Putting an End to the Downward Spiral: The Story of a Mother of Three
”Everything was forbidden.”
Anya was five years old when her mother was sentenced to prison. Her father kept his eight children under strict rules. He remarried a woman who brought gentleness to the home as she cared for the children, but Anya, nevertheless, lamented,
“I couldn’t have any hobbies. Dad forbid everything except homework and said I didn’t need friends when I had siblings. And I never got new clothes.”
At the age of fourteen, Anya saw a way out: her mother was released from prison. Anya demanded to be allowed to move in with her mother, and after a fierce dispute, her father relented.
Suddenly all boundaries disappeared!
Anya moved to a new city and a new school.
“The new freedom made my head spin! Mom didn’t care; I got to do anything I wanted.”
A year later, Anya was using drugs and alcohol regularly. She still, however, managed to graduate from high school and then attended a business college. Due to absences and substance abuse, she was soon expelled, though. She could expect no help from her mother, and returning to her father was not an option…
A continual downward spiral
Anya put a roof over her head by moving in with a young drug-using man. Life continued downhill.
“I don’t remember anything from the ages of 17 to 22. It’s just a fog.”
Anya ended up selling herself to get money for drugs.
“It didn’t bother me at all. My heart was hard. I was indifferent to everything.”
Oleg, the bartender at Anya’s favorite bar, surprised her by suggesting they move in together.
“He was the only person who believed I could change.””
They got married and her life of drug abuse was left behind. The couple moved to another city to start a new chapter in their lives.
Flying saucers
A son, Mark, was born, and everything went well until the family’s life became overshadowed by Oleg’s jealousy. There were terrible disputes; plates were thrown and broken.
“Finally he admitted that my past bothered him and he didn’t trust that I was faithful to him.”
Offended, Anya took Mark and returned to her hometown. The marriage ended in divorce.
“I must get free from drugs!”
Anya managed to stay away from drug circles. She got a job at the kindergarten where Mark attended
Six years later Anya met her current husband, Ivan. And soon Mark had a baby sister, Polina.
The marriage was strained by many disagreements and disputes. Anya started seeking comfort in drugs, and Ivan began using with her. He somehow kept his job, so the family had an income, plus enough to support the parents’ addiction.
Then Anya became pregnant again.
“For the sake of the child, I had to become free from drugs! I contacted a friend of mine who had become sober from her addiction through rehab. She gave me Mission Possible’s number.”
Life changed at the rehabilitation center
Anya came to our center with her children, and Ivan checked in to a men’s rehabilitation center nearby. Anya was determined to complete the year-long program and to give birth to her baby while enrolled. Even the severe withdrawal symptoms she experienced did not shake her determination.
While at our center, Anya learned about the Bible and what it means to put your faith in Christ. She became a believer, and we have witnessed every day how God is working in her. She joyfully attends devotions and reads her Bible, often with tears in her eyes.
Her baby arrived at full term.
Ivan was able to attend the celebration we held to welcome Anya and their beautiful baby girl back from the hospital. It was a joyous occasion.
A lot of wonderful change has happened in this family in just a short time!
In 2021, 119 mothers like Anya lived in our rehabilitation centers and shelter homes. Thank you for your support!
