There's been a lot of good things going here that have kept me very busy. I sometimes feel like a taxi service taking people to and from all kinds of places. Sometimes car rides are great places to talk and get to know someone more. I have found that I am very thankful for the time spent with people in my car. My job is hard to describe to people, but I just love being a friend to so many.
Camper Family
Remember back when I told you about the camper who had come across some hard times? The family was staying in a shelter and we were working to help get them back on their feet. Well, listen to this. They are now staying in the extra room at a new friend's house. The mom is practicing her English and building her confidence. On Tuesday we went with her to her child's school to discuss some issues about transportation to and from school since their move out of the shelter. She was very timid at first, but with the help of a language line and some friends by her side, you could see her feeling more and more dignified. When I picked her up for English class the next day, she was smiling and started a conversation with me for the first time. She was put together and seems to be doing much better. She asked me to come over and help her with a few things and tried so hard to speak with me when before our ride had been in mostly silence.
This family still has a long way to go, but they are showing so much progress. The middle schooler is experiencing a lot of transition which is causing a lot of stress. Pray for all of them that they would be able to settle soon and go back to being a family without having to worry so much about how they will get by.
Homework Group
Annalisa and I are having a blast with our girls. They really are the best and I wish you could all get to know each one of them. They are unique, beautiful, smart, kind girls who come together on Thursdays with friends to try and do homework knowing that it matters for their future. It's actually hard to get them to stop doing their homework before they are done. I'm blessed by my time with them each and every week.
Community
Recently I have found out hoe thankful I am for the little community I am a part of. From the McKendree 20+ group to the other FOR staff, I am constantly surrounded by great people who encourage me. My roommates and the friends I have made in Clarkston have helped this whole big post-grad life transition much more manageable. I'm so thankful for my family as well who continues to support me and help me in any way that they can. Y'all are the best!!!
Prayer Requests
As always, please continue to pray hat financial support would continue to come in. I have hit a wall recently it seems, and still need about $6,000 more to be fully funded. I hope that you will prayerfully consider becoming a monthly giver if you have not already or share my information with anyone you think might be interested in helping.
Pray for the camper family who is trying so hard to achieve the American Dream. There are many pieces that still need to fall into place and complex systems to making those things happen.
Pray for Friends of Refugees that we continue to always seek God's will first and that we would never do work outside of what he has planned for us.
