That is similar to being bumfuzzled...I realized a few days ago that there were people 'elsewhere'
who are reading this BLOG and I'm a little perplexed on several levels, not the least of which is
'are there privacy settings for Blogs?' So, until I have something earth shattering to say, which as
we approach camp week next week, will be later rather than sooner, I'm going to think on posting
anything at the moment. I'm always thrown off when I realize how invasive the Internet can be.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Friday, July 20, 2012
The Old Man on the Park Bench
Yesterday evening we met at a neighborhood park in the neighborhood Tomas and I surveyed during the month of June. When I arrived, a little early, Domingo was sitting on a bench visiting with a man who was obviously homeless. I opened the lawn chair I had wisely brought with me and sat quietly beside them. Over the course of their conversation it became aparent that he was not only homeless, but intelligent, well-spoken, and surprisingly to me, a former Marine. This information raised the question in my mind of how one goes from Marine to homeless? This morning when I came into the dining hall, John (church group) had already made the coffee and as he was wearing a VFW t-shirt I put the question to him. John is probably in his seventies, helps out with the meals and anywhere he's needed, and is a Vietnam Era Vet. Well, ask an old vet about that subject and you can expect a full explanation with a lot of details. His stories were honest and straighforward about that time and what occurred and the effects that combat has on the participants. In reflecting after our conversation, rather than thinking as before, "Can something be done for this homeless man?" I made a note to ask him the next time I'm near the park, "Have you finally found peace?" Because I suspect that that is exactly what being freed from the constraints of a 'normal' life has afforded him, the one luxury he needs for survival. Hmmmmm.....
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Holy Hannah!!!
That's an expression Natalie uses sometimes, it is appropriate in describing the church group that arrived yesterday - all 63 of them, only 23 of whom were over 18 - Yikes!!! I knew they were bringing a youth group but did not expect it to be such a large one. Wow!!! Some of the group will
stay here and do maintenance, some will repair two damaged homes, and some will go to the
Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Port Arthur to hold Vacation Bible School and put on a
musical performance at the end of the week. This is their fourth year to stay at Shepherd's Inn and
they come fully prepared to take over. My only responsibility was to assemble then distribute bedding and towels to everyone's room before they arrived. I did this over the course of catching
up the laundry from the previous weekend's groups and families, loooooong day!
Yesterday was the first time that I've really gone inside each and every room in the place, some of which are pretty sad looking; white walls, no pictures, non-descript window coverings, dreary
bathrooms. That is going to have to be my 'Winter Project'. I was thinking that rather than having
Sunday School classes adopt rooms to decorate, which is only as good as the interest level by the members, that rather have families adopt a room or more in Memoriam. The furniture is already
there, it would basically be just paint, some wall decor, window covering. We provide linens.
Any thoughts on the subject are welcome.
I've been up since midnight and it is 4:26 a.m.. For one thing it was freezing in here because Mary is too short to see what number she is setting the unit on and I forgot to check it before I went to bed, finally at 12:30 I checked and it was 67! I also should have taken two Aleve before I went to bed compliments of the umpty gazillion loads of sheets, towels, and blankets that I washed/dried/folded yesterday. And, last but not least, didn't adjust my supper well enough to accomodate the increase in activity; so just a combination, I'll take a nap after I turn the coffee pot on for the group at five.
Otherwise, busy week ahead if I don't happen to post. Tomorrow night is the neighborhood meeting in the neighborhood where we did the surveying, Friday night we leave for a training retreat a couple of hours from here at the camp site for Opportunity Camp, Saturday at the retreat, then home that afternoon.
Salud!
stay here and do maintenance, some will repair two damaged homes, and some will go to the
Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Port Arthur to hold Vacation Bible School and put on a
musical performance at the end of the week. This is their fourth year to stay at Shepherd's Inn and
they come fully prepared to take over. My only responsibility was to assemble then distribute bedding and towels to everyone's room before they arrived. I did this over the course of catching
up the laundry from the previous weekend's groups and families, loooooong day!
Yesterday was the first time that I've really gone inside each and every room in the place, some of which are pretty sad looking; white walls, no pictures, non-descript window coverings, dreary
bathrooms. That is going to have to be my 'Winter Project'. I was thinking that rather than having
Sunday School classes adopt rooms to decorate, which is only as good as the interest level by the members, that rather have families adopt a room or more in Memoriam. The furniture is already
there, it would basically be just paint, some wall decor, window covering. We provide linens.
