Week One Update
~I would like to thank my retired master electrician friend, for his time, talent and energy in helping get the home's (and barn's) electric up to code. It was a pleasure and honor to spend those couple weeks with him. In no way will I be able to retain all of the knowledge this great teacher gave me, but I am certainly going to try! It was a fascinating process to be part of.
This gentleman, was able to backwards fed the gas generator to the electrical panel in order to locate which wire fed what socket, light switches, etc. It was anyone guess up till that point. We both stood by as the house literally shook its self awake. It was amazing to hear the home take a reviving breath after being stagnate for so long! It was hard to not get emotional and excited. This is what I want for each person that comes to stay within this creative mission community. I can't wait to see their eyes light up with a renewed sense of purpose! I cannot wait for their lives to be filled with that reviving breath. Just like this old house. It needs a lot of work, but it isn't too far gone! If the right love and talents go into this structure it will show and exert a testimony to many who feel given up on, who have given up on themselves, who feel they are beyond restoration, who have lost hope in anyone ever giving them the love, time or opportunity.
~The generator sits by a completely dark tree line. One evening I was in the middle of a camping shower when the generator just shuts off. (...I've seen that movie, and it didn't end well...) With no lights inside or out I called the Newberry Sheriff Dept. and they sent a deputy to walk out with me to check and see if it had surged. No surge. The deputy waited for me to get the generator running again, checked the old barn and the tree line. He left and 20 minutes later - it shuts off again. I called my neighbor around 10:45p and he came straight over and helped me realize the oil had gotten so low it was turning off to protect the mechanics. It was at this time I was able to share with him my intentions for the property. The gentleman, his family and their church haven't stopped pouring into the vision for the homestead since. It has been an overwhelming act of kindness and community action. Thank you, Sir!!!
~Thank you to, God's Healing Springs Baptist Church, for donating the money needed to get the power reinstated to the property! My personal business has fallen behind with all that has needed to happen on the property. What I make from it had been enough to pay personal bills and to feed the gas generator (about 20-25 dollars a day), but it was to a point I couldn't keep up. As much as I tried to save to get the electric reinstated myself - it seemed I could never put back enough. I have to admit I was feeling pretty hopeless in moving forward. I was having my own, Field of Dreams, moment. I wasn't doubting God. I was doubting myself though. Did I hear wrong? Was I not working on the right things at the right time? Did I miss something? Most days I run on 3-4 hours of sleep just trying to keep up. I was/am extremely exhausted. I am so thankful the power will be reinstated within the next week or two, so that I can save that 20-25 dollars a day. Time will be saved that goes into maintaining lights, gas, laundry, and even making coffee and food. I know I'll be able to throw myself back into what sustains me and soon will help sustain others. Thank you, Kaley for your encouragement and leg work that you selflessly gave - all within your busy schedule! Thank you, God's Healing Springs Baptist Church, for your support! I look forward to visiting your church family to personally thank you in the near future!
~Thank you Joe and Andrea for donating a couch and loveseat! He brought to my attention that I needed more than a barstool and a bed now that I have this space. It has been nice to be able to sit comfortably!! Thank you also for the very nice washer and dryer set!! Oh my gosh!!! I can almost smell the fabric softener :) Joe, also gave a day of his weekend to come take down a tree that had started to grow into the roof and remove branches from another tree that was starting to cause roof damage. These selfless acts of time, talent and resources were a HUGE blessing, Joe and Andrea. Thank you so very much!
(Please see pictures below - Hurricane Debbie has things a little cooky)
~I would like to thank Lori, Ruthie, and an anonymous source for their donations through go-fund-me. Ladies, you and your families support means more than you could possibly know. These people know my personal story that has lead me to this, "For such a time as this" moment. Thank you for seeing and believing in the powerful work God has done in my life & His ability to use my testimony and skillset to help encourage others and show them that not only is the healing and change possible, but USEFUL and needed within this world. So far we have raised $130.00 through the go-fund-me account. I am so grateful and humbled! It remains within the account until the electric is reinstated later this week. From there I will use these funds to purchase a new pump, holding tank, the water tested and have everything installed.
~Thank you to Mary Ellen for coming out and talking game plan with me earlier this week. She brought supplies, extra water, charcoal, and extended vision! I was growing weary and needed a friend and some encouragement. This weekend her and her husband are coming back to talk further about grant writing, repairs, and steps on moving forward. God has put us in each other paths for a reason, and those reasons are becoming more and more evident. I am excited to see what He has in store for them within this creative mission community! Honored they see the potential and have the desire to be part of it.
