I came to Bridgeway almost a year ago from Ohio. Having recently graduated with a Bachelor of Specialized Studies Degree I desired to do a year of service work before continuing my education to receive my Masters. Everyone asks how I picked Colorado and how I picked Bridgeway, and in all honesty the answer is that Bridgeway picked me. The program was actually full when I applied yet for some reason Carole kept my resume on her desk for over two months. When a scheduled housemom canceled at the last minute, she gave me a call and invited me to come.
I have been at Bridgeway for almost a year now and the experiences and lessons learned will stay with me forever. There have been many ups and downs along the way, but through the high points as well as at my lowest I have learned to embrace each moment. While the happy moments of sharing in great accomplishments such as a high school graduation ceremony have definitely been easier to handle, it is in the hardest of times that I have learned my greatest lessons, learning how to step back and let go, even if it means letting the girls make mistakes.
I have been able to prematurely experience the joy of motherhood as the girls have invited me to share in their journey. Sharing in all the experiences and wonders of their growing babies has been more amazing than I ever imagined. I am so thankful for this experience and because of it I have grown a new love in my heart for the ministry of working with pregnant teens and their babies. The girls have shown me many things -- the two most influential being their unyielding strength and sense of humor that they attack each day with. In both of these ways I hope to be more like them.
I originally came here to serve others and give of myself but am not ashamed to say that I feel as though I have taken away much more from this experience. I am grateful for the kindness and generosity of the staff and volunteers that strongly believe in the possibilities of this program. These people welcomed me with open arms and helped to make me feel at home when I was so far away from mine. The gifts that each resident has given me are so great, I can not put their importance to me into words. They have given me a new perspective and wonder about life and the beautiful twists it sends our way. Bridgeway, its residents, and the staff will forever remain in my heart and I will always smile upon the lessons and memories they have given me.