I was
recently blessed with the opportunity to spend a day with the men and the staff
of the House of St. Francis.
As you
walk down the road you see the sign "House of St. Francis" but for
most that go past it looks just like any other building. However, as you enter
the building you soon discover that it is a place where lives are changed.
My first
meeting was with a couple of the staff of the house. As they discussed a couple
of the men they were dealing with and some specific situations of concern I was
struck by the fact that the issues here are so similar to ones faced by the men
I work with 5,000 miles away. I was also
struck by the enthusiasm of the staff as they discussed possible next steps and
ways to help these men on their journey to recovery.
After
the meeting I was told that we would soon be having a class and I was given the
opportunity to speak about the 12 steps. While this was an unexpected surprise
I was excited and grateful for the opportunity to share with these men. They
quickly warmed up to this "white man that talks too fast" and started
to share with me in a very open and honest way. I was again reminded that the
similarities of addicts in Ghana and Canada are greater than the differences.
After
enjoying some delicious fish for lunch I
got to spend some time with Byron Merriweather. To describe Byron as dedicated,
enthusiastic and committed only begins to describe the passion he brings to his
role at HSF. Byron sincerely wants every person that comes in the doors to gain
what they need to get well and stay well.
Our day
together ended with a trip to the Black Star AA meeting in Adabraka, Accra. As
the tro tro bounced along enroute to the meeting I enjoyed the laughter and
banter of this group of men who seemed to genuinely enjoy being a part of this
community. It was fun to listen and join in and I was glad that I had become part of this fellowship.
The
House of St. Francis is doing an important and valuable work with a group who
have great needs and few options to deal with those needs. They are blessed
with a staff that genuinely cares and great things are possible for the House
of St. Francis and I am grateful for the day I spent with them.
(Mark
Webb is the Program Director of Glencairn Hope Acres Rehabilitation Center in
Ontario, Canada)
