The journey to Joy Junction for Elly (not her real name) began 59 years ago with a grandfather who sexually abused all the girls in the family. As the song says, it was a long and winding road.

Would Elly have faced this homeless woman's plight without the help offered by Joy Junction?

Elly had strict guidelines for prospective adoptive parents. They had to be Christian, involved with the community and have a military background.

"I wanted my child to be safe," she said. "God, I believe, was my strength and salvation in this effort. He put me on a path where my well- intentioned goal was met. Through prayer, He gave me the strength and wisdom to find the right help, as well as locate a nice family."

Elly came to Albuquerque and started working in hotels for 27 years. She progressed from being a front desk clerk to a reservation and sales manager. However, Elly was beginning a downhill emotional slide.

She said, "Depression had become a continuing problem, as well as lack of trust in authority figures. I was married for seven years, and depression and anxiety led to divorce. I became increasingly isolated in my life."

After a 27 year stint in hotels, Elly decided a change was in order when a new company took over the hotel in which she was working. She began working in a country club for eight years.

Elly said that went well, until sexual harassment became an issue dredging up old, painful and buried memories from the past. However, Elly realized the need to face these issues and began to deal with them. As she did so, the Lord intervened. That, Elly said, "helped me to erase part of the past, and start to understand God's grace."

However, Elly's life took another difficult turn when her mother passed away. That, she said, led to more running and a change of jobs.

At that point, she said, her son contacted her. She said while there was a "honeymoon period, not all tales are fairy tales."

Elly said, "I do not believe God wanted me involved in his life, long term. He did, however, want my son to know who I was. But this is when I began to understand (the dangers of) trying to live up to other peoples expectations. I came home again."

Elly now battled long term depression. She said that as a result of cuts in mental health services, the assistance on which she had been relying was no longer there for her.

She ended up homeless in the middle of the night, and arrived at Joy Junction at about 4.30 a.m.
Elly said this was her first experience of homelessness, a challenging and sometimes terrifying experience for anyone.

However, she said, "Everyone was very nice and helpful."

Elly decided that joining Joy Junction's Christ in Power (CIPP) Life Recovery Program could help her successfully face the issues which she had battled for so long.

With assistance from Joy Junction and outside medical professionals, Elly began to work on the roots of depression and anxiety.

She said, "With the power of faith and Jesus as my Savior, I have conquered the persistent depression and running away from pain or hurt. (The Lord) is still teaching me to stand, and accept the blessings and trials (which He) uses to make me strong. I no longer wish to end my life. I feel that God will use me as a tool to glorify Him ... I can still have my feelings hurt, but the depression is no longer dark and damaging."

Elly said she is very grateful to the Lord and Joy Junction. She said, "Joy Junction did care, and through my ups and downs in the program, they have continued to care. I have changed. I am not perfect, but I am continuing to change. I am born again, and more joyful in life and thankful for life."

Lisa's Thoughts

Joy Junction Senior Resident Services Supervisor Lisa Woodward spoke highly of the progress Elly has made, and the work that the Lord has done in her life.

Lisa said, "Even though she has graduated from the program, she still continues to help us by handing out the linens every night. Elly just can't rest unless she knows everyone has a nice area to sleep. She is part of the reason that our evenings here at Joy Junction go so well. Her gentle spirit and giving heart puts our overnight guests at ease."

Elly is just one of those people who expect nothing and give everything. She will tell you what a blessing Joy Junction has been to her, but she has also blessed us and people who are in need of our help."

My Take

We are so proud of Elly. There are so many other precious souls like her, who wouldn't have an opportunity for a new start unless you helped us continue. Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support for Joy Junction.