Any thoughts on the subject are welcome.
I've been up since midnight and it is 4:26 a.m.. For one thing it was freezing in here because Mary is too short to see what number she is setting the unit on and I forgot to check it before I went to bed, finally at 12:30 I checked and it was 67! I also should have taken two Aleve before I went to bed compliments of the umpty gazillion loads of sheets, towels, and blankets that I washed/dried/folded yesterday. And, last but not least, didn't adjust my supper well enough to accomodate the increase in activity; so just a combination, I'll take a nap after I turn the coffee pot on for the group at five.
Otherwise, busy week ahead if I don't happen to post. Tomorrow night is the neighborhood meeting in the neighborhood where we did the surveying, Friday night we leave for a training retreat a couple of hours from here at the camp site for Opportunity Camp, Saturday at the retreat, then home that afternoon.
Salud!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Saturday, July 14, 2012
The Evangelists
This weekend we have a Catholic group of men, about 20 of whom are staying here at the Inn, of 40 altogether who gathered on Wednesday night for orientation. The purpose of their visit is prison minstry at the State prisons nearby. I haven't had much opportunity to visit with them as they leave at 5:30 a.m. and rarely return before 8:30 or later in the evening. From the bits and pieces I have picked up the focus of their visits is spiritual. I hope to get the opportunity for some feedback, not only on their perceptions but also on their motivation for this ministry.
There are about 15 assorted prison families here also, in other words, a full-ish house. Lol, I say full-ish because next week on Tuesday we have a 63 member team from a Dallas based church who come in twice a year to do disaster relief repairs. Yikes! I might as well move my bed to the laundry room.
I realized the other day that laundry is actually one of the few household chores that I actually enjoy doing, believe me, around here I have plenty of opportunity for enjoyment :)
One of the things I always say is that I am not called to adult ministry, and I still believe that to be the truth in that I am not a natural evangelist. I have several spiritual gifts, but that is not one of them. What I am called to is youth ministry and I am an encourager, which is my primary function here, to support the work of this minstry by assisting Mary so that she will feel refreshed to do what she does.
It is an adjustment dealing with the adult aspect in a few rare cases, but in those cases, I defer them to her management because I recognize that although she feels led to hold hands and pray with a displaced pot-head that the Red Cross sent over here, only as long as it took for Mary to call the police to evict him, where as my undoubted response would have been, "Get your pot-head self out, NOW!" :) I know, holy huh? ;)
There are about 15 assorted prison families here also, in other words, a full-ish house. Lol, I say full-ish because next week on Tuesday we have a 63 member team from a Dallas based church who come in twice a year to do disaster relief repairs. Yikes! I might as well move my bed to the laundry room.
I realized the other day that laundry is actually one of the few household chores that I actually enjoy doing, believe me, around here I have plenty of opportunity for enjoyment :)
One of the things I always say is that I am not called to adult ministry, and I still believe that to be the truth in that I am not a natural evangelist. I have several spiritual gifts, but that is not one of them. What I am called to is youth ministry and I am an encourager, which is my primary function here, to support the work of this minstry by assisting Mary so that she will feel refreshed to do what she does.
It is an adjustment dealing with the adult aspect in a few rare cases, but in those cases, I defer them to her management because I recognize that although she feels led to hold hands and pray with a displaced pot-head that the Red Cross sent over here, only as long as it took for Mary to call the police to evict him, where as my undoubted response would have been, "Get your pot-head self out, NOW!" :) I know, holy huh? ;)
Friday, July 13, 2012
Inevitable
Yesterday, a newsletter I've gotten for five years or more written by Drew Rozzell (A Very Cool Life) had the following question: Do you view it as inevitable? So, of course, the immediate thought shift that came to my mind was about viewing my meeting with the Director, Dion, as coming to an inevitable conclusion, which was my staying on here as Mary's resident assistant for the coming school year, and, being inevitable, that is precisely what occurred. I am pleased and expectant for the adventure ahead. Next inevitable item on the agenda, a library to tame. Bring it on!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Under the Broom Tree
"He prayed that he might die." 1 Kings 19:4 was the title of Monday's devotional in the little booklet I keep by the side of the bed. It references the story of Elijah and his frustration with 'the way things were going' such that he sat under a broom tree and said, 'it is enough! Lord, take my life'. Well... haven't we all been under the broom tree to one degree or another in our lives?
