The Relative Stranger Project

Aloha House - Room Four (July, 2009)

2009-10-13T11:22:00.000-07:00

(I Became a Victim, Room 4 - Aloha House, Maui, 2009)

(All Things Are Possible, Room 4 - Aloha House, Maui, 2009)

Girl in Room 4

I was conceived in the prison chapel at the State Penitentiary in Walla Walla, WA.

When I was 10 mos. old I became a victim of homelessness, or our family, as it were. Throughout my life I lived on the streets with my mother and was abused by the people she exposed me to until I was 10 years old. That was when she left me to the Sate to care for me for good.

By the time I was 12, I was a full blown alcoholic and drug addict. I also became a prostitute. I met Christ for the first time when I was 14 years old through a near death experience and have been pursuing Him ever since. I overcame my drug addiction over 6 years ago and now struggle with alcohol, cigarettes and coffee.

The choices that I have made for myself have been less than ideal and I attempted suicide a few times in the past couple of years. I have a mental diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Schizoaffective Disorder.

I dropped out of junior high in the first week of 7th grade. There is a lot more to my life story than I am allowed to write to you.

I am no longer an active prostitute.

My goal is to overcome the alcohol addiction and remain completely abstinent. Another goal is to get my G.E.D. and attend Maui Community College, to get a good paying job and help others. First I will have to learn how to trust in Jesus 100%. It is difficult because I have major trust issues. But with God, all things are possible!

Aloha House - Room One (July, 2009)

2009-10-12T14:50:00.000-07:00

(I Will Feed The Fighting Wolves Love, Room 1 - Aloha House, Maui, 2009)

(I Will Feed The Fighting Wolves Peace, Room 1 - Aloha House, Maui, 2009)

Room 1

What an honor to be in #1! I am here because my son was brutally attacked, not once but twice. Once by someone who has no business being here on Maui. The other by a young Hawai'ian man who misinterpreted my son's intentions as an outsider. I am Alone -without my family and friends. I am an emotional island on this beautiful island. I am afraid for myself and my son. Since arriving at the perfect respite spot - The Aloha Hose - I have received great blessings. Everything from polite young men (who would not be here if not damaged in some way) and allowed me to eat before they did; young women, overweight and skinny with beautiful smiles - toothless and grand glistening teeth who opened their troubled hearts to a total stranger. All of us islands, discounnected from the safe haven of our continents. We are all broken, those of us who found this "aloha". Aloha means hello, goodbye, and love! I have been gifted with the hello and love. I will be sorry to say goodbye. Hello was without comments about money or the ability to pay. Love is everywhere and present in all who walk within these walls. Love seems to be the guiding paradigm. Love is demonstrated through every word spoken by staff. Love is demonstrated through the delicious food prepared and presented by those under treatment with the support of kind and noble staff. Love is demonstrated by lack of outside sensory pollution (no bad movies, no bad words, no bad behaviour, no violence, no substance abuse). These are the rules. All seem to follow the fules. My goals are simple. Be safe here and return to my home safely. This island will return to her continent. I will be better for the time here. I will be sad to leave. The story on the walls of my room says EVERYTHING. I WILL feed the fighting wolves - love, forgiveness, and peace. Because of this room and this place I'll withhold anger and hatred. My heart can and will rise above the bad and evil. My soul will sing a new song of ALOHA!

-Unsigned guest, July 2009

Flyer

2009-10-12T14:38:00.001-07:00