24 hours of driving. A 30 foot trailer packed solid. Pulled by a truck with a full bed. Was it worth the time and money? Hear the stories of the women it will help...
Claudia is likely the next woman to graduate from Deborah's House. She is particularly frightened because she has only a third grade education, and wonders if she will be able to support herself and children. Yet she knows that her future is brighter than her past. She is one of many women who has found refuge from an abusive husband.
Margarita sobbed as she told her story. She used to be beaten by her husband publicly, right in front of people - why didn't somebody step in? Deborah's House welcomed her, and gave her a safe place to recover and discover who she could be in God's eyes and with God's strength. She is now on her own, supporting herself and children, thanks to the ministry of Deborah's House.
A different Margarita told her tragic story. She was ready to escape from her abusive husband (who dabbled in other illegal activities like carrying a gun). She went to the school to get her children. The Child Protective Services did very little research, never talked to her children apart from their parents, and made the children decide - in front of their parents - which parent they would live with after the short meeting. Margarita is uncertain when she will see her daughter again, but is grateful that she at least has her son with her. We pray that her daughter is safe.
Marisella has experienced such new hope that she is open to marrying again, should the right person come along. Think about that. A woman who has experienced such violations of trust is open to trusting again. She is nearly ready to launch back into regular society to raise her children and create a new life.
For Melinda, however, such an outlook will take awhile. She vigorously shook her head "No!" when asked if marriage sounded appealing for her future. She is young - in her early twenties - and is focused entirely on raising her three year old son as best she can.
In the US, we at least have laws in place to protect women from abusive men - they get locked up. In Tijuana, if the injuries heal in two weeks or less, the most the abuser will get is 36 hours. Just enough to tick him off even more.
Domestic violence is terrible anywhere. But it's worse when the law appears to be more on the side of the abuser than the victim. Deborah's House is more than a safe place. It is a sanctuary where women can let their guard down and be restored by God. Healing happens there way beyond the physical.
Your contributions are a part of that healing. Thanks for you help.
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