One month

I've officially been at Love INC for one month as of today.  I cannot believe how quickly time seems to be passing.  It has been a month full of learning, growing, and testing the limits of how much sleep I really need.

I had absolutely no idea of the depth of need in our community.  It's staggering.  On the surface, this area seems like a perfect place to live; it has that clean, wholesome, idyllic feel.  And, quite honestly, it is a great place to live, despite some of the hardships I have become aware of.  However, the sheer number of people in truly desperate conditions is heart breaking.

This past Monday was the day that, at least for now, has tested me the most emotionally.  It seems every day that our phones are on and we are receiving calls we get at least one client who has a terrible tale to tell.  Monday we got 5 in a row.  One is a family of 6 who just managed to get out of a shelter and into a home but have absolutely nothing.  One is a woman in her late 50s who just had a leg amputated, saving her life, despite her children encouraging the doctor to let her die.  One is a single father of 3 who has no beds for his children.  One is a woman in her early 60s who finally fled a marriage filled with physical and emotional abuse only to find out she has advanced breast cancer in both breasts.  And one is a man whose bipolar girlfriend just gave birth to twins and took off with the babies.

What do you say to these people?  How do you help them?

I have come to the realization that this job is going to be much more painful than I anticipated.  But it's also going to be filled with great moments of joy and love.  Every time I get to make the call to the client letting them know we are going to help I think I am more excited than the client.

Two young mothers, both right around my age, now have winter items for their children.  In a few weeks we're providing a birthday cake to a woman for her child's birthday.  Too many people to count (even in just the last month) have been fed with food boxes.  The heat and lights and water have stayed on in the homes of about 2 dozen people because of us.  There are now houses with water heaters, washers, dryers, refrigerators, beds, tables, couches, and blankets.

I have been reminded every minute of every day just how blessed and lucky I am - materially, spiritually, opportunity-wise, and relationship-wise.  I am especially blessed with family who care about me and whom I care about in return.  The common denominator for practically every client is the lack of family support.  I cannot even begin to imagine what that must be like.  I am incredibly lucky to be as secure as I am in the knowledge that I can always call upon my family, regardless of the situation, and I will be welcomed with open arms.  I am thankful for each and every one of you.

If you haven't done so recently, I encourage you to count your blessings.  Then I encourage you to share your blessings.  There are enough of us, blessed in a variety of ways, that every need can be met; solutions are as close as our and our neighbor's house.

Much love!
~g