First off my name is Natasha Tafao and I'd like to thank you for taking the time to read this as it means a lot. I hope it doesn't take too much of your time but I do pray that this moves your heart as you read along. 

Prior to Friday, 9/24/16 I, like many had been faced with much adversity... that's life, right? I'm not trying to fabricate my story nor am I trying to alter anything about it but my upbringing wasn't the the greatest. Although I dealt with a lot of immeasurable pain and shame to some extent, the same token on the flip side shown a great love. Though I hated many situations and was extremely disgusted with people who was supposed to love me yet violated me, I tried to make the best of the hand  I was dealt with. Not the easiest at all but with the grace of God I was able to bear a lot... a lot no child, no teenager should ever have to go through. 

As I reflect on my life today, some may think that I didnt make the greatest choices and hey... to each his own. I handled myself the best I could (even when it didn't make any sense).  

In many situations growing up, I did what I could to put a smile on others faces. I took joy in it. If I could leave an individual with a great imprint, giving them a sense of gratitude (and at the expense of my happiness), I was fine with that. Sadly, I've come to realize that this is one a pattern I've carried on from childhood. From the unfortunate and sickening encounters that began in the childhood days, a brokenness was implanted. This brokenness that nobody or anything could heal. A brokenness that took me dark places that not many knew about...just my closest loved ones. I didn't realize it was that rooted. 

I tried different avenues to receive healing or fill this void but that looked like a lost driver going in circles leading me back to square one. A square in a circle? lol. Anyhow, I couldn't find a permanent solution but in my lowest times, what I did find great comfort in reading daily devotions, helping others who seemed hopeless, listening to gospel music, isolating myself and crying out my pain, and/or going to church. I felt LOVE in all of that...empowered by LOVE. What a beautiful feeling...to feel that greatness! What didnt make sense was whenever I'd get close to soaking in "that" greatness (which was countless), something would hold me back or I'd allow things/people to hold me back. 
You see, repeatedly, with me greatness would constantly take it's course by starting at the line to only find that I would erase the "finish" line. Unfortunately, that's another pattern that has followed me from childhood, starting something and not finishing. Now how can one finish when they have been racing half-heartedly and broken?
I'm not here to sound victim to anything nor have anyone pity me as I'm content with where I am. I am here to state how I'm drained and tired of the lies.  I've been fighting in the wrong match for a very long time, overcompensating myself for a very long time, sacrificing my joy for a very long time and for what? Something/someone that/who gave temporary satisfaction...TEMPORARY SATISFACTION? LOL SMH
Fortunately throughout it all I always knew there's a blessing in every storm.

I'm ready to serve my purpose and that's to help others out there living in brokenness that need healing, comfort, guidance, and most of all LOVE. True love- God. The only way I can do that is by growing a stronger relationship with Him, trusting Him with my everything by stepping out on faith. 

With that said, on Friday 9/24/16 knowing where my heart needs and listening to what this school has to offer, I prayerfully made the decision to submit an application to take part in a 1-year descipleship program at Impact195, a school of ministry. They are accepting 50 applicants and IREALLY WOULD LOVE to be 1 of the 50. $2,100 is due by this Friday, 9/30,  and the remainder is to be worked and planned out. The entire cost is $6100.
I am a single mother in between jobs right now greatly stepping out on faith with this. Financially, I don't have much to work with but I know that anything is possible especially when your whole heart is in it and when you're so passionate about making it work. And, with God behind this I pray I get to see the blessings unfold. I pray I get to tell this as a testimony on how GREATLY he can move. How nothing can stop Him. How all things are possible through Christ!!! 

Anything from a donation, prayer, and/or you sharing this with others is greatly appreciated.

By reaching this goal, as mentioned I'd be able to hit the finish line with leaving all that sorrow and beginning the good race wholeheartedly, giving hope to the multitudes of others out there who are lost, hurt, in fear of something/someone, by exposing and illuminating the truth and the only way in Christ, sharing the gospel. 

If you have any questions to help you make a decision, please don't hesitate to contact me. 

Thank you and God bless.

Time to fight the good fight.