Ajaya was in a toxic relationship — and one damaging to her son, Prince. Eventually, she decided enough was enough. Ajaya fled with Prince, but soon discovered the challenge of trying to make it on her own with a 2-year-old. “It was a ripple effect,” she explains. “I had to quit my job because I couldn’t find childcare. Then, I couldn’t renew my lease.”

They stayed with extended family for a while, but when that grew old, they had no place to go. She felt God leading them to MRM, but was resistant at first. “I was ashamed, hurt and confused,” she says.

But when Ajaya and Prince arrived at our family shelter, Joy House, they were met with open arms — and nourishing meals, warm shelter and clean clothing — and staff helped her work through those initial feelings. She felt the shame, hurt and confusion melt away … and give way to love.

“They showed me so much grace,” she remembers. She was grateful for safe shelter and meals for herself and her son. Through counseling, Ajaya began addressing past trauma — and hopes to turn her experience into encouragement for others. “What I’ve been through, and what I’ve experienced since being here … I think it’ll help people.

“Without MRM, we’d probably be on the streets. But I always trusted God to provide a way, and the people here have been very gracious to me.”

Today, Ajaya is looking forward to the future — and, for the first time in a long time, to Christmas.

“Thinking back, the holidays weren’t very enjoyable. But this year, I’m excited because I have Prince, and we get to have a different kind of Christmas together. We get to create our own celebration!”

Thank you for helping this precious young family find peace and Christmas joy!