Episode Transcript
[00:00:01] Speaker A: Welcome to Life Reviewed a podcast by Hope House Colorado, where we invite you into conversation with teenage moms and the people who champion them. These stories of struggle, overcoming and perspective shifts will challenge you to review life as you've known it. One story, one person, one conversation at a time.
[00:00:20] Speaker B: Oh, I thought I knew the kind of life that I would need.
[00:00:28] Speaker C: Welcome to Life Reviewed a podcast from Hope House. I'm Christina Latrill. I am the development associate here at Hope House, and I'm here with one of our amazing teen moms. Do you want to introduce yourself?
[00:00:42] Speaker B: Yes. My name is Myra and I am 21 years old. I have two sons.
My oldest is named Lucius and he is four years old. And then I have an eight month old named Shiloh.
[00:00:57] Speaker C: They're absolutely adorable.
[00:00:59] Speaker B: Thank you.
[00:01:02] Speaker C: So I'm going to start this session just with a little bit of my story and how I came to be working at Hope House. So I just like Myra, I was a young mom, had my first little girl at 19, and had another one a couple years later. And I just remember part of being a teen mom was like a really big sense of loneliness and just feeling really isolated.
And I remember just kind of like reaching out to anybody I knew and they were like, you have to try mops. So I got really brave and I started googling mops groups near me.
And it's just kind of a group of moms that meet up. And I was super nervous to go into the group and I felt like, oh my gosh, they must have it all together. They're probably so much older than me and they probably think I have no place there. But I definitely was met with open arms and they just like welcomed me in. And I realized very quickly, just because like, they had all the cute designer purses or whatever, like that was just my insecurity playing a part. And I got to really know the moms and I'm still friends with many of the moms from my mops group for the last 16 years. So that's really cool.
We did. I kind of took advantage of everything that mops had available to me. I was in leadership for several years and I just kind of made it my mission to get everything out of it. I took parenting classes and just everything I could. So, you know, fast forward many years. I raised my kiddos and graduated from mobs and now my oldest is 19 and she's in college and my son is 16.
And what they are doing. Awesome. And I was excited to be able to work outside the home full time and when in one of the groups that I was in through mops, we did, like, service projects. And I got to come to Hope House when I was probably. I was probably 2009. I was probably 22, and so I was only a couple years older than the girls that lived at the house. But we would come on Friday nights, and we'd make dinner and just play games with the girls that lived there. And it was just so fun, and it, like, quickly just kind of carved out a little piece in my heart. Like, just Hope House was important to me, and I kind of watched it grow even as, you know, my kids grew. And so when it was time to work outside the home, I was super excited about an opportunity to work at Hope House. And I've been here. It'll be three years at the beginning of the year, so I just love it. I'm so blessed to have a job where I get to serve the Lord and serve moms and our champions. So that's kind of my story, how I got to be at Hope House. How about you, Myra?
[00:04:12] Speaker B: How I got to be at Hope House.
[00:04:13] Speaker C: Yeah. Yeah.
[00:04:14] Speaker B: So. Wow. It's kind of like, a long story, but. So I hatch Lucius at 17, and initially, I dropped out of high school, and it was a really hard time for me because it was in the middle of the pandemic, and I had turned initially to Facebook because I remember we were, like, always struggling with food and, like, just resources, and I just, like, didn't have any family at the time that was, like, really close. And so this mom had reached out to me and was like, hey, you know, I have, like, food for you. Like, let me. Can I, like, drop it off? Like, and then when she dropped it off, I remember her telling me about Hope House, and she was like, it's literally, like, five minutes from your apartment. We should go together. And at the time, I was so nervous because I was like, I don't know what this is. Like, I just was confused because I thought it was, like, just another thing, like WIC or, you know, just another simple thing like that. And I guess I didn't realize the.
The big picture of it all and what it really was. And so I never ended up going. And so it wasn't until I believe, like, another year and a half later where I did so. Another mom at my high school had mentioned it, and she was like, you should come to the open house with me there. And I didn't realize the connection between, like, my first init initial knowing of Hope House and then that like, that friend telling me that. And so it was interesting to see, like, when I did end up going to the open house at Hope House, that mom, that older woman that had told me about it, she was a mom of one of the moms that were at Hope House. So, like, it was like. And her face was literally on the business card when I first walked in. And it was insane. Like, it was just all these connections. And then I remember, like, that mom that had initially told me and, like, her daughter that was in Hope House, her brother I ended up going to high school with as well. So it was literally just like this whole connection and, like, it was just crazy how it worked out. But, yeah, I really wish I would have gotten in it sooner, but I'm glad I did eventually. So it was nice.
[00:06:30] Speaker C: Yeah, it's funny you said that, with all the connections. So the MOPS group that I originally joined is the exact same MOPS group that Lisa Steven started, a teen mops group at that church. And then that's where the whole idea of Hope House actually started, was at that teen moms group. So.
