Hero Quest Chapter 1 Part 10

“I have heard the way that you speak to your children.  I know that the staff has talked to you about your tantrums over this past week.  I want us to be able to help you but you can’t keep biting us.  We’re on your side.”

“That’s BS.  If you were on my side that chick would be gone already.”

“I’ll be meeting with her in a little bit.  But that really doesn’t pertain to you.  I’m talking with you now.  Sarah, you will need to move out.  I’ll give you about an hour, less if you keep up this fury.”

Sarah slammed the door and loudly proclaimed that she was being mistreated.

Maggie sat down in the office. “Well that went well.  What’s going on?”

“Funny thing is I still don’t really know. I’m still waiting on Becky’s social worker.  I’ll get this cleared up before I go home.  Go ahead and get ready for check in and I’ll lock the park.”

Maggie went to check out the check in office to make sure everything was ready to go as John went through the dining room and around the back of the shelter.  As he locked the park he noticed Becky’s man waiting around the back of the building. 

“Listen Pastor John.”

“Just John.”

“Oh sorry I thought that you were a pastor?”

“I used to be and some still call me that.  But the reality is that I’m better off without the title.”

“Whatever, listen don’t kick Becky out.”

“I really haven’t decided what I’m going to do with all of that just yet.”

“She gets mad but did you know Sarah’s man is in a gang.  She’s the one who’s dangerous.  Becky might be crazy but she’s harmless.”

John kept walking but nodded to let the man know that he was listening.  “Got it!  I’m sure that you will hear what ever I decide here fairly quickly.  I really can’t be talking to you much about what I decide about either of these ladies.”

Even though John had been gone for less than 5 minutes he could sense the tension in the parking lot.  Sarah’s aunt had arrived to set the shelter straight and she was looking for John.

    Sitting back in his chair with his hands laced thoughtfully behind his head; John listened intently to what this obviously angry woman was saying.  “You are throwing my niece out with her children?  You call yourself a Christian.  Pastor, yeah right.  Are you some kind of fruitcake?  What can’t handle men?” 

John attempted to get in some words but the longer the woman ranted the less that he could come up with in response.  “But she is threatening,” he tried to reply but was cut off.

“You don’t even know what happened and you’re throwing children, children I tell you, on the street.  You are a monster.”

Real Life at the Crisis Shelter March 12-18, 2012

Monday March 12:   We had a dramatic evening when a mom lost her temper and began threatening first staff and then said it would be staff’s fault when she beat her children later that night.  The conversation never really calmed down until the mom moved out.  Why it is likely that the tantrum had escalated to the point that we would have had her leave she left on her own so we did not need to ask her to leave.  Another single about the same time also threw a humdinger of a tantrum.  She was asked to leave.  Both ladies are now on our accountability list.  

Tuesday March 13:  One of our moms and her kids were all verified to have head lice.  Her room mate was moved to another room while the mom takes care of the cleaning up of the issue.  This mom does not have a good history of follow through so we will need to stay on her to make sure that she gets it cleaned up.

Wednesday March 14   One guest reported having her open bag of tobacco stolen.  There were two good suspects.  But neither one seems to have the tobacco.  Both suspects have men at the mission so it is possible that they simply passed it on to their men.     

Thursday March 15:    One of our guests was offering to sell some of her prescription medications to other guests.  She moved out when we addressed the issue with her.  She was in the process of denying that she did such a thing but then moved out instead.   

Friday March 16:  A donor stopped by and dropped off some little boys underwear and socks (new) and a coat (used) for a little boy.  Within 5 minutes of the donor leaving a guest stopped by to see if we could arrange for her little boy to get underwear, socks and a coat.  The sizes were exactly right for this little boy.  Amazing.      

Weekend:     Lots of drama around one of our guests who has been on an emotional rollercoaster during her entire stay here.  She was doing really well on Friday but over the weekend became erratic, got physically sick and then started an assortment of arguments with her room mates.  By Monday she was verbally threatening everyone in her room and was asked to leave.  

