It feels so weird to have someone come up to the shack to see what we are doing and then tell me her story of being homeless. A very friendly woman in her mid 40’s, living in Tuskegee, who recently went through a divorce, began to unfold her story. Last month her son was murdered. Grieving and lost, she had been out of work under the Federal Medical Leave Act (FMLA). After being out several weeks she was told she could not use the leave anymore and then she was terminated from her job. When she passed by our table she was out looking for new work and asked about housing. We talked about some options with Habitat for Humanity. She told me she had spoken to them but they did not have any openings. She is staying with friends until she gets on her feet but does not want to live in Tuskegee.
Life can be so hard. I am choosing to be out in these shacks and “rough it”. But , I can always pick up and go home. Tragedy has a way of knocking the wind out of our sails. It can leave you feeling hopeless and alone. Solomon wrote, “two are better than one for when one falls down there is another to pick them up.” Fellowship and community are so vital. I am at least glad to know the woman has someone to stay with but could not help the ache in my heart for her. Another daughter of Jesus with faith but deeply struggling.
Another woman passed by took our information, In an interesting twist she expressed her love of Auburn but then recognized that there is not a homeless shelter in our community. Many would be fooled into thinking there are not homeless people in the Auburn/Opelika area but I can assure you there are. I am always intrigued at what feels like the stringing of stories together. I had not told her of my encounter with the lady earlier so it was simply a coincidence. Or was it? It just leaves me thinking about home, and “where is your home?” I pray our thinking can turn into ideas and action.
On a lighter note, I thoroughly enjoyed my day and connecting with awesome folks. The biggest surprise was being visited by CW4 Chris Haynes who I lovingly refer to as Chief. (CW4 means Chief Warrant Officer 4). He was in route from Hawaii to Fort Rucker, just a few miles, and thought he would stop by. Chris and I served in Iraq together. He oversaw the operations of the Ammunition Supply Point which supplied several US and Coalition Forces. Our command provided logistical support and mission command to his company. The ammunition community in Iraq became very close and each week we would meet together to discuss operations and life over cappuccino-my drink of business :))) We all kept in contact even after our deployments. Chris, his wife Paige, and his family went from FT. Benning and ended up in Hawaii after some other tours. I saw where they were leaving Hawaii but had no idea where they were headed! It has been about 9 years since I last saw Chris (10 years since we served together). You can imagine the shock and awe when he walked up to the shack yesterday! They have been huge supporters of ARM and Chris hopes to cycle with us in Cycle of Service! So great to see you, Chief!
Loved the meals and all the great visitors yesterday! Ryan Martin, Susan Hunt, John Needer, and Thor Burke helped with our fundraising effort yesterday!
Breakfast was awesome with John Biblis coming to bring me his own egg and Conecuh sausage biscuits, cheese grits and coffee! It is the simple things! Looking forward to what God will do today!
Still up for grabs on Ebay:
Signed basketball from Shaquille O’Neal:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/181902408362?ssPageName=STRK:MESCX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1554.l2649
Custom built cabin:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/181902413801?ssPageName=STRK:MESCX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1554.l2649
Until later! From the Shack,
lp
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