My name is Nikki. I am 20 years old and was born in Romania. My biological parents were young and poor when they had me. They abandoned me and left me on the streets. I was found and placed into an orphanage for a year. At 3 I was adopted by a Canadian family who were unbelievers, drug addicts, alcoholics, and extremely abusive with me in every way possible. For so many years I often wondered if there was any hope for me in this life. At the age of 9, I began drinking and by the time I was 11, I was an alcoholic. I never had anyone tell me that they had loved me. By the time I was 14 years old; I was using every drug in hopes of burying the emptiness I had inside. I never loved myself one bit. For a few years I even sold my body to support my addiction. At the age of 19 my best friend who was a really strong believer moved into a basement suite with me and began telling me about Jesus. I started to attend church regularly, as well as bible studies and youth groups, and gave my life to Christ. I had a real hard time giving up my addictions and serving Jesus though. Many months later, I came to Teen Challenge. It was the hardest move of my life. Teen Challenge has changed my life in so many different ways. I have learned to let go and let God. For the very first time in my life I have been able to say the word Dad. I have let go of my past completely and don’t dwell on it, but leave it all at the Cross. I know that I am completely forgiven for everything. I know I am loved for who I am and for what I have gone through. I feel peace knowing that one day I will be reunited with my four beautiful children in Heaven. The best thing I look forward to each morning is waking up and having another day with my Father.
