Editor’s Note: Last month, we shared the first part of Nathalie’s testimony which included her arriving at Las Palmas at the request of her dying mother. Nathalie grew up within a loving home at Las Palmas and learned to be responsible at an early age. She also learned “that your achievements do not define your value as a person and much less the work you do. Your value comes from the simple fact of existing and being created by God.” Here is the edited excerpt of the conclusion of Nathalie’s testimony.
When I completed my bachelor’s degree in accounting and auditing, I remember entering a state of depression. I was ready to fly. I had never wanted to leave before. But at that moment, I really wanted to leave, because during the 17 years I had lived at Las Palmas I had prepared myself for the moment when it would be my turn to go to work and be independent.
I spent those months fasting and praying every Wednesday. One day my tutor said to me, “Nathalie, would you like to go to Bávaro to manage a hardware store that my brother owns?”
I told her I would. It was the same thing I was asking God for— a job away from Las Palmas. I wanted to fly, to grow away from my comfort zone. I knew I was ready and that I had prepared myself for this.
For three years I worked at the hardware store, but I wanted something else. I looked for jobs at accounting firms and even turned one down because it was non-negotiable for me not to work on the Sabbath.
I am of Haitian nationality, but all my life I have lived in the Dominican Republic. This has caused an immigration problem for me even until today. This has created many obstacles, but never a limit. Thank God I have always had a job, and I have never been unemployed.
One day I saw an announcement on Facebook that the General Directorate of Internal Taxes was recruiting personnel. I had done a specialty in taxation, and I always told myself that, even if I had an immigration issue, I would be so prepared that no company could reject me because of that situation.
I applied and, out of 3,500 applicants, was 1 of 100 that passed. After seven weeks of rigorous elimination tests, in the end, with prayer and talking, they let me in without having a Dominican Temporary Resident Identity Card.
I worked for four years in the General Directorate of Internal Taxes. Then I took a master’s degree in forensic Auditing. I wanted to have this experience on my resume, so I applied to the Financial Analysis Unit (UAF) where I have worked for the past two years.
I still face problems regarding my immigration status because by law, a foreigner should not work for the Dominican state unless that person becomes a Dominican national. Thank God, He puts His grace in me and helps me to do my job well. My bosses are doing the impossible to keep me in the company without violating the law. They have requested that the Ministry of Public Administration extend my work period.
I will never stop thanking God and ICC for the opportunity to grow up in a family.
This is my story, and I am happy to be able to share it so that others can be encouraged and understand that no matter where you come from, the situations that surround you, if you place your life and trust in God, He opens doors that no one can close.
ICC is one of the doors that no one will be able to close to continue a special ministry to Dominican children.
Thank you, a thousand times. God bless ICC and all your team who work hard every day so that the children of the world find an Oasis in their lives when they need it most.
Note: When Nathalie and other alumni have the opportunity, they visit Las Palmas and give back to the current children. As a group they are demonstrating that there is greater pleasure in giving than in receiving.
Natalie’s story is featured in a special video presentation. To see it, use the following website link vimeo.com/1011027019
