A story told by ICHC’s Margo Casey, Community Outreach Director...

As a counselor at ICHC, I hear many sad stories. Sometimes our patient’s lives are so overwhelming they have no idea what to change, let alone any hope to believe they can change anything. But hope is something that Carol’s life demonstrates.

Carol’s family asked her to quit school at age 13. She went to work, married and never returned to school. She is a bright woman and a great mother,
teaching her children wonderful values. But, anxiety and a low self image plagued her. Often she would say repeatedly, “ I don’t know… I don’t know… I don’t know."

Her husband had recently been injured in a car accident at his second job and would be unable to work at either of his jobs for many months. But Carol’s family had also taught her to trust in God.

Carol met with one of our female medical volunteers and starting taking medication. The doctor referred her to me for counseling and we both met with her regularly for several months. We were able to find some financial resources available to her family. But something deeper was happening in Carol.

Carol is a delightful and warm woman. She is affectionate and grateful.

At times Carol would voice her faith in God and we would read the Psalms together and pray for her circumstances. Over the months that she came here, many of our staff began to know her and genuinely enjoy her appointments. Smiles, hugs and kisses
abounded when she visited. Seeds of hope were taking root in Carol’s life.

One day when Carol came in she announced that she had enrolled in cosmetology school. She had received a scholarship and had started classes already. With surprise she said, “My teachers are all so nice and I think they like me.” That day Carol said over and over again, “ I am happy…I am happy…. I am happy.”