Of the many positive phone calls and drop-in visits from past residents, I would like to pass on to you the names of just a few.
Last week I connected several times with lively Katie, who graduated in 2004 and has lived a life of overcoming, working and being a mother, sponsoring and doing 5th Steps.
Brea dropped by to order her 4 year cake, she is doing well, working to support herself. I have never seen her look so healthy!
Mona came for her monthly chat and coffee; she graduated in 2004, she also is working and raising a daughter. Her former life style (drug payment enforcer on the street) is a total contradiction to what this dear lady is living right now.
Valerie called last week to set up her 7 year cake, she was here in 2002 for almost a month, then said to us - “I have it now, from here on in I can do it.” And done it she has for 7 years - being a mother to her children and supporting herself.
This morning Carla and Susanne, who live in Pemberton – graduates of 2004 – came by for a few hours, they are living a clean and sober life and doing a great job of it. Susanne was our rep speaker at the 2004 Christmas banquet. We had more than half a dozen ladies go through our program from Pemberton, all from person to person referrals, beginning with Jacquie who lives and works here in Mission!
What a surprise, Theresa called me from Preeceville, SK last week, to say that what she learned here in 1999 about God’s unconditional love, has helped her ever since, though it’s been an on and off struggle.
In the lives of these sisters, and in many more, the seed took root and grew to maturity. This is forever “home” to them so they keep in touch.
Excerpts from the recent grads testimonials follow.
From Jane:
“I had wanted to come off the drugs for 6 weeks before I came to L.H. but could not do it by myself. So I said to myself that I would only stay at Lydia Home for 30 days, just long enough not to lose my child. But, I have to tell you, soon after I came I decided to stay and see what all L.H. could do for me! I not only learned the tools of staying clean but I also found God. This is now my family; I have truly been blessed.”
From Karen:
“My life was such a complete mess that I had lost all hope. Here I had an awakening to the fact that God truly loves me – I know that a recovery would not be possible for me without the God connection. What I received here will help me survive and live the way God wants me to. Now I can be a good mother to my child and a better wife to my caring husband. I am now so happy!”
From Christy:
“It did not seem to matter how hard I tried to do what was expected of me I had an overwhelming feeling of failure, loneliness and confusion. I would turn to drugs so as not face all that and, as well, not to face the heartache and worry my children must have felt.
At one point during this time I was told by someone that I was killing myself by putting myself in situations that could have cost me my life. I really did not believe that I deserved anything or anyone good, so what was the point of living. Now I know that God will help me in my recovery as long as I listen and obey his words. Lydia Home can be said to have saved my life. I have learned about healthy relationships, healthy boundaries and so much more. Thank God for a place like this.”
We have a full house and there is not an hour that is not action packed. So many issues to be dealt with and for that we rely on God’s divine help and on your prayers.
This is the most satisfying ministry one can ever be involved in - these women thank us – over and over - for the fact that Lydia Home is here.
Frieda Buchner,
Manager