General comments:   We had two more ladies get full time jobs this week and several that have upcoming housing verified.  Staff are very excited.       

Progress on my goals March 11-17, 2012

	Target	Actually Done
Leadership Bible	Be on page 385 (5 pg a day)	On page 386
Faith in Action Bible	Be on page 462 (6 pg a day)	On page 463
Message Read Through	7 Days youversion program	On track
Running	15 miles a week	15
Crunches	1000 a week	750
Floss	7 times a week	7 Days
Face Cleaning/Lotions	7 times a week	6
I Like Book	7 times a week	6
Modules	2 a week	6
Social Events	3 a quarter	2
Guy Time	10 X a quarter	8
Self Exam	7 a week	4
Book Reading	1 Book a week	1
Evening Prayer Meeting	26 times a year	7
Paid Speaking	3 a quarter	2
Date with Cara	3 a quarter	2
Date with Rachel	1 a quarter	0

The book I read this week was called a 102 minutes about what was happening within the twin towers on 911.  There were heroes and goats all over the place.  Of course we know about the firefighters and the police officers that were present.  That is well documented in that disaster as well as so many others.  But what was awesome to read about were all of the "ordinary" untrained citizens who simply did the right thing.  That is the definition of a hero in my book.  If more people simply did the right things than we would not need so many of the laws that we have today.  We would reduce the amount of time spent in counselors offices and less time in court as a society.  When  will we wake up and demand right values and solid morals to move our country in the right direction.
Overall I feel OK about this last week.  I did some more writing on the book.  I wish that I would have gotten further but I have learned that the discipline of writing is difficult to do.
I had a dream this week that I died in a building that was collapsing (most likely because of the 911 book) but what struck me was that there was no panic, just a simple statement.  "Well I guess I'll be seeing you soon Jesus."  I hope that my last days will go that peacefully and honorably.
I intend for this coming week to be the most disciplined week of the year.

Hero Quest Chapter 1 Part 9

It’s pretty ugly.

John looked past Darlene and could see the two ladies standing toe to toe.  “Yeah ok.  Go back to Anne.  She needs you.”  John scratched his head, rubbed his chin and reentered the meeting.  “I’ll be right back guys.  I have a situation that needs my attention.”   John considered the situation.  “What is this all about?  They were best friends yesterday? This might be tricky.”  Coolly, John crossed the parking lot near the two ladies.  “What’s going on?”  Immediately John regretted the question. Both ladies yelled accusations and hatred.  Something about a guy getting kicked out of the mission, maybe something about another guy being a punk, John couldn’t make much out of what they were saying.  “This might take a bit longer than I got right now,” John thought to himself.  “Listen ladies.  You both seemed a little angry right now.  Let’s do this.  Go to your rooms and breathe and work to compose yourself just a bit.  I’m in a meeting right now and when I’m done; I’ll bring you down to the office and see if we can’t get this straightened out.”  Amazingly it worked.  Though they both let out a loud, “Huff!” They both went to their individual rooms.  Smiling, John returned to the meeting still in progress.  “Sorry, everyone.” 

Following the meeting Ron wanted to tour some of the recent changes.  Normally, this was exciting for John since he loved to show off the shelter.  But today, all John could think about was the fire simmering in the guest rooms.  He prayed that they would stay put until the tour was over.   Also in the back of his mind was the whole situation with Anne. 

The fake leather chair felt like a safe place for the moment as John considered his next move.  Maggie was now on duty.  During the meeting a shift change had taken place.  “Corrina has that conference tonight.  So, John, set up Maggie for success and call it a day.  I better get this battle over with.  Can’t leave it for Maggie.”  Muttering a quick prayer, John began to move toward room 9.  He had decided to deal with Becky first.  He had heard rumors from other agencies that she had tried to murder her ex-husband but was never charged.  “Strange,” he thought, “Until today I haven’t even seen a hint of anger coming from her.  I wonder if the guy she’s been hanging out with from the mission is the same guy that Child Protection said she tried to kill?”  The very thought of it made John nervous.  Taking a deep breathe, John knocked on the door.  Listening and hearing nothing John slowly opened the door. 