To those of you who have wondered up to this point, as have I, what is going on here? what's supposed to happen? what part do I play? The answer came to me on Monday, our Resident Manager is under her broom tree. She has selflessly lived and served in this ministry for seven years and she needs help, help which we both feel arrived in the form of my serving as her assistant this summer and the natural feel of my continuing in this place and this ministry during the up-coming school year.
Owing to the present condition of things with the Louisiana School System in general and my current employer in particular, it was not a difficult decision. Deciding whether to stay here at the Inn or get an apartment required a bit more soul seaching. There is a certain shift that has to occur to transition from living in one's own space to a pseudo-dorm like environment. During the week it is fairly quiet and once the displaced person returns to her home at the end of this month, it will be fairly private as Mary and Jeff have their own quarters in E Hall and I live in B Hall. Beginning on Wed evenings at 8 p.m. through Sundays, the Inn is open to primarily families of inmates, but also, visiting church groups. For example, this weekend, a group of guys from San Antonio area are staying over for a training and ministry at the State Prison. About fifteen or so are staying here, with the remainder of the 40 coming and going for meetings and such. Next week a group of 60 church members, including family groups, will be here for a semi-annual disaster relief weekend.
In addition to the minstry here there are three or four things that have been my primary employment this summer that are only just beginning and bear completion throughout the rest of the year. Of course, if you commit for one semester in a school setting, you're pretty well automatically committed for two, so there you have it, in case you might have wondered, where this is all coming from and where its headed.
Salud!!!
To those of you who have wondered up to this point, as have I, what is going on here? what's supposed to happen? what part do I play? The answer came to me on Monday, our Resident Manager is under her broom tree. She has selflessly lived and served in this ministry for seven years and she needs help, help which we both feel arrived in the form of my serving as her assistant this summer and the natural feel of my continuing in this place and this ministry during the up-coming school year.
Owing to the present condition of things with the Louisiana School System in general and my current employer in particular, it was not a difficult decision. Deciding whether to stay here at the Inn or get an apartment required a bit more soul seaching. There is a certain shift that has to occur to transition from living in one's own space to a pseudo-dorm like environment. During the week it is fairly quiet and once the displaced person returns to her home at the end of this month, it will be fairly private as Mary and Jeff have their own quarters in E Hall and I live in B Hall. Beginning on Wed evenings at 8 p.m. through Sundays, the Inn is open to primarily families of inmates, but also, visiting church groups. For example, this weekend, a group of guys from San Antonio area are staying over for a training and ministry at the State Prison. About fifteen or so are staying here, with the remainder of the 40 coming and going for meetings and such. Next week a group of 60 church members, including family groups, will be here for a semi-annual disaster relief weekend.
In addition to the minstry here there are three or four things that have been my primary employment this summer that are only just beginning and bear completion throughout the rest of the year. Of course, if you commit for one semester in a school setting, you're pretty well automatically committed for two, so there you have it, in case you might have wondered, where this is all coming from and where its headed.
Salud!!!
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Sea Rim State Park 7/7
Well, Saturday it was raining and overcast so I headed for the park which is only 22 miles away and an easy drive. The last ten miles of the trip I didn't pass another vehicle and most of the surrounding land is marsh and sparsely populated, it was the most wonderful, surreal, magical feeling. As I approached the park entrance I was amazed to see flamingo colored birds among the egrets. I found out later that they are called Rosetta Spoonbills. In attempting to see them at closer range I ventured onto a three-quarter mile wooden walkway through the marsh, which to be honest was kind of creepy since there wasn't a soul around but me and the birds, well there were crabs and a momma racoon and her baby but I don't think they would have been much protection had I needed any. Here are some of the pics....
The kids had a really good time and we just hung out for a while. The same Park Ranger who had given me the warning last time came by and I asked him about fishing. He said that in Texas State Parks you don't need a fishing license, WOW!!! That was exciting news. He said I can catch and keep up to three Red Fish between 20-28 inches and over 28 inches you need a tag. So, I will be in search of a second hand fishing rod and reel to surf fish as soon as I can get that all put together. Woohoo!!!