[00:06:48] Speaker B: Oh, my gosh, I had no idea. That's really cool.
[00:06:51] Speaker C: Yeah, Yeah.
[00:06:51] Speaker B: I love how I really feel. That's when God works like the. Like, you can see him so clearly working with those connections. And it's like, it's really cool because I've been seeing that a lot, especially when I look back at everything and my story. Yeah, it's really cool.
[00:07:06] Speaker C: It's just like kind of weaving in.
[00:07:09] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah.
[00:07:12] Speaker C: So it's kind of cool how we met. So it's kind of this full circle story because, you know, that's how I knew of Hope House was mops. And then that's how I met you. Myra is at mops, and I'll kind of use momco and MOPS interchangeably because back in my day it was mops, but they rebranded last year and it's called momco now. But about a year and a half ago, one of the staff members had an idea to start a MOPS group. And I was like, yes, yes, please. Like, I love mops. Can I please be a part of it? And, you know, leadership was very open to me being a part of it. I have a kind of a back behind the scenes job. I'm the development associate and basically in fundraising, I am the database administrator. So I don't get to work one on one with a lot of moms. So I was like jumping up a bit to just kind of be a part of this MOPS Group, so it's been a huge blessing.
And so I'll just let you. Well, do you want to explain Momco groups or do you want me to.
[00:08:19] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah, go ahead. I'll try as best as I can. Because, yeah, I get mixed up with the MOPS and the Momco as well.
[00:08:25] Speaker C: It's a safe.
[00:08:26] Speaker B: But, yeah, we had just. I believe it just started this year. Correct. Like, back in May, I believe.
And I went to, like, the very first one, and it was really cool. And I really think that, like, Hope House, like, in general was, like, an amazing community. And then with MOPS being involved, that was just like, just another, like, best thing, you know, like just another community in one and, you know, just two great things. And I think it's really. Just from my perspective, it's just really a solid time for moms to come together and just hang out and just, you know, share stuff about life. And it's just like that extra safe place on top of Hope House, just to talk about everything with kids and hardships and relationships, but more of, like, in a comfortable, you know, open space kind of way, like.
And. Yeah. And also there's always food and there's always, like, really fun activities that you guys plan. So that's really nice. And I always look forward to going to it, so it's been really fun.
[00:09:35] Speaker C: Oh, I'm so happy to hear you say that. So Mom. Mom Con is a nonprofit that just kind of encourages moms to have a community and to know Jesus and learn more about parenting and about each other. And you described it perfectly. Like, it's a time to come together and eat good food together and just kind of like fellowship and learn about each other and learn about the Lord. And I think I mentioned, like, I've been friends with some of my mom's friends for, like, 16 years.
[00:10:07] Speaker B: Yes. That's so special, too.
[00:10:09] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:10:10] Speaker C: And I've seen. I've seen you make great friends, too. So I love that that's kind of.
[00:10:14] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:10:14] Speaker C: Working like it's supposed to, you know, and I love that. You know, I remember when my kids were little, like, it's so hard to just sit down and finish a meal or finish a cup of coffee. And we have. We have volunteers that watch the little ones. So you get to finish your coffee and finish your meal and have conversation and get. Actually get to finish the conversation.
[00:10:38] Speaker B: Yes. That's really nice. Yes. It's just. Yeah. It's such a good time every time. You guys make it.
[00:10:43] Speaker A: Great.
[00:10:44] Speaker C: Good. Oh, thank you. So I am a Mentor mom now, which is kind of like a different phase, but it's still so fun. And one thing we got to do this year in particular was go to Mom Con, which is the big convention we. It was with 5,000 moms from all over the country, and it was actually in Denver this year at the Gaylord.
[00:11:10] Speaker B: And how ironic is that?
[00:11:11] Speaker C: I know.
[00:11:12] Speaker B: Like, how special is that? Like, it was in Denver, and, like, we had just started that.
[00:11:16] Speaker C: Yeah.
Yeah. So what was. What was your. So tell us a little bit about Mom Con. What was your favorite part?
[00:11:25] Speaker B: So I. Well, first of all, I've never been up to the Gaylord Rockies, so that being hosted there was amazing. It was such a pretty, you know, resort everything, and going in, I honestly did not know what to expect. And the amount of people, like, during that worship, you know, at the end of the. Like, the big party at the end, and then, you know, at the end of the day when they have, like, those big worships and, like, speakers and stuff. Yeah, I think that was my favorite part is just seeing, like, how big of the community is of mothers. Like, that is really cool to me. And it. It just gave me, like, a very, very important reminder that it's not like, we're all in this together. And. Because sometimes, like, especially as a teen mom, it makes me feel, like, so alone, and it's like, you know, but, like, it's really, like, there were so many moms there, and it was just so special, and the speakers were just so real with their stories and so vulnerable, and it was just really special to be there. So it was a really cool experience. And, yeah, I feel like three days went by so fast, but it was really cool. I really liked it.
