God’s Timing, God’s Place

I can vividly remember the first time I drove onto The WellHouse campus and the Chapel came into view. Everything about it from where it sits on the property with the water behind it, to the wide windows and steps into what I imagined was even prettier on the inside, was just beautiful. I felt at peace before I even stepped out of my vehicle. I would like to think that is the initial feeling for each survivor upon their arrival as well, but I’ve learned that isn’t always the case when peacefulness has not been very familiar to them.

This fall will mark three years since I have been on staff at The WellHouse. For probably ten years prior, during homeschooling years with my children, managing a small business, and getting to experience travel across the country because of my husband’s career, I prayed for and looked for direction on how I could serve in this type of ministry if it was God’s will for me. While traveling, I learned of a few other organizations fighting against human trafficking. I joined fundraising efforts and did what I could to share what I was learning and spread awareness when I could. In my studies of this issue of trafficking, I ran across a WellHouse fundraising event announcement online. I applied to volunteer, thinking my days back at home I could help wherever I was needed. Two years later, I received a call and an opportunity to serve and learn about The WellHouse. Shortly after volunteering, I was offered the opportunity to join The WellHouse staff. I didn’t expect the blessings I’ve encountered for myself by accepting the position.

Early on, I didn’t think that the Finance department would have much interaction with our residents on campus, but I’m grateful that hasn’t been the case. I’ve had the privilege of getting to know many of them and been blessed to witness their amazing growth and achievements. I’ve watched new skills being learned and independence gained in some of their journeys. I’ve also had the honor of sharing my knowledge of money management resources or answering banking questions with some of the residents once they can earn a paycheck through ShopWell. The most precious blessing to me has been the moments of being able to remind them of God’s faithfulness and provision. That if we just seek and trust Him, He will make a way, break our chains, and show us our purpose. There have been many times those reminders echoed back to me from them.

The WellHouse is truly a place of grace, restoration, and healing. I’ve enjoyed seeing how God calls each person here for a specific reason and season. We all have important work to do here, both staff and residents, like trusting Him to show us daily what He has for us to learn, walk through, accomplish, and surrender to Him.

My prayer has always been that each woman and child experiences and becomes familiar with peacefulness and learns that true peace can only come from our Creator.