Paula and her boys are flourishing in the loving environment at Hope Family Center.
Paula thought she'd never be able to forgive herself for what had happened to her six-month-old son—for not believing her husband could be the abuser that fractured his tiny skull. But after little Jonathan was rushed to the hospital a second time for the same injury while in his dad's care, Paula's worst fears were realized.
Paula says she had a good life as a child. As a teenager, she never got into drugs or alcohol. But after she was married at age 26, she learned she did have an addiction . . . to her husband. "I started letting myself go and letting him make all the decisions," she admits. Then he hurt Jonathan.
The next thing Paula knew, Jonathan and his older brother Nathaniel were placed in foster care, she and her husband divorced, and she found herself drowning in guilt and grief. In 2007, Paula was told she could have her children back if she moved to Hope Family Center. Paula embraced the chance to be reunited with her children. The decision changed her life.
"The staff has shown me a lot of grace," Paula says. "They share their own experiences with their children and the things they've been through. They make me accountable for the things I do. They love me. They are proud of me. They forgive me."
And, she explains, she has finally even forgiven herself for what happened with her husband and children. "I didn't think God would forgive me when I should have known what was going on and then with the divorce. Now I know Jesus died on the cross for my sins."
Paula is currently the "house mom" for the new Hope Family Center building that opened last year, and she'll graduate from Des Moines Area Community College in May. Both Jonathan and Nathaniel are healthy and happy. Paula appreciates everything you and other compassionate friends have done for her family through your financial gifts and prayers.
"I'm thankful for the opportunity to be here with my kids," she says. "And now, knowing Jesus will
always provide for us, I know I can do this on my own."
