An unforgettable experience

I was asked to write a letter to this news letter describing my past two-month at the House of Ruth. If only a letter could tell it all. I've made irreplaceable bonds and have had unforgettable experiences here, and have learned things about life you could only learn on the front lines. Put simply, this house is a blessing.

As soon as I walked into the house in December I felt the presence of God's grace and it hit me like a ton of bricks. After meeting the clients and staff, and seeing the love and smiles on their faces I knew I wasn't the only one feeling this. It was wonderful, spiritual, and heart warming.

But this house not only changes moods, it changes lives. You see clients come in off the streets cold, disheveled, and hard. When they leave 5 days later you can often see a bit of a glow about them. There are mixed feelings at the house, but many leave feeling confident, and started on a path to healing. You see long term clients in here laughing and smiling and putting not only their lives back together but making their lives that much better.

With the amount of knowledge I've gained here I'm surprised my head's not bursting. I've learned everything from record keeping, to effects of drugs.

And I've done everything from sweeping, to hugging girls as they cry about the past. And I've loved every second of it.

When it comes to drugs I'd never seen any of it before. I grew up in sheltered little town and was a protected little girl. I read all about the physical and psychological characteristics of drugs but it wasn't enough. I yearned to know more. I asked questions of the staff, and I learned the most valuable of information from them.

"The only thing you can know about addicts, and addictions, is that you'll never know"

It all comes from experience. All people are different and that means that all they're reactions are different as well. I only hope that I can continue to gain experiences in helping others to begin to understand.

My practicum is drawing near to a close and I've already warned the staff they won't be rid of me so easy. I've come to love this house, the people, the atmosphere, and the mission itself. I've been continually thinking of ways to raise awareness of the necessity of this service. And it's all I can do to pray. All of your prayers are appreciated and welcomed too!

God Bless you all

Sarah Practicum Student