Helllooooo Everyone!

I got accosted last summer to help out at The Haven for a few hours. "Could you not think of anyone else?" I asked. Clearly, they hadn't... I'm supposed to be there to help with fundraising but instead I'm there annoying members of staff, loading them up with shop bought cakes (thanks Cairn!), and my crappy American banter. 

Ha. All jokes aside, The Haven is actually part of where my Scottish story starts. People often ask how Stephen and I met. The reply is usually, “…at AsianBrides.com 'cos Stess needed to learn English." However, in 2009 I was part of a team from Times Square Church. Having grown up in New Jersey where I didn't do public transportation and was one of the only few to have a driver's license, my role in Scotland was essentially to be a runner and had to drive to and from airports picking up choir members and dropping them off at the Holiday Inn in Greenock or wherever anyone needed to be. How exciting! I freaked out at every roundabout, especially the Bull Ring and that massive one in Edinburgh. I also ended up visiting a small church in Port Glasgow called Ambassador Hall and this building just on the outskirts of Kilmacolm called The Haven. At that time, The Haven was building an extension and I think I helped cement something and nail stuff to the wall. 

Little did I know that this group of people would literally be a part of my family, my friends, and my network today. 

The Haven has always been a part of our family somehow. My father in law has interviewed, taught classes, mentored, and is overall a present and consistent figure in the lives of those who go through and have gone through its doors. My mother in law, when she was alive, has hosted 'The Haven boys' for countless Sunday lunches, dinners, and made 'hunners' of teas and coffees. The Haven is made up of an amazing team, most of who have struggled with addictions themselves, but have come out the other side and have gone on to have families and live meaningful and enriched lives. The Haven is made up of friends, volunteers, and caring individuals like Papa Donald & Mama June who can relate to and empathize with those who are in the programme and maintain these connections years later. 

On paper, The Haven is a substance abuse rehabilitation centre, but it's definitely more than that. 

The Haven is where you find family.

As a part of this family I'm doing my bit of walking. 

If you or someone you know has ever experienced or struggled with substance abuse and addiction, then this is a great cause to support.