[00:12:35] Speaker C: Yeah, I agree. It was a whirlwind. It was really cool to see, like, just 5,000 moms from all over the world, like, in the same room, like, worshiping God and learning together and encouraging each other. That was amazing. Like, just that visual of, like, Remember, like, the first, like, dance party when everybody came together for the first time? It was like, holy cow.
[00:12:57] Speaker B: Oh, my goodness.
[00:12:59] Speaker C: Huge.
[00:12:59] Speaker B: I know. I didn't. And that's what I didn't initially realize is how big it was. And so that initial, like, first day when we saw that, I was like, oh, my gosh. Like, this is, like, this is huge.
[00:13:12] Speaker C: It's almost overwhelming.
[00:13:13] Speaker B: Yeah. But it was such a cool experience.
[00:13:16] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:13:16] Speaker B: And just, like, seeing how many, like, moms, like, literally just moms filled that room, I think that was, like, really, like, surreal, because I was, like, wow. Like, these are all mothers.
And, like, it's so cool. Like, when Lecrae came out to sing, like, I loved when he mentioned, like, I am not who I am because of my dad, because his dad wasn't there. Like, I am who I am because of my mom. And I think that resonated with me so deeply because me having two boys, like, especially, I just know that I just want to be that mom for them. And, like, I want them to grow up and, you know, be Lecrae's age and be like, I am. I am who I am because of my mom. Like, because my mom was there.
[00:13:57] Speaker C: And.
[00:13:57] Speaker B: Yeah, so that really was special to me when he said that.
[00:14:01] Speaker C: Oh, that's beautiful. So Lecrae is a Christian rapper and he was amazing.
But, yeah, that is really beautiful. And I definitely see that in you, Myra. Like, you just kind of go for it whenever. Like, you've been helping Hope House so much with, like, speaking engagements and fundraising events.
[00:14:19] Speaker B: Yes. This year has been amazing.
[00:14:21] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:14:22] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:14:23] Speaker C: And you're just like, such a warm and kind face to all the moms. Not like, not just at MomCo, just at Hope House. Like, you just kind of welcome them in and you're so friendly and kind. So thank you. Love that about you.
[00:14:38] Speaker B: Thank you. Yes.
[00:14:40] Speaker C: Your boys are lucky to have you.
[00:14:42] Speaker B: Thank you. Thank you so much. Yeah, I think there's always that, like, lingering question, as if, like, we're doing enough as moms or if, like, we're teaching our kids enough or. And like, I always try to, like, you know, tell at moms of any age of, like, like, we're still learning, you know, like, every day. Like, I'm sure, like, you have a 19 year old, you still don't know what's gonna happen in five years. You know what I mean? Like, and so that's why I try to give myself grace too, because it's like, my kids are 4 and 8 months old and I feel like sometimes I'm losing my mind. But, like, in all honesty, it's just. You're just continuing to learn and, like, I think that's. It's a good, gentle reminder of, like, it's okay.
[00:15:22] Speaker C: It'll be okay. Encouraging to know, like, it's not just you. Like, every. Every mom feels that way.
[00:15:28] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:15:28] Speaker C: That's why MomCo is huge. Because we all need encouragement and we all kind of feel like, yes, are we doing enough? Am I doing it right? And really, we're all just humans trying to do our best.
[00:15:39] Speaker B: Exactly.
[00:15:40] Speaker C: Just encouraging each other and.
[00:15:41] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:15:42] Speaker C: Lifting each other up. And we need Jesus.
[00:15:45] Speaker B: Exactly. Jesus leads. All that was, like, in a very important aspect of mom con is like, yeah. With God. Like, seriously, every. Anything is possible.
[00:15:55] Speaker C: Absolutely. Yeah.
[00:15:57] Speaker B: It was just so cool. It was so cool, that community. And, like, especially though, like, everybody coming from out of state, like, people from South Dakota and people from Florida and people from California. Like, I was.
[00:16:10] Speaker C: There was a speaker from Jamaica, and she. Remember her.
And it was Wendy Palau, and she's a famous speaker and she writes books and she's amazing. She asked who else was from Jamaica, and people, like, screamed and hoot and hollered and.
[00:16:27] Speaker B: I don't remember that.
[00:16:28] Speaker C: Holy cow. There's people from all over the world. So neat.
[00:16:31] Speaker B: Yes. And, like, oh, my gosh, it's crazy that it was, like, big enough, too, to have, like, the former bachelor.
[00:16:38] Speaker C: I don't remember his name.
[00:16:40] Speaker B: I. Oh, my gosh. Ben Higgins.
[00:16:43] Speaker C: Yes. Oh, yes. Good memory.
[00:16:46] Speaker B: And that's so sweet, though, because, like, his wife is. I think, like, the reason why he resonated so much with mom con is because they're having a baby, so that's cool. And like. Yeah, it's like. It's crazy that MomCom, like, brought that much attention, though, you know, like, it's that big.
