Hello, my name is Genesis. I was born in Honduras and raised with the values and principles taught to me by my father. Despite what I was taught, I was an adolescent with fears for my life and negative thoughts towards myself. I lived with my mother in New Jersey. My mother often told me that I had a negative effect on her life. I was humiliated daily by my mother, which I could never erase from my mind.

I was constantly searching for freedom from my mother. I wanted to achieve my goals, which she told me I would never accomplish. I was told I was selfish for thinking about my goals and dreams. One night I was in bed crying and asking God to help me because I no longer had the strength to endure so many abuses by my mother. Thoughts of suicide constantly ran through my mind. I wanted to live my life, but I also wanted to take my life. Thanks to God, He heard my cries and sent me an Angel named Isabell Mellilo, who was able to find me shelter at Sierra House. God awarded me what I most longed for, my freedom and happiness. The day I left my mother's house I was devastated. So many emotions and so much pain came flooding back to me at once.

God gave me a second chance where I met some beautiful people: Ms. Marcia, the Case Manager, and Ms. Melissa, the house mother.  I love them so much. They show me every day who I am, that I have value and I can accomplish my dreams. I have always been so negative because I was always told I would not get far, but now I see the positive that people see in me. I am still working through the anxiety I have when I think about my life. God has been healing me little by little. I thank God for the small goals I have been able to accomplish while at Sierra House. I keep myself motivated by the pictures of my little brother and the love of my father, who is in Honduras. I want them to be proud of me. I still have difficult and bad days, but they are a little easier now. At Sierra House, I have a space where I am able to rest and be in peace. I have learned that life is beautiful and full of surprises every day. I have peace in my heart knowing that God answered my prayer and would never leave me alone. My name is Genesis. Thank you for allowing me to tell my story.

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