I first heard of SMURF in the nursery at my church.  I had tried to attend SMURF only to discover that I had arrived a half hour late. I didn’t want to interrupt the meeting so I went back to the nursery with my kids.  My four-month old twins where fast asleep in cribs and my two year old was playing with a friend.  It had taken everything in me to get there and I didn’t have the energy to wake the babies and fight with the toddler.  The volunteer must have seen my exhaustion and invited me to sit.  She shared with me her struggles as a single mother and the love, guidance and support SMURF had given her. I only half listened, prayed and hoped that I would never need a group like SMURF.  I held out hope that my husband of seven years, would turn from his unfaithfulness and come back to his young family.  I was confident my single parenting days would be limited.

    Over the next fifteen months the kids and I had endured a painful custody battle and divorce.  God gave me the strength I needed to live in His words to Jeremiah: ”I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.  When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen.” Jeremiah 29: 11-12 msg. I held onto these words to keep us going while I had exhausted all of my family and friends for childcare, rides, jobs and housing.  I was just beginning to accept my life as a single mother when my resources began to run out.  To keep us in a one-bedroom apartment I was working two jobs and attended school full time.  I didn’t know my kids; I was wiped out, with only God’s promise of hope to keep me going.  A co-worker and friend said, “SMURF can help”.

    The most amazing blessing was offered on us just weeks before we were to lose our apartment.  SMURF put me in contact with low-income apartment complex here in Temecula when the manager needed someone to fill a vacant 3 bedroom apartment.  We met their qualifications and now we have a secure roof over our heads, eliminating one of the most stressful and fearful parts of single parenting.

    Shortly after moving I lost one of my jobs.  With the help of the SMURF Budget Advisor, I no longer live paycheck to paycheck even after such a great loss.  I live on a budget.  Bank overdraft charges no longer take part of my paycheck and I have a savings account.  In January when my paycheck was delayed for a few weeks, I didn’t have to run to the local rescue mission for diapers because with proper budgeting, direction and accountability I still had money in my account to meet our needs.

    For almost two years we have been attending SMURF.  My kids and I have received physical, emotional, financial and spiritual help.  I remember our first “big need” was a refrigerator.  I thought it was too big an item to ask for, but SMURF connected me with someone donating a refrigerator.  Most of the furniture in my home has been donated through SMURF.  On nights when I felt so alone I’ve reached out to SMURF volunteers or other moms and they always have an encouraging word.  There have been times where the volunteer teachers, servers, food donations and a warm meal at SMURF kept me going all week.

    The one-on-one counseling, Starfish Program and classes I attended have helped me as a parent. I feel special being single mom of three very little boys and Christian.  With SMURF’s help I have become more bonded and in love with my children.

    I am committed to attending SMURF, staying on my budget, caring for my kids and reaching out to others in need.  Once the boys are in school full-time I will return to college to complete my degree as a Radiologists Assistant.  My prayer is to work at the new Loma Linda medical center and give back to those who have given to us.  At this time in our life we do not have much to offer, but it is the lesson in giving and sacrifices that SMURF and Christ has taught me and it is the most important lesson that I teach my children. I often say to them, “Others give up, so that we can have”.

    Thank you SMURF, volunteers and all supporters.  God has a great plan for us and you also!

Blessings to you,

Jenn V.