my purse on the way out.”
As a victim of domestic violence Wannida knew she needed to protect herself and her children from a toxic home. After exhausting short-term stays and sofa surfing with family and friends, Wannida desired to find a more stable solution for her and her children.
Through the counsel of a friend, Wannida made an intentional decision to come to the Orange County Rescue Mission to be rescued. They moved into a one-room space at the mission with a community bathroom. She shared how challenging it was to voluntarily put herself into a two-year program with restrictions and requirements imposed by others.
This decision took humility, faith, and trust that God would provide a hope and a future for them. Wannida was on a fast track to healing and transformation. She grew in her walk with the Lord, graduated from the program, and obtained employment with Orange County Health Care Agency, office of Children & Youth Behavioral Health.
Wannida’s marriage is over, but now she has a new start for her and her two children in a secure new apartment. Last Saturday, Deed and Truth volunteers transformed her house into a beautiful home. Many generous donors gave furniture and household items. Our House2Home team from Zion Church provided the muscle for the move and put the finishing touches on the two-bedroom apartment.
Please pray for Wannida and her children. Pray also for so many other women who feel like prisoners in abusive relationships living in fear and oppression. Wannida’s heart’s desire is to give back to others who are hurting. She knows first-hand what it feels like to have to start over with nothing but some toothbrushes in a purse.