“We can talk when my social worker gets here and not before.”  John stepped back from the force of her words.  “She’ll be here in about 20 minutes.  If you’re going to kick me out you need to do it with her being here.”

“I didn’t know I was kicking you out.  I just wanted to…”

“I don’t care what you wanted.  Are you kicking that b- out?  You better.  If she stays I will be calling the media.” 

“Wow.”  John walked out of the room and laughed silently.  “Really, is that how it is?  I still don’t know what’s going on.  But from what I’m seeing I better get her out of here or it’s going to be a long night for Maggie.”  John crossed the parking lot to room 3 and invited Sarah to come down to the office.  With an almost joyous smile, Sarah grabbed her two kids and drug them down to the office.  “This is really easy.  That bimbo is hooked up with a punk who got my man in trouble at the Men’s mission.  I want her gone or I will take you to court.”

“Really.”

“Yeah, having her here is a danger to my kids.  If something happens to them, it’s your fault.”

“I don’t know how that could be if you are keeping them with you at all times.”

“You tell people this is a safe and healing environment.  You’re a liar.”  Sarah’s words from there broke down into ranting curses.

“Can you at least tell me what is going on before I make any decisions?”

Sarah stood to go. “It’s none of your business you son of a …” 

“The thing is Sarah is that you have made it my business.  John watched out the window as Maggie worked to help out a wide array of other guests’ needs.  John thought, “At least I’m not alone but I sure wish that Maggie was in here with me.”  “Listen, Sarah, what I am seeing right now convinces me that you aren’t safe.  I really hadn’t decided what to do with any of this since I still don’t know why Becky and you are so angry.  I have no idea what I have to do with any of this except that I need to help there be peace here.  That is my job.”

Sarah glowered at John.

Real Life at the Crisis Shelter March 5-11, 2012

Monday March 5:    It came out that one of our ladies who is on our real jobs program had been not telling the truth about the shifts that she was working.  When some things came up that we had to verify her work schedule her supervisor said that she was not scheduled to work.  She had previously asked to go out with some friends.  She was asked to leave.  On her way out she convinced another guest to move with her.   One of our guests who professes to being a witch, came to staff to ask for prayer as her stay here as convinced her that God is real.

Tuesday March 6:  One of our former guests came for accountability.  She was offered the opportunity to stay at the shelter if she could pass a UA (urinalysis) she stated that she would not pass.  She was invited to come on back when she thought that she would pass.  A guest tested positives for amphetamines.  She was asked to leave but made it clear that she thought that she was innocent.  She gained some support from another guest but we make it clear from the beginning that we hold to our test.  One of our more challenging guests moved out today!

Wednesday March 7      

Thursday March 8:   One of our guests was feeling very anxious and looking for clothes for her husband who discovered that he had an interview today.  Since we don’t have a supply of men’s pants here she eventually gave him her pants and he wore those to the interview.  They were slacks and it must have looked ok since he got the job.  We received a donation of comforters and swapped them out into the shelter.  The other blankets that we had been using went to the Friday night outreach.    

Friday March 9:    One of our kids dropped her eyeglasses down the drainage pipe in the parking lot.  Volunteers came to the rescue and saved her glasses using a rake.  One of our guests who is typically bossy and negative was welcomed back on Thursday after accountability.  She is required to journal 5 positive things a day that she is thankful.   

Weekend:  Many guests are concerned about receiving the negative guest in their room.  There is much anxiety.  We will figure out what to do with her.    

