The struggles of these last few years have taken their toll on me, and if you don't know what struggles I'm talking about...well, then I guess you don't need to. Anyway, I am not beyond feeling sorry for myself even if I do try to avoid it.
Recently, I have started giving an old woman a ride to church on Sundays. I have no idea how old she is, but she looks a lot like a candy cane without the striping. When she comes out of her apartment, she has her cane and she steadies herself on my arm. It feels really good to be someone you can lean on. Even if I am wearing bedroom slippers because I can't get my shoes on, I feel healthy and fit.
Recently, I have started working with the Springs Rescue Mission, and by working with I mean making a few phone calls from the comfort of my living room. I went by the other day to see how many or if any volunteers showed up. I was pleased to see four guys working, and it made me happy to know that the little bit I can do is worthwhile.
I've been thinking a lot about the women and their children that will be living there, and you know, I am truly blessed. It really depends on where you look for confirmation but I can tell you that I am fit and quite wealthy at the moment.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
A Fantasy Becomes Reality
Somewhere in my early twenties while walking passed a closed down motel I wished that they would turn that motel and all the vacant buildings into a home for the lost among us. This week I have seen that idea turned into reality.
The Springs Rescue Mission has taken over a motel and is in the process of turning it into a home for women and children. The program takes homeless families and gives them a room in this motel, equipped with all their needs. The mothers and the children recieve educational support, as well as meeting all of their physical needs set up in a way that allows them not only to break the cycle of homelessness, but poverty as well.
As it happens, I was asked to make some phone calls looking for volunteers in the conversion of the building. Using the phone book, I called churches in the area looking for skilled labor, plumbers, carpenters and the like to assist the master electrician that is currently completing his phase of the project.
Every person that I spoke with was receptive to me and even though no one knew of anyone who was available to work, people started showing up. It is my hope and prayer that they get all of the workers that they need to finish the project on time.
To fund the project, they are asking that a church, group or individual adopt one room. The cost of furnishing one apartment for a family of five is $3,000.00. Smaller families require less furniture and what all so that is the highest sponsorship. Certainly, others are donating smaller amounts for consumables like diapers and the like. When the family completes the program they get to keep all of the furniture and everything as well as assistance finding a place and staying on their feet. It is very exciting to play even this small part in such an exciting project.
The Springs Rescue Mission has taken over a motel and is in the process of turning it into a home for women and children. The program takes homeless families and gives them a room in this motel, equipped with all their needs. The mothers and the children recieve educational support, as well as meeting all of their physical needs set up in a way that allows them not only to break the cycle of homelessness, but poverty as well.
As it happens, I was asked to make some phone calls looking for volunteers in the conversion of the building. Using the phone book, I called churches in the area looking for skilled labor, plumbers, carpenters and the like to assist the master electrician that is currently completing his phase of the project.
Every person that I spoke with was receptive to me and even though no one knew of anyone who was available to work, people started showing up. It is my hope and prayer that they get all of the workers that they need to finish the project on time.
To fund the project, they are asking that a church, group or individual adopt one room. The cost of furnishing one apartment for a family of five is $3,000.00. Smaller families require less furniture and what all so that is the highest sponsorship. Certainly, others are donating smaller amounts for consumables like diapers and the like. When the family completes the program they get to keep all of the furniture and everything as well as assistance finding a place and staying on their feet. It is very exciting to play even this small part in such an exciting project.
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