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Updated: September 2008
Hello. My name is Maria L. I am currently in prison for crimes I did, due to my addiction to drugs and alcohol. I am a former resident of Emmaus House, and am writing about my experience in hopes that someone may read this and perhaps not make the same mistakes I did. I arrived at E.H. in March 2005, along with another woman who is not alive today to share her story (I miss you, Julie.) She didn’t get another chance. The opportunities I was given as a result of living at Emmaus House are amazing. After one year, I was set up in my own apartment. I had my license and my own vehicle. I was employed and employable, and best of all, was reunited with my beautiful teenage daughter who came to live with me.
The moment I thought I could do it (life) myself was my downfall. I began to slack on meetings, believing I didn’t have to take all the suggestions people took the time to give me. I stopped being accountable and stopped asking for help. Now I sit here in prison, and I’ll betcha I ask for help now! However unfortunate my situation at the moment, hope is not lost, nor is my faith. Perhaps this is what I had to go through. However, you don’t! While in recovery, I learned and still believe that there is a better way to live. Ladies who are new to Emmaus House and recovery, I pray you are able to embrace all there is to learn and experience before you leave. And, know you’ll never have to do it alone. Emmaus House is always home to me, even here in prison, and I know where to find help now — at home. Please keep me in your prayers as you are all in mine.
All my love,
Maria L. (Ex-guest)
Emmaus House has helped me to have another chance in life! Without the help of Sister Marietta and Sister Elizabeth, I could not have accomplished the things I have. I had nowhere to go that was a safe environment after putting myself in rehab. Then, my counselor, a wonderful woman, told me about Emmaus. I have only been here a short time, but already have rekindled relationships with my family. My self-esteem is rising, my attitude is changing, and I have friends that really mean something to me. Addiction is a terrible disease and there are so many more out there who need help. Without Emmaus House, I, too, might have been out there. Today I am alive and working on building a new life. Thank you, Sisters.
Lori Y.
House #9, Apt. #2
I am thankful to God for directing my path to Saginaw, because it ended here at Emmaus House, a God-sent gift for women like myself who need a second chance. With God’s help, the support of my family in Lansing, and the support of my new family at Emmaus, I am three years clean and starting my first year at Delta College. Sorry to say I had to leave on the 30th to be married, but it is only to make room for someone else like me who needs the Emmaus House as I did. So, I am grateful for the help and support that I received. I pray God continues to bless the Emmaus House so that it will continue to bless others in need. Thank you with all my heart.
(Pat was married to Doug W. at Swan Valley Church of the Nazarene, Saginaw, on Saturday, August 30th. Many of her Emmaus “family” were present. We congratulate Pat and Doug, and were delighted to share their blest day.)
Greetings to everyone!! My name is Terry F. Since I left the Emmaus House, Nov. ’05, my life has been a blessing. I’ve learned that I’m worth more off drugs than on. I have more respect for myself today. I got to see my daughter graduate from high school. As I take control of my own life, I’m learning to say "no" and not let other people walk all over me. I will have 9 years clean in Oct. Again, I want to salute the staff and ladies at Emmaus House and say to them all: Take control of your own life. Determine to make the most of each day. Doors may close, but don’t put off living life. By doing this, one day at a time, step by step, you can see a difference in your physical, emotional and spiritual life. May your Higher Power guide you on your journey in recovering.
Hello, ladies. My name is Shynell. Today I’m truly blessed by the best, and His name is Jesus. He has allowed me to come this far, but I’m not yet where I want to be. I thank God I’m not where I used to be. I also thank Sister Marietta, for she is a true blessing to me. I am at peace today, I know now that it doesn’t matter where I’ve been. I’m looking forward to where I’m going, and we have all been through something, not just me. Some people want to be seen and not heard, but I want to be heard and not seen. I don’t want to be something I’m not, or appear to be someone else. In my journey, I not only want to help myself, but others, too. First, I must be honest with myself, because if I pretend to be someone else, who am I really hurting? I’m not living in a problem today. I am living in a solution. I’ve learned that I don’t have to change just one thing; I have to change all things.
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