. . Born in the deep rural countryside of one of Jamaica's obscure valleys, Ava grew up in a farming community with her poor family with six other siblings. Whilst she encountered poverty, she never saw it as anything different from what most in her community experienced, and so she focused on school and being her best. Her brain was the avenue for imagination, creativity, and a deep love for learning. As she grew up in the church, this was where her love for God was anchored. She would engage in singing, teaching, reciting, and sharing God's word. Although her journey was steeped in her academics and her relationship with God, she encountered many obstacles and challenges along the way that would result in the birth of this book. Her story is as riveting as it is poignant, mirroring the desperate desire to save face even as she strives to rise above the abuse and trauma that permeate her life during that period. She hopes this memoir will help other young women who are in similar situations to hold fast to their faith and yet ride out the storm waves of violence with God's provision and awesome guidance..
