Two days ago we went to our local park for a homeschoolers outing. Many local home school families were there with their many children. :) It was fun for the girls to run and play with other kids of all ages, even our two yr. old was included in the games.
But the main reason I wanted to write about this outing today was to tell you about who I met.
There was a lady there, probably in her early 50's with her 11 yr. old daughter. They too are home schoolers and the lady works some of the child care shifts at the gym I go to as well.
I found out that she is brain damaged from an accident, has had five children, and her husband divorced her after her accident. She now has the capacity to think like a seventeen yr. old. The 11 yr. old is her youngest. They are living in a tent at a local camp ground, because she gave her savings away to her sister who was about to lose her home.
Now they are trying to save up again to either build a wall tent type thing for the coming winter or get a camper.
The kicker is....they are so happy.
Happy to have a tent. They like their camping neighbors. They like their part time job that gets them out and about. They like how things are going.
I have a home, a couch, a computer, a bathroom and still find things to grump about.
I asked her about what they will do when it drops below zero this winter and she didn't quite know. What do you do with this new found knowledge of others in need?
My husband and I are contemplating this and are leaning towards doing something that would raise eyebrows but we need to pray some more about it.
I guess we will know more at the end of the summer if we are truly being called to do what we are thinking of doing.
What would you do, if anything?
I would take the easy route and give them money, knowing that I am supposed to get them in a better place to live!!
ReplyDeleteWe were thinking of giving them money, but are concerned they would be taken advantage of again by their family members.
ReplyDeleteWe are thinking that maybe in the fall, if they are still here, renting a studio apartment for them with utilities paid. I am not sure how that would go, but are willing to do whatever it takes to get them somewhere warm when the snow flies.
-the mom
How much longer are you going to be thankful for orange pansies? Give it up already, help me out would ya.........
ReplyDeleteI'm not saying don't help them, but be cautious. If you rent an apartment, you'll be liable if there is damage or if they have to be evicted. This could be the best experience of generosity ever, or it could go terribly wrong, with problems that follow you (and your credit record) for a long time. You could also help her check out the social services available, they often will do rent assistance and help them get housing that is affordable for their income (or lack of).
ReplyDelete