I know it’s through God all this is possible.” A New Creation Ashley, The Path of Citrus County, Beverly Hills, Florida T he Path in Florida does a phone intake, and most people are not homeless when they call—they are trying to not become homeless. One family, Ashley and her two boys, stayed at the mission for a while. Ashley will never forget the date she moved out of The Path’s shelter because it was also her wedding day! Most importantly, it marked her transformation into the wife, mother, and woman God created her to be. Before a virtual stranger brought Ashley and her two boys to The Path, she had drifted from one temporary shelter to another. “I felt like I was noth- ing. I felt hopeless. I felt like I let my family down.” If Ashley felt that she had let her family down, The Path helped her to make it up to them. “I’ve learned a lot while staying at The Path,” she says. In addition to parenting, employment, and budgeting classes, Ashley attended weekly Bible studies. “I enjoyed learning new things about Jesus.” Her young sons also benefitted. “My 5-year-old was just scrambling. As time progressed, he settled in and calmed down. He started kindergarten back in August. And my 3-year-old is talking so much better.” During her stay, Ashley reconnected with the father of her children and the couple made plans to marry. In the absence of Ashley’s biological family, her family at The Path stepped in to make sure she had the wedding she always dreamed of. Ashley was radiant in the gown, veil, and shoes provided by the mission’s Dunnellon Bargain Store manager, who also photographed the event. The bride was attended by her roommate at The Path and a volunteer who worked with her at the thrift store. Executive Director DuWayne Sipper was the proud papa who walked Ashley down the aisle as she carried a bouquet made by his wife, Kathryn. Today, Ashley, her new husband, and their sons are in their own home. “I surrendered my life to Jesus and great things have happened with my family.”  WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG MAY/JUNE 2019 27 Ashley and her husband