Nov. 2nd Wednesday
This day is about to close and has been fun. I’ve been blessed by many donations and great conversations. It truly keeps me going. But…I’m also tired…very tired.
The love and generosity continues to pour in. Whatever frustrations I had about the fire pit being stolen was turned by so many others wanting to help. What I have not mentioned are the workshops. Each day since this past Monday, a different organization has presented a seminar on aspects of poverty.
Alabama Arise grapples with the public policy side and literally advocates and “lobbies” for the poor and low income families. They help us see what laws and structures exist that continue to perpetuate poverty or hold people back. Their work is to encourage everyone to become more active and educated about the legislative process. They spoke on Monday at Auburn UMC.
Tuesday was the Hale Empowerment Organization (HERO). I was impressed by O’Neil who has been serving with HERO for three years and graduated from Auburn in landscape architecture. She was extremely articulate discussing the facets of HERO-housing, children, and social entrepreneurship. The building projects and micro businesses they have established have blown me away. From Youth Build projects, to bamboo bicycles, to Pie-labs and so much more! Wow! Greensboro, Alabama has been completely transformed! Inspiring! Wesley Foundation hosted this workshop.
Today was Alabama Possible and Kristina Scott also at Wesley Foundation. This was designed as a listening session and brainstorming. My friends David Bryson from SIFAT, and Art Pearce with Habitat shared some great insights! We talked about the problem-how do we achieve economic success. From there we discussed the resources, roadblocks, and what we could do as a community and individually. It was a great conversation. The next two sessions are from Habitat of Hale County and Dr. Norbert Wilson in AU Rural Sociology.
Overall, I was thankful for the healthy breakfast with Heath and a fellowship dinner with the AU Wesley students. And here is the final story. Today, we completed a roof for Mr. Niguel Andrews. Niguel is a gospel singer who has had several health problems including seven strokes. Sometimes he is in a wheelchair or uses a walker and must use oxygen. Niguel is in his late 40’s. He has sung with Amy Grant, CiCi and BiBi Winen and more. Over the course of three years we have built him a ramp, deck, and now replaced his roof. He in turn has given us musical CD’s and sang at various locations. I was elated when he called today to say thank you for his roof and tell me how excited he is. Then he asked if he could be a spokesperson for ARM and accompany us to churches and other events. I was deeply humbled. This man never quits serving and never quits giving. Of course I said “yes” and how we would love to have him. What a great testimony and a wonderful reminder of how God will continue to use us even in our weakness. That was really the highlight of my day and what sticks the most.
And I enjoyed visits from Meredith and Harper, Riley, Isis, Heath, Emma and Helen and so many more! Thanks!
The unofficial total is $8787 but I know we have some more in.
Grace and peace,
lisa
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