Naomi
My name is Naomi. I am 39 years old and a single mother of six children, five boys and one girl; 14 years old, 7 years old, 5 years old, 3 years old and a 21 months old sons and a 10 year old daughter. I am British and so are my first 5 children except for the 21 month son who was born here in America. As a result of his birth place he is currently supporting our family with approximately $359.00.
The Lord gave my husband and me, a vision to come to America with all our children and start a ministry. So, we left England according to the Leading of the Lord in November 2005, we gave up everything to embark on our faith journey with the Lord.
It has not been easy but God has been Faithful. My husband has always been abusive in our marriage, verbally, physically, emotionally, and even sexually. So I did experience this throughout my pregnancies as well. I was encouraged; even threatened by ministry staff not to call the authorities. Although, I am a British citizen, I am originally from Africa, which is another reason why I was encouraged to endure the abuse. According to the elders, African women are supposed to endure at all cost.
Our journey took a different turn on September 3rd 2006 when my husband walked away with another woman. The kids and I became homeless; we lived with different people, motels and a shelter for two days.
In April of 2008, I received a phone call from a lady who works with the homeless from the educational board, because my kids where not in school. She was able to get them enrolled in school, through the assistance of the Salvation Army to pay for our motel while she made a search of a safe place for my kids and I. The lady called back and told me about Hope Gardens. I knew about URM, but not about Hope Gardens. She did all the ground work for me and sent in my application. I came in for the intake process and was told a few days later that we were successful.
On the 8th of May 2008, my kids and I moved into Hope Gardens. There are no words to express the joy and gratitude I felt and I was really grateful to the Lord the lady that brought us, and to the staff members who interviewed me on the day of my intake. Even to this day, my heart is still filled with joy and gratitude because I am in a Garden of HOPE. It reminds me of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. I wake up with Hope and Expectance everyday knowing that My GOD is in this place just as he was in the Garden.
Although the staff of URM/Hope Gardens acknowledged the difficulty that we faced with my immigration status there is still hope. My family is currently seeking immigration status under the U-VISA for Victims of Domestic violence. My family believes in the grace of God even when we face insurmountable challenges. Some barriers to obtaining permanent housing are: Obtaining the U-VISA or VOWA for legal immigration status; securing employment, and securing permanent housing for myself and my six children.
Even with the help of Union Rescue Mission, I will need continued support to ensure a smooth transition for my family. We are determined to make a new start and forget the abusive relationship that I endured and exposed my children to.