Digging In...

This week I had the opportunity to stay as the overnight host for the IHN at Berthoud United Methodist. After staying for two nights, it gave me a fresh perspective and some insight into what's going on as far as different charity organizations. During my stay, I had the priveledge of eating dinner with homeless families and playing with their kids. I brought my new little puppy Sammy in to play as well. It's amazing how far a little bit of kindness can go; they showed abundant appreciation simply because I was there and I was listening. I found that it takes a certain kind of person to work for a non-profit organization, and also how stressful it can be.
While I was at the church, I met a single mother of a beautiful one year old daughter. Talking with her really opened my eyes to how susceptible anyone can be to homelessness. This woman has her CNA and has worked for many different hospitals and nursing homes around the country. A bad roommate who up and left one day landed her and her daughter into a life without a home. Even with a job paying over minimum wage, she and her daughter have had to deal with many financial adversities. She said the one consistent thing that has helped her stay strong and motivated besides her daughter, is all of the people who have made an effort to help her. Truth is, everyone struggles in their lifetime one way or another. I've learned it's how you respond to these adversities that make you who are.