In the depths of darkness and solitude, I was captured by His radiance and I was brought to light.

Lyka Endozo

I am Lyka, a 24-year-old woman, currently living by faith, hope, and grace of the Lord. I was once a sheep gone astray but a good shepherd has found me, washed all my dirt, and secured me inside His fence. That good shepherd is Jesus.

Before my encounter with Jesus, I was living a life marching into darkness and going in the wrong direction. I was raised by my family, though with love, yet suffocating because of the corrupted principles and evil desires. Both my parents were gamblers, and my mother frequently got drunk and partied with her friends. My relatives on my mother’s side were the same and I witnessed their shameful works and lustful cravings. Those times, it felt like living in the midst of great chaos and I asked myself if there is anything that could break through this high wall that surrounded us. “Is there a possibility that things would be better?” These things in my childhood had a great impact on my growth, attitude, and principles I created. I became a liar, disrespectful to my parents, and selfish. With all this havoc in my life, I turned to education as my defense mechanism. During my childhood, I was the best among all. I exemplified excellence and achievements became my inspirations. During my elementary days, books were always what I held in my hand. I wanted to win. I wanted to overcome my classmates. I wanted to be recognized as “the best.” Wanting to be the best earned me no long-term friends. Even in the midst of companions, I always felt alone. In my family, I felt so distant even with my sisters. We always had fights. Despite my achievements, I was a big mess. The hole in my heart kept getting bigger.