[00:17:00] Speaker C: Yeah. Many famous speakers, authors, CEOs, just.
[00:17:04] Speaker B: Yeah, it's amazing. Like, doctors, lawyers. Like, there were so many speakers that I was like, oh, my gosh. Like, yeah, this is amazing.
[00:17:12] Speaker C: Do you remember the one?
It kind of. I remember it kind of resonated with both of us. The name of it, I think it was called Beauty and the Brokenness. That little class, like, we had, like, breakshops. Yeah. That was really, like, because we got to know each other. Each other's stories on a more personal level. And. Girl, you've been through it.
[00:17:34] Speaker B: Yes. You know, I have been through it. Yes.
[00:17:37] Speaker C: And so there truly is just so much beauty in the brokenness. And I have a very, you know, broken childhood. Things with, like, addiction and abuse and neglect. And I can definitely say, like, my story is absolutely beautiful. And a lot of it is because of that brokenness. And so going through that glass with you and, like, just getting to talk with you about things like that was, like, so special.
[00:18:06] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:18:06] Speaker C: That was one of my favorites.
[00:18:07] Speaker B: Was amazing. Yeah. The beauty of brokenness. And I. I feel like that resonated with me so much just because, like, currently in my life right now, I feel like I'm going through so much.
[00:18:19] Speaker C: You are.
[00:18:19] Speaker B: Pain and, you know, just, like, really trying to put that Faith into God. And it's been really hard. And I think, yeah, that class. I even bought that book. I don't know if I told you I bought the book, too, because I was like, I need to read this. And she was just. Yeah, that workshop, like, she was so. She was so real with it, too. Like, and she just made it very clear that, like, no one is perfect. And I was really thinking earlier, too, like, the pain and, like, the trauma and, you know, I feel like everyone has their own stories, but that. I feel like those.
Those things, like, build character.
[00:18:58] Speaker C: Absolutely.
[00:18:58] Speaker B: And it really builds your story. And I really don't think. Well, I know. I know I would not be the person I am today if it wasn't for those things. And even though, like, talking about it and, like, what I went through was really ugly, like, from the minute I was born, it really made me who I am. And, like, I thank God for that because, you know, he made us all perfectly in our own way.
[00:19:21] Speaker C: Yeah. You're so strong and you're so resilient. And God. God knew exactly what he was doing, giving you your boys, and you are the perfect mom for them. And, yeah, you're. You're doing it, girl. You're doing a great job.
[00:19:35] Speaker B: Thank you. Thank you so much.
[00:19:37] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:19:38] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:19:40] Speaker C: I wonder what else, but what other kind of moments stuck out to you at Mom Con?
[00:19:48] Speaker B: I really think. Well, the speakers were really, really beautiful with their words. Like, I don't know if you remember that one where she had. She was talking about grief, and she had lost, like, three babies in a row, like, after her first initial one.
[00:20:07] Speaker C: Yeah, that was that Wendy Pullout.
[00:20:09] Speaker B: Oh, was that the same one?
[00:20:10] Speaker C: Yeah. I loved her.
[00:20:11] Speaker B: From Jamaica. Yes. Oh, my gosh.
Yeah. That really, really stuck with me because she was just talking about grief and, like, you know, kind of asking God, like, why? Yeah, like, why? Why is this happening? Why is this doing this? And I think she was like, instead of asking him why, ask him what? Like, what is this doing? Like, how is this, you know, gonna change my life? Or, like, what can I learn from this? Or, you know, and she was just. I just loved how vulnerable she was in that speech. And I think a lot of women in that room.
[00:20:50] Speaker C: Oh, yeah.
[00:20:51] Speaker B: Really? Yeah, you could clearly see, like, there were waterworks going across the entire. Entire crowd. But, yeah, it's just, like.
It was just really powerful. And I really liked her story.
[00:21:05] Speaker C: Yeah, me too.
[00:21:06] Speaker B: It's just. And now. Oh, yeah. She had. I think, like, she had ended up not trying anymore, so they had Ended up going to Ethiopia, I believe, to adopt their daughter.
[00:21:17] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:21:18] Speaker B: And now they're, like, you know, so happy, and they couldn't imagine life without her. And it was just such a clear perspective of. This is why all of this happened.
[00:21:29] Speaker C: Yeah. And this is what she did with us.
[00:21:32] Speaker B: Yes. And, like, you wouldn't have had your daughter, you know, from Ethiopia if, like, you know, that stuff didn't happen. And even though that stuff was so ugly and, you know, it kind of goes back to, like, trauma, like, even though that stuff was so ugly, like, it. You. It made something so beautiful out of her life and, yeah, that was really powerful. I really loved her story a lot.
[00:21:55] Speaker C: I was just thinking. So do you remember? So one fun part was just watching you. So the girl. The teen moms that went with us were Myra, of course, and then Haley and Madeline and Ashley. And the four of you kind of got to know each other better at mom groups.
