AGNES:  Congratulations to our most recent resident, Agnes, on the birth of her baby girl, Leanne.  Baby Leanne surprised everyone by coming 5 weeks early and poor Agnes had to endure an emergency c-section.  Both are recovering well from Leanne's dramatic entrance. 

GIANNA:  Gianna and baby Lily Grace  moved back to New York a few weeks ago.  She plans on finishing school while her mom helps care for her baby.  She hopes that before long, she will have a place of her own.  Please keep Gianna in your prayers, and pray that she would hold fast to her newly-resurrected faith.

CATHERINE:  Catherine is a full-time volunteer at a Free Clinic where she is learning pharmaceutical skills and earning credits towards her goal of working in a Pharmacy.  Catherine's son is still struggling in kindergarten, which is a real source of anxiety and distress for her.  Fortunately, she has a wonderful volunteer named Christina who has offered to tutor Catherine's son so that he can feel more confident in school.   Even though Christina has three young children of her own, she makes time to see Catherine at least once a week.   Catherine was truly amazed that someone could care for her so much, and asked us how Christina came into her life.  We told her, "God put Christina in your life!"  We are grateful that they have such a warm relationship and pray that the support Catherine feels will encourage her to keep pursuing her goals.

BERNADETTE:  In our last newsletter, we told you that Bernadette wanted to take a phlebotomy course, but could not afford it.  One of our faithful readers very generously offered to pay for the class!  What's even better is that Bernadette took the initiative to  explain her situation to the school, and they offered to waive half of the course fee!  This success has inspired several of our residents to organize a bake sale.  Scroll down for details.

ISABEL:   Isabel is originally from Texas, but had been living in  Northern Virginia for three years before coming to Mary's Shelter.  To say she has had a difficult life is  an understatement.  Of all the wild stories we have heard from our residents, hers are among some of the most hair-raising.  She came to us as a 33 year old recovering alcoholic, high school drop-out, and mother of two teenage children with a 3rd on the way.  When she arrived at our beautiful shelter, she cried tears of relief and joy.  She promised to be good, and so far she has been.  She and another mother are taking GED prep courses, she is actively seeking employment, and she is truly making an effort to befriend the other residents and to follow the rules of the house.  Not only is she good, but she is joyful, and that joy is infectious.  During her first week, she came along to the bus station to pick up another new mother, CELINE.  When Celine arrived at Mary's Shelter,  she too cried and asked "what's the catch?!?"  Isabel, having just met Celine,  put her arms around her and said "there is no catch, we have been blessed!"  She has not changed her opinion, and she is still counting her blessings.

In addition to the moms you have read about, Mary's Shelter provides homes to other mothers and children.  Please keep them ALL in your prayers.