I knew where this would
go, so after 3 months I went
back to Portugal. After a few
unsuccessful attempts to stop,
my parents decided to put
me in a rehab centre. It was
the worst moment of my life.
I was alone on the hospital
bed. There was a bible and a
book about an ex-drug user.
As I was reading his story, I
saw myself in that book. For
the first time in my life, I felt
like someone knew what
was happening inside of me.
I felt that God was watching
me all those years and has a
plan for me but He couldn’t
do anything until I wanted to
give Him a chance to be part
of my life. When the treatment
finished, I decided to go to the
Help Centre. I saw the light at
the end of the tunnel. I still
remember to this day the time
when I surrendered my heart
to God and to show me that
He is real. It was the best day
of my life. I sought Him and I
found peace. It was never easy
because the temptation is
always there but God makes
me stronger each day. A new
me was born! I was free from
the addictions. Today, I help
people who are lost like how I
was one day. Life is a battle but
with God you win every single
day!
Natalina Batista
Mississauga, ON
STOP SUFFERING|15