Friday was chalked full of adventures from Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller to having Aubie come by late in the afternoon. See below!
Our fundraising total is $44,700 and we are grateful to all those who gave on Friday!
Last night was cold. Colder than I had planned and anticipated. My sleeping bag is heavy grade but the holes at the top of my shack were not plugged and all the cold air sucked away any body heat I had. Combined with loud music past midnight, it was not as restful as I had hoped. Although I love a good fire, my eyes have a perpetual sting from the smoke and Kleenex is part of the items I need to keep around.
Maybe you have had some camping experiences like this. For a few days you can be uncomfortable but you know it is temporary and you are going home. But what if last night’s cold weather was the start of what is to come for several months and will only get worse? What if your central heat does not work and you move a space heater from room to room and open your oven door? What if you know the fuel or power bill is about to skyrocket above the monthly social security allotment of $900? What if….
These are the questions so many families are beginning to ask. The comfort of fall is shortlived and a rough road lays ahead. Imagine how much more difficult while we are still navigating Covid-19? These same families are not supposed to get out of their home and stay away from others. These are such hard choices.
So what can we do? This is why I am living in a shack. As I speak, over 30 college students are out serving in our community making homes warm, safe and dry and kicking the effects of poverty and low incomes to the curb. Your funds are matched with their gift and stewardship of time. Considering the Auburn game at 11:00 this morning, I think that is way cool.
Your gift of $100 today could be a game changer and make one more dent. Your gift of time is priceless. Finally, if your situation does not allow you to help financially, we have a prayer chain and you can adopt a ½ hour of prayer and that is huge as well.
There were some highlights from yesterday:
- Opelika Mayor, Gary Fuller, discussed growing up poor and his experiences.He shared his investment into racial inclusion, Black Lives Matter movements, and caring for the entire community.
- Our board member, Eric Canada, raised over $3000 sitting with us and is now serving in southern Alabama for Hurricane Sally recovery
- Aubie stopped traffic, took pictures and encouraged people to give. He also shared what home is…and described the Auburn family.
- Finally, my colleagues, Jeremiah and his wife Sarah, came by and brought me a large, decaf Butterscotch latte-decadence!
I am grateful for good meals today and some awesome coffee! Thanks Jessica Yeast, Barbara and Pete Miller, and Jeremiah and Sarah Bryan!
The prayer chain is www.arm-al.org/shackprayerchain
To give: www.arm-al.org/give
Grace and peace,
Lisa
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