*Interview was translated into English*
Trinity Center: What was your life like while living on the streets?
Melanie: It was very difficult; it’s not the same as being a man on the street. Many times, I had to sleep with ‘one eye open and the other closed,’ and there were nights when I couldn’t sleep at all. I was frequently threatened, with people trying to rob or hurt me.
Thankfully, I had my partner at that time and my dog with me. Whenever they saw my dog, they would back off, but sometimes they didn’t realize she was under the blankets, and they tried to harm me regardless.
Trinity Center: How does being away from your children impact you?
Melanie: It’s very hard because I miss them deeply, but I’ve had to make this decision. Thankfully, my children understand, especially my oldest, who is twelve. She encourages me and says, ‘Mommy, you can do it.’
Even though people say, ‘You’re a bad mother. Look at your children—they’re in different countries, and you’re living a happy life without them,’ I am not happy. I may smile on the outside, but inside, I’m struggling. Every day, I ask God to help me move forward and give me the strength not to give up, because my children need me, and I need them. I miss them so much, and if I give up, it would be like telling them it’s okay to give up too."
Trinity Center: How has Trinity Center helped you?
Melanie: They have helped us so much, and I am incredibly grateful for them. They’ve supported me not only with bus passes and finding shelter, but they’ve also helped with my mental health. Talking to them is a big relief whenever I have anxiety attacks, especially when I can’t talk to any of you. Speaking with you also helps me improve my English, which is not very good. I feel safe being here.
Trinity Center: What goals or plans do you have?
Melanie: I am working on myself, focusing on my safety and building my self-esteem. I’m searching for a job and a home because I want to create a stable life where I can have my kids back with me.
Trinity Center: What would you tell other moms going through this situation?
Melanie: Never give up. Always seek help. As much as we might say, ‘I can do it alone,’ the truth is, we can’t. I used to say, ‘I can handle this on my own; I don’t need help.’ But there comes a time when you need to talk to someone. Sometimes, we even need to seek professional help. Most importantly, always seek God in everything.