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Terry!

My heart sings everytime I remember you telling me to "let the girl in me out".. I've been doing just that!! :) I'm moving forward with my dreams and following the little whispers from God.. You are a great inspiration ( I don't tell you that enough, but I often think of you) You left an imprint ... :)

Keep on keeping on..... and I'll keep on supporting your efforts. :)

Much love and many hugs,

Kristi Mainor Shanks (YouTube 100 Day Challenge)

Hello Terry,

My name is Tracey I came across your wonderful mission via a slightly different route. Recently my two adopted daughters required the services of a shelter for extreme mental health needs which are only now manifesting. Our lives were thrown into chaos and devastation, ultimately requiring their removal from our home with future plans indicating long term residential at Vista Maria or somewhere equally suitable.

Standing at a precipice in my own life, having to be an advocate for the girls against the state system that gave them to us, as well as the mental health facilities paid by the state to inadequately support and care for them, I too heard a voice years ago during a freeway auto accident. Mine asked me what my purpose was, before I heard the answer. The purpose is love. That alone has been the one constant in our lives despite caring for children who themselves, because of past abuse and birth parent history, do not know how to experience this most wonderful of emotions, let alone accept it from a mother. Instead, they internalize it as a threat and do all within their power to eliminate it... even if it is to the extent of physical harm. This is the situation we found ourselves in.

Now, as we approach another court appearance advocating for these children to remain out of our home in order to be placed in a secure facility where they can have their challenges acknowledged and treated properly, I was very despondent thinking about the enormous task I have had set before me. For the past two weeks, I have been following the path of letting love guide me in faith to raise awareness to the plight of other mothers and children faced with the same situation I not only lived with for twelve years, but survived. There is so much I have learned during our journey of heartache towards recovery.

I empathize with your photo looking at the shelters dismal appearance, and was especially touched by the one of you looking into yourself while sitting on the bed. That's where I have had to look in order to find my own true calling in order to make something good come from the years of despair at the hands of my beautiful daughters who never learned how to experience love. Your expression of..."I knew without a doubt that God had much bigger plans for my life, and He needed to use me for His glory. We made a deal with each other on that day. I asked that He would continue to provide the needs for my family (food and a roof over our heads) and His request was, "Glorify Me", was a confirming answer to me to the question of should I move ahead with my planned organization to benefit children in crisis. I am exhausted, mentally drained and still recovering from the trials this mental illness in children has created, yet I feel comforted by the words you shared and encouraged to take up my own global cross of raising awareness through my own path. I know this message is lengthy, and if you have read this far I appreciate you even more. I simply wanted to say thank you from my heart and wish you continued success. Hopefully our paths will cross somewhere soon in our shared missions to help others.

Sincere Regards,

A. Tracey
2/2/10

The March issue is what prompted me to find you on FB. We as military know the importance of feeling grounded with the many times that we move, a sense of belonging. We feel that in the homes that we decorate, it's special touches, that make us feel like we were there forever and will continue to have stability. I cannot say enough about your foundation!! You truly give these families a sense of stability and warmth, just by what you do. Just thought I'd pass that on to you Terry.

Hi Terry!

Did u hear all my wonderful job news on facebook? I love you too sister. Merry Christmas. Happy new year. When does the new New York gig begin. Will it be on tv or will it? You have drawn me so near to God and inspired me to my true calling and now I don't worry. I have total trust in the Lord. How great that is. God bless your girls that you just helped. Xoxoxo Myra Smith.....Texas 09'

Wow! I just have to say that you are very inspiring! I have a dream to be a well known home stager (someone who decorates homes for sale) after reading your story, I know that there is hope. Even when it seems like it is just never going to happen...keep the faith. And I will, because of your article about the womens shelter. Fabulous work, by the way. You are an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your vision and your faith.

Have a blessed day~
Sandie Childs 6/3/08

Dear Terry,

I just read your story - wonderful - of course I voted "yes!" I'm involved with our local domestic violence shelter which is happily a warm and welcoming place. Being in the "escape" or "homeless" mode is difficult enough without having to deal with a toxic living space. Thanks for your efforts to provide havens - and empowerment for women in crisis.

Here’s to continued success in your reinvention and creation of heartwarming havens for women.
You Rule!
Marje Rody
www.Damesrule.com 3/21/10

"I rejoice in the success of others, knowing that there is plenty for all of us." Louise Hay

Hi Terry,

I am so inspired by what you are doing. I too am a graduate of Joanne's SDP classes. I have a few passions in my life and they are God, my children, my family, helping those less fortunate and my decorating business.

I would love to be able to do what you are doing. Please if you have a moment, could you share with me how to get started in doing it?

Thank you,

Donna Glenn
Addressing Rooms
Georgia

Hi Terry,

I've been following your web site for about a year now and have always been fascinated with all you do. Anyway, I am wanting to start a program to help the kids who have lived in an orphan home and have now turned 18 and must get out on their own by helping them with basic living necessities. I know you have just changed to a non-profit organization but early on in your ministries, helping women was a part of your regular business. My question is... was it difficult to get people to donate or volunteer without being a non-profit org?

I guess I want to take baby steps to begin with and am not too sure about being non -profit right now. I currently work for Meals on Wheels as a manager and know a little about the way non-profits work. I know your busy but your thoughts and knowledge are much appreciated.

Sincerely, Tammy
Florida

My girls have been through alot in their young lives. My 17 year old was sexually abused by my husband (her step father) when she was 11 years old. She didn't tell anyone until she turned 13 and that explained the behavior that she had, with cutting herself and acting out. I immediately left him and have been struggling financially. My other two girls recently were touched inappropriately in July by my oldest daughters 18 year old boyfriend in the middle of the night when they were sleeping. He is now in jail and I have a restraining order on him. We have been through so much.

One of the things that I would really want is for my girls to have a nice bedroom where they can relax. I can't afford to go out and spend alot of money to make their rooms look the way they want them to. I pick up things at consignment shops and thrift shops when I see them. I guess I need help decorating and making their rooms more personalized.

Any suggestions?

Jennifer 3/20/10

Hi Terry,

I wanted to THANK YOU so much for taking the time to meet with me. I am inspired by your passion and drive. Thank you for the advice and encouragement. I am going to work daily on my goals. I look forward to our next meeting.

Thanks,

Jennifer Bush~~Westland, MI

ruth

8/31/2010 3:20:54 PM

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