While in South Louisiana, we worked on Mr. S's home. He came by and visited with us and told me, "I just want to come home." During Thanksgiving break, I volunteered to help him find his way home.
At the wonderful age of 90, even though he is alone since his wife died a few years ago, Mr. S would like to finish out his life in the home they had together. A request it would be difficult to refuse.
We accomplished our assigned task in the time we had, but there is much still to be done. My educated guess is three more months before he is home again. Three months out of the waning time remaining here on this earth. Driving through the flood area, those who are not home are legion. I can promise you they all would prefer to be home than where ever they are riding out the rebuild. Some will never be able to go back and they will have to find a new home. Each and every flood victim is on a quest to go back home.
While in Baton Rouge, I saw the documentary by Trent Dion Soto, "Among the Discarded". Trent chose to live on the streets of Los Angeles for 30 days and filmed and produced his documentary chronicling his experience while on the street. He came away on a mission to provide some semblance of a home for those who have no home. He is inspiring others to get involved with a huge national problem--even a disgrace--those who live on the street.
We all can come up with reasons to not help the homeless. Many of them want to live on the street, they are addicts, they should get a job, on and on our excuses for not being involved roll off our tongues. Some of this may be truth, but the children I work with every week at the homeless shelter--they just want a home. Their mothers and fathers--for the most part--just need a helping hand to get going again. While going to tutor, I pass the men and women who are filing through the door for a hot meal and a safe bed. They are in the long list of those we have discarded. We look the other way when they approach us on the street, glance away when we pass them in the park, and generally ignore the problem staring us in the face. The vast majority of them-just want to go home. Would you consider getting involved and helping them find a home?
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord,
and he will repay him for his deed.
Proverbs 19:17
"Home"....simply put, many people do not have a home...how sad is this??? Thank you Lulu for bringing this to light...
ReplyDeleteFor many a reason, but what a shame in the richest nation in the world that we have thousands upon thousands living on the street. It is over whelming to think about, but helping just one find their way begins a hopeful landslide of others finding their way home.
DeleteBlessings !
I really admire and respect what you do for the homeless, teaching children and the work you do in Louisiana. You are a real Mother Theresa, Lulu. Thank you for what you do. I'll pray you have the courage and strength to continue doing it. That, and helping your family too. One in a million; that's what you are.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I am not worthy to step in the shadow of Mother Theresa, Victor. I am greatly blessed by each and every act of service. More richly blessed than I ever bless. What a gift!
DeleteBlessings, My Friend!
Hi Lulu! You really challenge me with your post. What a beautiful act of service you did in Louisiana. My sisters and I just spent a long weekend in New Orleans, and I was able to see Lake Pontchartrain and the Lower 9th Ward. It's been a long time since that flood, but you can see where the devastation really impacted neighborhoods.
ReplyDeleteI just signed up again to help man our overnight shelter for the homeless. I usually work the 11 pm to 3 am shift and honestly, I don't like it. But I know it's important and that I can make a difference.
God bless you and your work for the homeless,
Ceil
God Bless You, Friend! I am inspired by your act of kindness. We are always more blessed than we ever bless.
DeleteBlessings, My Friend!