Welcome to the Jesus Calling Podcast.

While working as a missionary in Nicaragua,

Donna Barrett's life was affected

not only by the systemic poverty she witnessed in this country,

but by the relationship she formed, working alongside the team who accompanied

her on the trip. In particular, a gregarious young woman who God placed in her path, who would have an impact

on her life for years to come.

My name is Donna Barrett, and I am a wife.

I am the mother of two children.

My upbringing was a tough one. I've never met my biological father. My mother had four

children. We were all from or are from all different fathers.

There was sexual abuse, a lot of confusion,

sadness and anger in the household.

My mom was physically abusive to my older brother and sister.

My mom was sexually abusive to me on an occasion. My mom was very emotionally abusive to all of us children.

I remember at an early age of nine years old crying and praying to God that he would just take my life. I always

believe that I was a mistake. When my mother died at the age of 11 years old, my dear Aunt Nancy adopted me and my three siblings.

At the age of 14 years old I started to smoke pot and drink on a regular basis to numb the pain in my life.

And then at the age of to numb the pain in my life.

And then at the age of 18 years old,

I had a dear friend that committed suicide, and that is when my faith journey really began.

I was in a deep place of mourning,

...