When I came to Maggie’s Place back in January this year, there was one mom who had already been here since July of 2015. Her son was born in August. I became her “contact person” in February when we were paired together for the remainder of her stay at Maggie’s Place. Jacquelyn and I share a few things in common… First, we have the same first name with just slightly different spelling; second, we both have sons; third, we both chose careers in the medical field; and fourth, we both have a tremendous faith in God and trust Him to direct our steps.
Moms who live at Maggie’s Place come to us at different times during their pregnancy and can stay for 6 months after their baby is born. Occasionally, a mom will need some additional time and can apply for an extension. Extensions are granted on an individual basis. Jacquelyn is a mom who used the Maggie’s Place program to the fullest and was granted an extension for the remainder of her schooling, which she just completed and graduated from this month. Jacquelyn recognized Maggie’s Place as an opportunity for her to have a warm, welcoming home with people who genuinely care about her and her child. A place where MissionCorps and other moms could provide support and encouragement while she took the necessary steps to improve her chances of success once she leaves Maggie’s Place.
For the past 10 months Jacquelyn has been working hard every day to complete the Medical Assisting Program at a local community college. Every day she got up early in the morning, generally before anyone else. She got herself and her son ready and walked or took the bus to take him to daycare and herself to her classes and her externship. Every afternoon she picked him up from daycare and made the journey back home to complete her daily chore, fix dinner, bathe her son, study, do homework and get some sleep before having to do it all over again the next day.
Jacquelyn is a beautiful example of hope revealed. She had a hope of a better life for her and her son. She allowed the Lord to guide her steps and give her a plan for how to accomplish that goal. Jacquelyn is a success story. She and her son are on their way to a bright and wonderful future…full of new adventures, opportunities and blessings. She put in the effort and the work to partner with God in creating a new life for herself and her family. Her son will one day know the struggles his mother faced and be proud of the steps she took to give them a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
By Jackie Jennings, a MissionCorps member