[00:22:15] Speaker B: Yes. Yeah. We honestly, we just love spending time together. And it's just so cool because I do believe, like, we were, like, the younger out of the crowd, for sure.
[00:22:25] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:22:26] Speaker B: But, like, yeah, we were the younger out of the crowd. But I think it was so clear to know that, like, even though we were young, like, we all resonated together on the same thing, though, because there were moms there that were, like, 50 or there were moms there that were, you know.
[00:22:39] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:22:40] Speaker B: 20, like, us, you know, and it was just, like, we all related to it, though, you know, And I think it was just, like, a clear indication as well as, like, we're just all going through it, like, together, like, motherhood, you know, and it was really cool.
[00:22:54] Speaker C: Yeah, that is really cool. Yeah. I love watching you guys just, like, have fun together.
[00:22:58] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:22:59] Speaker C: Thank you. Guys are building, like, such, like, a wonderful, like, lasting relationship and bond when you're, you know, when you're. You are going through, like, all the stages of motherhood and you're doing it around the same age and, you know, like, that's so special and so, like, fun to have each other, you know?
[00:23:17] Speaker B: Yes. I love.
[00:23:17] Speaker C: So neat.
[00:23:18] Speaker B: I love Haley, Ashley, and Madeline.
[00:23:20] Speaker C: Yes. I love them.
[00:23:22] Speaker B: If they're listening to this, I'm just kidding.
I love you guys.
Yeah. It was such a fun weekend. I was like, I wish this could be, like, a whole week. Imagine that'd be so fun.
[00:23:33] Speaker C: So much fun.
All right. Any. Anything else you want to say about MomCo Mom Con?
[00:23:41] Speaker B: It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. And I remember they announced it. It was going to be in Orlando next year.
[00:23:48] Speaker C: Oh, yeah.
[00:23:48] Speaker B: And we were all like, let's go to Orlando.
[00:23:50] Speaker C: Let's go.
[00:23:51] Speaker B: I was like, yeah, let's go. That'd be so fun.
[00:23:54] Speaker C: But we need to fundraise for our Orlando trip, right?
[00:23:58] Speaker B: I know. That would be so fun, but, like, no, it was just such a cool experience, and it's just like. Yeah, it just gave me a different kind of perspective on motherhood.
[00:24:10] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:24:10] Speaker B: Like, it just was really fun.
[00:24:12] Speaker C: I remember coming back and just being like, gosh, I feel so, like, empowered and, like. Like, I'm encouraged to be closer with God and just. It just, like, I just felt like, that spiritual high of, like, I love you, Lord. Thank you for giving me this experience.
[00:24:28] Speaker B: Yes, exactly. And I. I also want to say, too, like.
Like, since, like, my. I feel like my life had changed so rapidly so suddenly recently, and, like, going to Mom Con, I feel like those lined up perfectly.
[00:24:43] Speaker C: Oh, God.
[00:24:43] Speaker B: Because they said so many things, and, like, I learned so many, like, new things from it that just resonated so deeply with me, and it was just really refreshing, and I just really felt God in that room. Like, it was so special. It was really nice.
[00:24:59] Speaker C: I'm so glad. So glad we got to experience it together.
[00:25:02] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:25:03] Speaker C: And you did just at the right time in your life. And God just kind of works that way.
[00:25:07] Speaker B: Like, his timing is always perfect.
[00:25:10] Speaker C: Exactly. You took the words out of my mouth. Yes, that's exactly true timing.
[00:25:14] Speaker B: Yeah, it's amazing.
[00:25:17] Speaker C: So our Momcon group meets every other Friday, the second and fourth Fridays of every month. And it's not just for teen moms at Hope House. It's for any young moms that want to join. And it's even for alumni. So even years after you graduate, Mayra, you're welcome to come back and come to momcon, even when you've graduated from Hope House.
[00:25:38] Speaker B: That is so exciting, because I did not know that at all. And, like, I think Kati had to, because Kati came to momcon with us, too, and she had told me that, and I was like, oh, my gosh. No way. Like, that's amazing. I did not know that.
[00:25:51] Speaker C: Yeah, it's very special. So cool.
You're invited. Everybody out there, and I guess we're going to wrap up. I am going to move along, and Grace is going to join you and just continue our conversation. Myra. So thanks so much for listening, and here's our break.
Hi, everyone.
[00:26:13] Speaker B: It's Celeste, development coordinator at Hope House Colorado.
[00:26:16] Speaker C: We have an awesome group of 233 champions called our Bedrock Builders who donate.
[00:26:21] Speaker B: Monthly gifts and we would love for you to join.
[00:26:23] Speaker C: This group is super special to our moms because it provides them stable support.
[00:26:27] Speaker B: Through an income stream that they know.
[00:26:29] Speaker C: They can always count on.
[00:26:30] Speaker B: If you'd like to become a monthly.
