Just Another Day

This has been quite an interesting week.  On Tuesday, the window in our spare bedroom literally shattered inward.  Maintenance came right over, boarded up the window, and today we got a new one.  This event made us late for the Vacaville zone meeting. I had made brownies for their meeting so we were pretty popular even though we interrupted the meeting late.

After the meeting we took two elders to lunch at Chicl-fil A.  We then proceeded to go see Blue Hawk.  He is a single brother in his late 20's.  He is a very smart young man but has really had some down and out luck.  He is covered in tattoos but we couldn't see any sign of any addiction, which we are told to be aware of due to his homelessness and conditions. He says he knows that the tattoos affect his job hunting but can't do anything about them. The Vacaville Third Ward bishop asked us to go see him.  Because of his conditions, the ward is trying to get him back on his feet.  He served nine years in the military, has a bachelor's degree, both parents have passed away and two weeks ago his only sibling (sister) was killed in an automobile accident.  Not only is he struggling financially but he has no job and no family.  He was converted to the church while he was stationed at Hill AFB.  We were there for about two hours along with the missionaries.  We gave him a copy of the Book of Mormon and challenged him to begin reading it again.  He accepted the challenge.  Craig and I are going to try to go tomorrow, Friday, and check up on him.  I'll even try to get some cookies baked.  . The bishop had asked us to be alert to the situation because we don't know anything about him.  All we know is he called the Church and asked for help because he was sleeping in the park.  This is really my first close-up encounter with a homeless man.  I felt so sorry for him as he expressed his fear of being homeless and no family.  I can't even begin to understand what that must be like.  We can only pray that he is being honest with us and that the Lord will direct us in knowing how we can help.  Maybe we all should go to bed tonight counting our blessings!

After a fast dinner we went with two other missionaries to visit with a sister who is going to the temple on Saturday.  There was such a contrast as she shared something new she had learned in the scriptures earlier that day. She says every time she picks them up she feels better and learns something new.  Her children are grown and she is divorced.  She is the nicest lady and there was the sweetest spirit in her home.

On Friday, August 14, Craig is out searching for some single airman with the help of one of our active airman.  I am here writing, baking cookies, getting wash done, and listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  My heart is full as I think of all the great blessings I have in my life.  My children and grandchildren are a source of strength and joy.  My testimony brings me peace, hope and love for all of God’s children.  Please look around today and watch for the small miracles that the Lord provides us with.  We are all blessed with the knowledge of God and our elder Brother’s sacrifice.  Make the most of your day.  Serve someone else.  Love you all.