And YES I can scale and clean them but euuuwwwwwww!!!! However, for a good grilled Redfish I might just 'Get Over It' :)
After failing to get any closer to the birds and have donated my fair share of blood to the evidently starving mosquito population, the bears and I headed back to the car and drove the remaining 50 or 100 feet to the beach.
And YES I can scale and clean them but euuuwwwwwww!!!! However, for a good grilled Redfish I might just 'Get Over It' :)
Friday, July 6, 2012
Oooooops!!! 7/6
Sorry, didn't realize that it had been so long since I posted. Since my decision to remain here the school year, I've been running around like a chicken trying to get the paperwork taken care of to provide gainful employment. I'm still holding out for a Librarian position and have not sought anything in the classroom yet.
Our work the past two weeks has been to go church to church distributing flyers and bulletin inserts for the re-opening of a Christian Crisis Hotline in the SE Texas area. In addition there is a Golf Tournament scheduled for late October as a fundraiser for this facility and another one that temporarily houses homeless families with children for up to 6 months while they get back on their feet. Last night we met with several pastors from the area we had been surveying to develop next step strategies for following up on the survey results. It was determined that we will have a community meeting on July 19 at a neighborhood park in an effort to create small groups with specifica areas of interest and have the residents assume responsibility of taking the next steps; with guidance of course.
I had originially planned to go to Sea Rim State Park which is only 22 miles from here and located on the Gulf coast, but Wednesday was horrendously hot so opted to put that off until the temperatures are more tolerable.
I've been away from the inn for two weekends so am enjoying meeting new families this weekend, new stories, more to write about :)
Have an awesome weekend!
Our work the past two weeks has been to go church to church distributing flyers and bulletin inserts for the re-opening of a Christian Crisis Hotline in the SE Texas area. In addition there is a Golf Tournament scheduled for late October as a fundraiser for this facility and another one that temporarily houses homeless families with children for up to 6 months while they get back on their feet. Last night we met with several pastors from the area we had been surveying to develop next step strategies for following up on the survey results. It was determined that we will have a community meeting on July 19 at a neighborhood park in an effort to create small groups with specifica areas of interest and have the residents assume responsibility of taking the next steps; with guidance of course.
I had originially planned to go to Sea Rim State Park which is only 22 miles from here and located on the Gulf coast, but Wednesday was horrendously hot so opted to put that off until the temperatures are more tolerable.
I've been away from the inn for two weekends so am enjoying meeting new families this weekend, new stories, more to write about :)
Have an awesome weekend!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Back In the Saddle 7/2
Left Friday noon for Lafayette after a last minute email from Ross requesting Nana duty. Nana duty this weekend specifically involved playing chase around the ballpark with 3 yr old Braxton for the duration of 7 yr old Peyton's baseball tournament game, which they won, and playing lifeguard for 5 boys the following day while Ross, Jaime, and her Mom (Honey Bear) unpacked/moved from Marlene's to the new house. No one was able to exactly figure out where the extra kids came from on moving day, but there it is. We had a great weekend and Marlene graciously offered her guest bedroom for Saturday night after hearing Ross' best offer of, "Mom, we can take the tent off of the top bunk in the baby's room and you can sleep there; the boys (all 5) will be in Peyton's room (across the hall)". As I said, I greatly appreciated Marlene's offer of sleeping in peace at her house.
During the course of the past week or ten days I have been exploring the possibility of remaining in Port Arthur for the upcoming school year and have concluded, after prayer and consulting with the Tribal Council members in my life, that I will pursue this option. Furthermore, I will meet with the Director here to determine whether I will remain as an assistant in place or look for an apartment after camp next month. The Resident Manager is hoping for the former :) There is much work to be done here and I feel that I have talents and abilities that will enhance the efficiency of this ministry and the fullness of my already blessed existence.
During the course of the past week or ten days I have been exploring the possibility of remaining in Port Arthur for the upcoming school year and have concluded, after prayer and consulting with the Tribal Council members in my life, that I will pursue this option. Furthermore, I will meet with the Director here to determine whether I will remain as an assistant in place or look for an apartment after camp next month. The Resident Manager is hoping for the former :) There is much work to be done here and I feel that I have talents and abilities that will enhance the efficiency of this ministry and the fullness of my already blessed existence.
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