[00:26:32] Speaker C: Donor, please visit hopehousecolorado.org donate now and make your recurring donation today. Thank you so much for empowering our teen moms.
[00:26:46] Speaker B: Cool.
[00:26:46] Speaker A: Welcome back to life. Reviewed. My name is Grace Hamilton and I am one of our early learning teachers at the resource center and I'm here with Myra. Again, thanks so much, Christina, for kicking us off.
So something really cool about my relationship with Myra is that we actually get to hang out outside of Hope House, like, all the time, but specifically on Sunday mornings, we attend Skyline Church together. And so Mayra, I just wanted to hear, like, about your experience with Skyline and like, what your season with, like, church, hunting and growing your relationship with the Lord has, has been like, yes.
[00:27:28] Speaker B: It has been great. I feel like this season of my life has been very hectic and it's brought a lot of change.
And I just remember Cameron, who was another early learning teacher at Hope House, she initially had told me about Skyline and I was just hesitant just because I haven't been in, like, church, you know, routinely since I think I was like 12 or 10.
So it was definitely, you know, nerve wracking. But I think that, like, this was the perfect church for me to fall into and I really think God made a path for me to find it, especially with you and Cameron and some other staff that attend Hope, like at Skyline from Hope House as well.
And it's just been cool. It's just been so nice to like, spend more time with you and get to know the staff even more on like, a deeper level.
But yeah, it's been really cool.
[00:28:34] Speaker A: I'm so glad it's been so fun to, like, bear witness to your growing relationship with the Lord and like, get to worship together and sing together.
I think too, what has been fun is like, you brought Shiloh to church for the first time.
And so I just wanted to hear too, like, what does that mean for you? Like, getting to see your relationship, getting to see the boy's relationship with Christ grow and entrusting him with them in that way.
[00:29:00] Speaker B: Yeah, I feel like it's just so special because I'm already seeing my faith grow so much. Like, and I had just joined Skyline at the beginning of September and I just find it so special that they will be able to grow in his light as well. And I want that for Them so badly. And I think it'll happen. It'll happen because I want to stay in, like, God's glory and his love.
And they love it there as well. They love going to the kids club. Yeah.
[00:29:34] Speaker A: They're such pros.
[00:29:35] Speaker B: Where they also sing and, you know, learn about God. And I think it's just so special, and it's something that I didn't get at that young of age, and I just really want to make a commitment to them, and I really want that relationship to be so strong between them and God.
[00:29:52] Speaker A: Yeah, I think that's really beautiful. It's so cute to see, too, like, because for our listeners, like, we sign our mamas and our kiddos in, and they get little stickers at the front, and we do the same thing at church. So Delicious knows what's up. He gets a sticker and shiloh on his little, like, on his back. So he doesn't, like, pull it off.
[00:30:11] Speaker B: Oh, yeah.
[00:30:12] Speaker A: But literally, it's been so cute, like, to see the boys make friends and, like, just thrive and be comfortable in, like, new classrooms and, like, new situations, because we know them and love them so much in early learning. Like, it's just been so fun to see them thrive and, like, grow their relationship with the Lord, too.
So one of my favorite memories so far from this season has been getting to go to lunch with you.
[00:30:42] Speaker B: Yes. Tio Cali.
[00:30:44] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:30:45] Speaker B: It is the most amazing restaurant with the most amazing salsas and tacos.
[00:30:49] Speaker C: Yes.
[00:30:50] Speaker B: Like, my new favorite obsessed.
[00:30:53] Speaker A: But we talked a lot about, like, being vulnerable and, like, being a leader, like that day at lunch. And I just wanted to hear, too, what is that looking like for you at Hope House in this season?
[00:31:06] Speaker B: Just, like, being vulnerable in words of, like, being vulnerable.
Yeah.
I think that there's a reason God brought me to Hope House in the beginning three years ago.
But so much. I've seen him work so much this year and especially in the last few months, and I think I. I am. I feel like I am, for the most part, comfortable with myself. And so being vulnerable, it is hard sometimes, but sometimes I feel like it's kind of. You know, it comes naturally just because I do trust you guys so much at Hope House and only at Hope House, I think that's where, like, vulnerability shines through.
And I, like, I. I just trust you guys with, like, my story and things going on in my life. And even though it's hard, I think, like, God wants us to be our most authentic self, and I believe he sees right through all of us and so he already knows all.
And, like, it's just so special because I really do feel that connection very much, specifically with Hope House and, like, the staff and everyone I've met here so far.
[00:32:20] Speaker C: Cool.
[00:32:21] Speaker A: I know you're like a graduate, but you're also, like, kind of involved in the program in different ways, maybe unexpected ways.
What is that, like, to see the trajectory of, like, your growth and, like, if you're looking back at yourself that started at Hope House, like, what. What would you say to her?
