My name is Lauren*. I have a 20-year-old daughter from whom I am estranged, and I have a seven-year-old son who is a little ball of fire. I grew up in Owasso with my sister, mom, and dad. We spent time at a Baptist church in Collinsville, where my sister, dad, and I were baptized at a young age, and I had grandparents in Hominy, Oklahoma, who took us to church.
I have been at The Vine since August 2021. My son and I started in Thompson Cottage, and then we moved to the remodeled Tubbs Cottage after about a year. We have been in the duplexes since December.
I was led to The Vine after being lost for many years. Brokenness from divorce, family brokenness, and life as a functioning addict led me to hit rock bottom in 2020. My life quickly spiraled out of control, and after a second try at rehab, I knew I needed different people and places in my life. Since I grew up in Owasso, I had always heard a lot about Baptist Children’s Home, and I knew it was right for us.
My favorite memories are when we first got here. I enjoyed walking around campus with my son, playing on the playground, or walking around the circle and watching the sunsets. My son and I love outdoor activities like going to the park, lake or water parks. I love to get up early before my son and spend time reading the Word and spending time with God before our day gets started.
I am proud to say I was able to finally finish school and become a teacher. After I came to The Vine, I almost immediately got started in college at Mid-America Christian University to be a teacher. I started going to school in 2010 and never finished, so that was a huge accomplishment. It took about three years to finish that degree, do my student teaching, and then become a teacher for OKC Public Schools. I plan to stay in the Moore area for now. I hope to buy a house in this area and stay in the healthy community God has put us in. I might pursue my master’s degree after a couple of years of teaching.
I have always felt safe and loved here. I know all of the staff here are true Christians who will lead and love us through anything we go through.
Prayer Requests
I would like prayer to stay consistent in my relationship with God, for wisdom in parenting and teaching littles, and that my son and I would be reunited with my daughter one day soon!
Will you join us in bringing love into action for children and families across Oklahoma by seeking help or giving to one of our programs that matter to you?
*Name changed to protect privacy.