Real Life at the Shelter June 18-24 2012

Weekly highlights

Monday June 18:    One of our singles was stealing from her room mates and was asked to leave.  She was offered an opportunity to stay in our Phase II (5pm-8am) option however she chose to simply leave.  We started working with an elderly woman who has an abusive son who comes around often.  She sometimes does not know where she is and we reassure her that she is at a safe place.  We are working with several agencies to find her help, beyond us.                  

Tuesday June 19:    One of our singles was exchanging drugs through the fence with her man.  When confronted she worked to hide the drugs.  One of our guests had abdominal pain right before the shuttles were to leave for UGM Graduation.  She left by ambulance.  We are starting to have trouble with elderly woman’s son (Monday).  He is showing his abuse to other ladies as well.  Spokane police came by to check on one of our guests who has a suicidal history.  She is doing ok but they were following up on her.

Wednesday June 20:  Two singles checked out in the middle of the night.  One had just gotten some bad news so it is likely that they left to use together.  One of our singles had several needles in her tote and we have had two toilets clogged with needles.  She also has an appearance of being high.  She was asked to leave.  Three separate unrelated ambulance calls.  Two of the three returned later that night.  The other came back on Thursday.   

Thursday June 21: Lots of unrest around the shelter.  However, at chapel several ladies accepted Christ.            

Friday June 22:  Lots of little dramas around smoking in the room, ladies not doing chores, etc.  Most are mere distractions.       

Weekend:  One of our guest assistants abused her power and was consistently in others rooms, on other guest beds, giving preferential treatment to select guests and generally causing trouble. She was asked to leave on Sunday as this came to light.  One of our moms has a lousy attitude and refuses to clean her room.  She was given much grace but ultimately asked to leave regular shelter. Our phase II or overflow are options for her.     

Hero Quest Chapter 2 part 8

            At 7:45 pm the kids were sent to brush their teeth while John retrieved his Bible.  They shared reading through a passage of Scripture.  Right now they were working their way through the Psalms.  When they finished the Psalm for the evening, John prayed and the kids all made their way to their rooms.  Corrina and John would make their way around to each room and tuck in each of the kids. 

“Good night, my children.  Sleep the sleep of the loved!”  John always made this pronouncement in a booming voice.  It made the kids giggle.  Any day they could fall asleep with a smile on their faces was a good day in John’s book.

            John enjoyed reading for awhile before deciding to check email one last time for the night.  He also enjoyed spending some time on Facebook each evening.  This was one way that he could keep up with his extended family.  Most of the time he did not think about how far away they were; but when he read their posts he missed them all.  He would follow the ups and downs of former guests who had friended him back when they were at the shelter.  Nothing excited him more than to hear of their successes as they reported on new jobs, or kids getting well.  The downside was that nothing distressed him quite like hearing of their struggles and pains.  Often times he thought about unfriending those who were living in total rebellion.  Their language and their support of issues contrary to God’s ways hurt him deeply and he wanted to avoid the hurt.  But he resolved to stay with them.  Their lifestyle would lead to pain, they would remember his love and then he could again attempt to share His love with them.  If he cut them off, all opportunity would be lost.  He prayed for those who requested prayer and even some who were rejoicing in their corrupted lifestyles.  After a few moments, John updated his status.  After getting ready for bed, John again returned to his book.

            When Corrina heard him brushing his teeth, she too got ready for bed and they read next to each other for a while before they put the books down and talked.  This was the one moment of the day where the two could talk without having to explain details for the kids. 

John shared his hurts and disappointments and his dreams.  Corrina smiled and encouraged him not to give up. 

Corrina shared her frustrations with homeschooling the kids as well as the moments of success.  The two discussed politics, religion, friendships and extended family until they finally turned out the lights and fell asleep.  Another triumphant extraordinary day for John Hero was complete.