[00:32:41] Speaker B: I. It's crazy because when I first joined Hope House, I feel like I had little to, like, no faith in God. And I was just, like, going through the motions, like, being a new mom and being scared. And I really don't think that I found God until seriously, like, this year, if not just back in August, like, genuinely. And it makes me proud of myself, though, because I feel like people do change and people can, you know.
You know, it's just. It's just so special to see myself and, like, that growth from, like, the beginning and being a graduate. It's. It's really cool just because I feel like I can now tell other moms, you know, what the program is and kind of be more of like a pro at, you know, just letting people know, like, what Hope House is about and, well, specifically teen moms letting know teen moms what Hope House is about. So, yeah, it's been cool.
[00:33:44] Speaker A: Cool. That's awesome. What is your favorite memory thus far of this season of Hope House?
[00:33:57] Speaker B: The whole new Early Learning center probably is the best. When we went to go to Estes park and take that photo shoot of the big mural in the new Early Learning center, it was so special. And it's just what I really think about a lot is how all the staff had written Bible verses on literally, like, the bones of that building. And it makes me feel like it's just so special. Like, I would not. Like, it's just so special to me, having both of my sons in a place that I know is just amazing and blessed and happy and positive. And I don't think a lot of people, you know, are lucky enough to say that. And I'm lucky enough to have both of my kids in a place where I absolutely, like, 120% trust and love.
[00:34:51] Speaker A: It's such an honor.
[00:34:53] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:34:53] Speaker A: Yeah. It's literally so cool to like, see them be in that full time, like, structured care and it, like, be uniquely Hope House.
What does that look like? What does your day look like with how's your self sufficiency growing and things like that.
[00:35:11] Speaker B: Yeah, I.
Yeah. Well, ever since the early learning opened, it's like I can maintain college better and I can, you know, go to my classes more and just, like, work on school more. And it's just been. It's been really amazing. And it's going to continue to be a big help in the future just because I do have a few semesters left until I finish my prerequisites for nursing. So it's really special to.
Yeah. You know, just have that help. And it's so cool that I got to be a part of that experience from the beginning. And I feel like that's going to stay with me, you know, for the rest of our lives. It's funny to think that Shiloh's a baby bear on that mural. And what if he comes back at, like, 20 years old and is like, yeah, that's me? Like, that is so special to me.
So, yeah, it's just so cool to be a part of this whole experience from, you know, the beginning of the Early Learning Center.
[00:36:08] Speaker A: I love that. I love that for your family. I love that for your boys. We miss having them, like, on a daily basis over in the early learning program in the resource center. But it's super special when we get to hang out with them.
[00:36:22] Speaker B: It makes it all that more special.
[00:36:23] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:36:23] Speaker B: When you do have them and, like.
[00:36:25] Speaker A: They'Re just so squishy and fun and, like, that's also why I love our room weekends because, like, yeah, it's like, I love that at Hope House we're so relationship focused and it's like, so in the threads of what this place stands for that we get to have weekends and we get to have those special memories and we get to, like, breathe into each other's lives and be together on Sundays and go to lunch and spend the night on Saturdays.
[00:36:52] Speaker B: Like, yeah, yeah.
[00:36:54] Speaker A: Like, it's just really fun.
[00:36:55] Speaker B: That's so special. And, like, that's what I keep thinking of too is, like, community is the biggest thing that I feel like God sends us and that he wants us to have just for, like, those, like, connections and those, you know, it's just so special. Like, I think that's the most, like, that's something that money can't buy. Like, that's something that is just so special and rare to come by. And like, when you do have that community and you know that love, and that's why it. I am so grateful that now I have Skyline Church and then on top of that, Hope House, and it's just yeah, it's really special. Like, yeah, God has worked a lot in the last few months and it's so special.
[00:37:35] Speaker A: Yeah, he's so good.
[00:37:36] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:37:36] Speaker A: I love the way that he provides. Speaking of community, it's so funny. I was going back in our Slack messages.
So for our listeners, I have gotten the privilege of having multiple roles here at Hope House. I started as an operations assistant, I've gotten to hang out at the house, and now I'm on our early learning team. But I went way back in our slack messages the other night, Myra. And literally our first message, you just ghosted me.
[00:38:03] Speaker B: Oh, my gosh. No. Yeah, I was like, what was it?
[00:38:07] Speaker A: I was on ops and I think you said, like, you had wanted something from the donations thread. And I was like, hey, girl, do.
[00:38:13] Speaker B: You want the address? Like, oh, no, I can give you all the info.
[00:38:16] Speaker A: And I was like, wow, look at the way that God has provided and redeemed and the friendship that he has reached into and built. It's such a testament to honestly, new seasons for both of us. And I'm so grateful. Even though you ghosted me.
[00:38:34] Speaker B: Oh, my gosh. I wonder how long ago that was. I'm like, I never ghost people. Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh. That must have been a mistake.