(Please see pictures below)
~Thank you to my family who have always encouraged me to seek after Him. Who never gave up on me and spent many times on their knees for the purpose one day in faith they believed I would arrive to. I think its safe to say, we never thought it would quiet be like this :) God never ceases to amaze... The Lord has shown our entire family unit to never put Him in a box. He is so much bigger than that box! Just look at what He can do when He has room to work!! Thank you, Mom, Dad, Claire, Ann, Joe, and Mike!!
I want to end with an encounter I had this week. I had to make a trip into town for water, food and to stalk up on gas in light of the upcoming storm. I noticed a young man sitting down from the entrance. He was homeless. He wasn't begging for food or money and wouldn't make eye contact with anyone passing by. He looked so lost and alone. I prayed for the young man and ask for guidance as I walk through the store. Where was this young man going to be during the hurricane? It bothered me. He was still there when I walked out. I stop and hand off a gallon of water and a rotisserie chicken. I asked him if he had a place to go for the storm, of which he knew nothing about. I asked him if he had somewhere to go. He did but he didn't have a phone. I asked him if he wanted to use my phone to call someone. He didn't know the number. He is slow to process my words and to respond. His mannerisms and appearance told me he was incredibly dehydrated. It had been a very humid week. I couldn't leave him there. I loaded him and what little he had up in the car and asked him to direct me to where he knew he was welcomed and where there was shelter from the upcoming hurricane. What really broke my heart is where I asked him how old he was... Long pause.
"Umm... I was born in 87' "
I reply, "So you're 37?"
"Yeah, that sounds about right."
"How long have you been on the streets?"
"Umm... A long time Ma'am... I'm not sure"
We're driving to the next town over where he said a friend's family was letting him stay in their garage until he could get a ride back to Lexington, SC. He said he got left here a couple months ago and couldn't get back home. I continue to ask questions and he weakly answers them - I feel they were genuine answers. We pull up to a home on a nice street. He starts to get out and I said,
"Wait Bo, I'm not done with you yet. Can I pray with you?"
Tears form in this man's eyes and they almost appeared pleaful!
"Yes. Please..."
Now I have tears in my eyes and my heart completely breaking for this young man... I wish I had been further along in my calling... I wish I had a the connections to get this man the help he seemed ready to receive. I wish I had a place for him to come that could show him he is wanted and still had purpose. I wish I could make him a birthday cake, so he never forgot again how old he was and that his life was worth celebrating... We prayed, and I jotted down my number. I told him what I felt called to do and described the creative mission community. That was first time he ever looked up or looked in my eyes. I asked him to try and get into a program and in a few months to call me to see if I would be able to help more than I was able to then. It took him a second to accept my handshake. His handshake was weak and gentle. I reached up and grabbed his shoulder and told him, "Don't loose Faith... There is still hope, Josh..." I pray he believed me if he couldn't believe it for himself in that moment.
Please pray for this man and all the ones out there like him. Josh, didn't asked me for a dime. He didn't ask for my phone number, I willingly gave it. He didn't ask for the water or the food - it seemed hard for him to accept. There are MANY people like, Josh. He isn't too far gone. He wasn't dangerous or hostile. He wasn't drunk. He shared on our drive that at time time had a decent job and family. Something happened that caused him to give up trying. Now he's so used to not being seen he doesn't even try. He cannot see for himself the potential that lies within his broken spirit. He was so broken he was reachable. That is just one of the kinds of people this, creative mission community is for. I pray, Josh is able to save my number and call me in a few months and I pray within a few months we have an avenue for him to recover. A place he can be seen again. A trade he can pick up and feel confidence and accomplishment within. A place that reminds him his life is worth celebrating.
Thank you friends and family. God is working through you! Progress is being made! It hasn't stopped... Please feel free to reach out anytime. I truly appreciate your support and prayers. I will update you all again soon.
ELT
JointArtisticProduction@gmail.com
https://gofund.me/86f87f0e
Joe and Andrea donated a very nice washer and drier set! Thank you both!! Many will be able to use these!
Joe, taking care of a tree that had started to grow into the roof. Amazing Joe! Thank you!
Mary Ellen, came to talk structure of the mission with me. She also brought some healthy food and other cooking necessities! Thank you girl!!!!
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