Read Stories 

November 10, 2008

Our days are so full of busywork that the months just fly by.  We had four of our “ladies of excellence” graduate from Lydia Home on Octobner 30th;  it was an absolutely fabulous occasion with so many in attendance that they were sitting all the way up the stairs.  It was great!

I’d like to share some of the women’s testimonials – stating how they feel at the end of at least three months of intensive work and study.Ivy A. – who moved back to Edmonton, where she had come from.
“When I came to Lydia Home I was so scared to commit to a three month program.  My life was so chaotic I wanted to run but where to since I was now in Mission.  I had to face my addiction head-on and let myself open up, but of course, not right away.

Here I had to work on myself, and here is where I learned to trust people and be open and honest.  I am so happy to have God in my life and it is a wonderful feeling to have sobriety in my life, this gives me the courage to move forward in my journey of recovery.  I thank the staff for the quality hours they spent with me – I will recommend this awesome place to other women.”

Linda N. – who moved back to Vancouver’s Eastside.
“When I arrived, I was in turmoil and I was deep in drug and alcohol addiction.  Because of my early childhood abuse, I was hurt and angry and confused.

I came to learn that what I needed to do was to let go of the past and move forward.  I learned that I had to put God first, I know that He has plans for me in the future and I need to continue submitting to Him in everything.

I am so grateful I had the opportunity to come to Lydia Home where I learned how to overcome my old lifestyle, I can be free of bondages in Jesus’ name.  Thank you more than I can express and my God bless you for the work you do for us hurting women.”

Belinda S. – who went back to her full time job in construction here in Mission.
“Before I came into the program I felt that my life was over.  I had managed to stay clean on my own for ten months but in my heart I was not clean at all.  I kept all my shameful feelings inside and never really had anyone to turn to when I did relapse.  

When Lydia Home was recommended by a family member, I did know that it was Christian based and I hoped that they would be able to bring me through my nightmare lifestyle.  I learned here that it’s okay to cry and share my feelings with others and that I needed to deal with my painful past in order to recover.  I have worked my Steps thoroughly and I talked to my counselor or other staff or to the girls when something bothered me.  

But, most of all, I learned that because God loves me I can learn to love myself and who I am today.  I will pray daily that God’s will be done in my life and I am looking forward to share the love of God with my children and hopefully, one day with my family.”

Laurie S. – who has settled in Mission – right across the street from us, actually.
“Before coming to Lydia Home, I was an angry, closed-up individual, I hated the world and everyone in it.  Once I was here, however, I did know that if I wanted anything to change I would have to start talking about my feelings.  This was hard for me to do as I had grown up thinking that if I closed up, life was easier -- but it just got harder and more complicated.  I found that in order to learn why I am the way I am I must look into my past.  I learned that forgiveness is the key to all my anger and that if I don’t forgive I cannot move forward.  I learned that if I keep secrets they will always be there to get me later in life.  Being open and honest with myself and others will always help me out in the future.  

Having faith in God has helped me out so much in my recovery and I know that without God I would not have made it.  Everything that has happened to me in my life has been for a reason and that now I am living my life the way God planned.”

Blessings,
Frieda B.