God can use anything for good.
In 2019 Hermine was locked in a pressure cooker of stress. Despite the inner turmoil that bubbled up within her, she pushed herself into her work, trying to make financial ends meet, trying to keep her kids and her house, trying to keep up the pace of her bills. Yet, sheer willpower was not enough.
“I was working. I thought I had it all together, but things just slipped through my fingers one at a time,” says Hermine. “My mind wasn’t with me because my world collapsed. My ex was leaving…”
She still remembers the day she arrived at Simonka Place, her four kids in tow. It was a Sunday. It was dark and rainy, yet the gloomy weather was not foreboding – the best was yet to come for Hermine and her young family.
“I felt relief when I sat down in the chapel. I was crying. And right there I knew that the Lord had shown me [Simonka Place],” recalls Hermine. “When Simonka opened its doors to me and my kids, it was a relief because I always told myself I was a lost sheep.”
Now, Hermine didn’t feel homeless; she felt at home. Slowly, she eased her grip on life as the pressure released. She relaxed in the safety of shelter and stability.
Over the next year, Hermine worked closely with Simonka Place to identify barriers to her success. She took classes on parenting and trauma, among other subjects, she was counseled, and she began cutting ties with that which held her back from being who she was created to be. Her relationship with Jesus was restored as she learned more about His grace and love. Life was coming into color again.
“Hermine’s faith in the midst of all her barriers and struggles is an inspiration to our staff and guests,” says Case Manager Krystal.
Not only were her children welcomed into the fold, but they were also well taken care of at UGM; her kids were very fond of Simonka Place.
“My kids loved it. They did not complain – not a word,” Hermine says. And, despite the unconventional online schooling format as a result of COVID-19, Hermine’s kids thrived in their education, even in this new living space.
Today, she and her kids have moved into their own home. While she’s relieved to be independent again, she cannot help but admit that they miss Simonka Place.
Hermine might be quiet – she might appear shy. But there’s a strength and boldness she carries. Now that God is the force behind her, there is nothing she can’t do.
“Hermine’s story is like Murphy’s Law: anything that could go wrong, did. Every time we made headway, we came up against another barrier that we weren’t expecting,” says Krystal, who is proud of where Hermine is today. “God really moved mountains for her and her family. She persevered and showed incredible faith and trust in God through it all!”
“It’s not about me. It’s not my story. It’s about the One who shines through me. May God shine through me every day,” says Hermine.
Your support of UGM helps people just like Hermine. Give today at ugmsalem.org/donate.