General comments:   Soon we will be introducing Phase II.  This will be a room for those on accountability.  They will be checked in nightly from 5:30- 6:30 pm.  They will get a hot dinner if they show up between 5:30- 6:00 pm otherwise they will get sandwiches.  They will participate in small groups, classes or other activities at the Crisis Shelter.  They can stay until 7:00 am and will help with the Gathering Place Clean up daily.  Those in accountability will have varying times of stay before they will be given an official accountability meeting and reinstated to the regular shelter.   

Progress on my goals March 4-10, 2012

	Target	Actually Done
Leadership Bible	Be on page 350 (5 pg a day)	On page 350
Faith in Action Bible	Be on page 420 (6 pg a day)	On page 421
Message Read Through	7 Days youversion program	On track
Running	15 miles a week	24.5 miles
Crunches	1000 a week	1000
Floss	7 times a week	7 Days
Face Cleaning/Lotions	7 times a week	7 Times
I Like Book	7 times a week	7
Modules	2 a week	6
Social Events	3 a quarter	2
Guy Time	10 X a quarter	7
Self Exam	7 a week	2
Book Reading	1 Book a week	1
Evening Prayer Meeting	26 times a year	6
Paid Speaking	3 a quarter	2
Date with Cara	3 a quarter	2
Date with Rachel	1 a quarter	0

This has been an incredibly busy week.  I feel a little tired but overjoyed that I pulled off the tasks that I set out to do.  I pray that my character is developing in line with Christ likeness.  This week I also celebrated my 10 year anniversary with Union Gospel Mission.  I find it amazing that I have now spent 1/4 of my life at the mission.  I came with the intent of making other people better; but instead they have changed me. 
My book this week was called The Greatest Salesman in the World Part II.  This book includes personal vows that will lead a person to life success.  Though this is the first time that I read it I am surprised by how many of these are already principles that I live by.

Hero Quest Chapter 1 Part 8

Anne smiled slightly.  “At least a three months now.  We both were working at Dick’s Diner.  He was the cook and I was a waitress.   We would party after work.  He writes poetry and songs.  It didn’t take long for him to win my heart.  Of course, my parents hated him from the start.  They never gave him a chance.”

John reached over and shut the sound off on his cell phone that was ringing.  “Rats, it’s the men’s mission.” 

John looked back up at Anne and she continued.  “They told me to slow down.  But how can you slow down true love?  They wanted me to go back and finish high school.  I only have a couple of classes.  They took one look at his long hair and ear rings and totally missed his deep brown eyes.”

Anne seemed to be gathering strength with each moment.

“Anyway I told them they were total hypocrites and were judging.  Judge not lest ye be judged, I guess I told them.  But now I am thinking that maybe they were right.”

“I’ve never met Mark.  So I don’t know.  What does he think of the baby?”

“I haven’t told him yet.”

“Why not?”

“I’m afraid.”

“Tell me about that fear?”

Darlene came in and sat down. 

“What if he leaves me like Eric did?  And my dad before him?”

Anne totally lost all control of her emotions at this point.  Darlene walked over and hugged her deeply and they held each other in silence.  John left them alone and went to his office to check messages. 

John’s computer brought up a message.  “Meet with the city and Ron 15 minutes.”

Oh yeah.  John looked out at the table where the two women were now talking quietly.  John walked over and gently touched Anne’s shoulder. “Darlene can help you better than I can but can we talk later?  I have a meeting to get to.”

“Thanks for listening.  Yeah I’ll be around later.”

Even though John moved on to business the conversation with Anne was still ringing in his head.  The city and Ron discussed using the city’s homeless management system.  The mission was not required to use it since they did not use state funds; however there might be benefits that would enable all of us to win if we would voluntarily jumped on board.  Everyone involved was respectful and polite and various ideas were thrown about.

Suddenly a knock on the door interrupted the conversation.  John stepped out.

“We’ve got a problem,” Darlene glanced up a little embarrassed.  I’m meeting with Anne but Becky and Sarah are going at it in the parking lot.