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From time to time, we get articles from women who want to encourage otherswith their story of struggle and recovery. ‘Hope you are encouraged by Jen’sstory.
When I heard about the Hoving Home, a 12-month program for women coming out of addiction to drugs and alcohol, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had never been to a program before. I had never even confessed to anyone that I was an addict. I had been many things: mother, writer, business owner, bad driver, homeless. But I had never admitted I was an addict. There was too much shame in that.
When I called the Hoving Home to do an interview to enter the program, I saw the love of Jesus at work. This wasn’t just a program to enter, but a family to join. They seemed to move heaven and earth to make sure I could get to them. Then they welcomed me with open arms. “Addict” wasn’t something I had to call myself there, and there was definitely no shame in this family of godly women.
The Hoving Home program has given me tremendous tools plus the time, in a safe space, to really find a deep, personal relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I spent half of my day in the Learning Center, reading books and watching videos on all kinds of things. I was able to get to the root of what caused my addiction and kept me stuck there so long. Each problem I worked on brought me closer to God and healing.
During the second half of my day, I worked in the business office where I could use the skills I already had and learn new ones too. I also built trust in job relationships, which I never had before because my addiction always stopped it. Slowly but surely, I saw God growing every part of my life, including work-related areas! He was teaching me to be confident in what I knew how to do. What a difference that made! I no longer dread getting up in the morning to go to work because I get to use my gifts for God!
I will finish the Hoving Home program soon, and I am so thankful for every moment I spent there. It was difficult sometimes, but I am not afraid of hard work because that gets the best results! I pray that as I move forward and return to the world, with the help of staff and ministry partners, I will leave behind a testimony of faith, grace, and great hope given to me by God through the Hoving Home.