[00:38:41] Speaker A: But literally, I'm so grateful that, like, I get to say, like, you have been here from the beginning of my Hope House journey. And it's been really fun to see how our journeys have, like, intertwined and like, the way that you trust me with the boys and specifically, like, being in infants, like, having Shiloh so often, like, it's such an honor to be trusted with your kids. And to have that be the get go of, like, foundational relationship work, I think is just really cool to see the way that God's design for community has spoken into our relationship.
[00:39:19] Speaker B: Yes. Well, thank you. Yeah, there's, like I said, like, there's only, you know, a few people who I trust with my kids. So that's just, you know, that's why it's like, I trust you guys, like, 120%. And this is Shiloh's first time in any type of, you know, early learning center. So it's like, I'm giving you guys my life. Like, this is, like, my heart outside of my body protected, like, with all your heart. And, like, it really is. I think that goes for, like, all of the moms, though, at Hope House. Like, we are all putting our trust in you guys. And I think it says a lot that, you know, we do love you guys. And we are so grateful for everything that you guys do.
[00:40:00] Speaker A: Oh, my gosh. Well, we just, like, love y'all right on back. So I feel like ultimately, too, like, leaving back to that community.
You know, part of what we get the blessing to do, like, when we're living on mission like this, is to bring that into community and bring God's work into the community. That's something that our church, like, really, really values.
So what does that look like, like, for you when you think about going into the community, like, if you were to share your testimony, like.
[00:40:32] Speaker B: Yes. Yeah. Just like, my life.
[00:40:33] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:40:34] Speaker B: Kind of in a nutshell.
Yeah. I feel like.
I always tell people I feel like my life was chaotic, like, the moment I was born. You know, I was born into a family that was very lost and broken, and I, you know, didn't have parents who ultimately loved me. Like, they didn't, you know, and so.
But, like, God intervened so quickly by making my kindergarten teacher adopt me and become my mom. And I think that that was a huge God move. And the more mature and older I get, I realize that, like, he was there from, like, the moment I was born. And even though it's so hard to kind of understand that sometimes. And like, earlier with Christina, I was talking about, you know, trauma and how sometimes we don't understand what we're going through and why God is putting us through this stuff. And, you know, I was so young and just little girl. Like, why did I have to go through all that stuff?
You know, like, foster care was so hard, you know, all of these, like, new things. Like, I couldn't imagine Lucius going through that. And I was his age. He's 4 years old, and I was going through it younger than he was. You know, like, I was three years old when I put. Was in foster care. So I think it's just the realization that, like, I had told Christina that trauma and, like, all these things, like, build character, and they build, like, I would not be the person I am today if it wasn't for those hardships and, like, fast forwarding in my life.
Another really low point is when I did have Lucius. Like, he was such a blessing, but it was also a very low point in my life, and I didn't have anybody, and I didn't have that mother figure, and I didn't have, you know, a lot of my family was. You know, I didn't have the best connections with them at that point either. And that's also when I found Hope House. And, like, that's look how great Hope House has been to me since then. And then, you know, like, recently I had ended a six year relationship with my kid's dad. And that has been probably the hardest thing that I've been going through. But a Hope House has just been there for me, like, every step of the way. Like, seriously, like. And that's. It goes back to that community part of, like, God just surrounds me with so much community and.
Because I think the worst thing for you is, like, sometimes all I want to do is just, like, isolate myself and just, you know, push everybody away. But I think, like, in the moments, like, I think Adam had said this. The pastor at Skyline Church. Yeah. He had said that God loves, like, broken people because that is when he can come in and really save you and, like, open your eyes to him. And I feel like that is exactly what happened to me.
And I really thought I had it all. I thought I could hold that control. And I thought that, you know, this is just how my life is. But, you know, God saw things I didn't, he heard things I didn't, and he made a change. And I think back, and I'm just so grateful for everything. And even though, like, I'm in the thick of it right now, I could just continue to say that he's just been. He's just made huge moves for me. Totally.
[00:44:04] Speaker A: It's.
[00:44:04] Speaker B: It's just so special to reflect that and just really see that, like, he. He's real.
[00:44:09] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:44:09] Speaker B: And it's. Yeah, it's so special. Yeah.
[00:44:13] Speaker A: Well, and it's really special to get to, like, bear witness to it all, too. I've, like, loved seeing you grow in the way that, you know, you're being more vulnerable, and you are stepping into community inside and outside of Hope House, and you are giving the Lord control and you're praying to him and you're asking questions and you're involving the boys. And, like, it's just really an honor to get to, like, walk this walk with you. And thank you.
[00:44:43] Speaker B: Yeah. Thank you. Yes. It is so special. Thank you.
[00:44:48] Speaker A: Yeah. Well, thank you so much, Mayra, for hanging out and for joining us. And thanks, y'all, for listening to this double episode of Life reviewed, and we'll see you next time.
[00:45:01] Speaker B: Precious soul the things I didn't know the things I didn't know about you oh, precious soul the things I didn't know the things I didn't know about you About.
