Random Thoughts from My First Week Back

It's been a good first week being back. My sleep was really screwed up for the first 2 or 3 days. I went to a birthday party for a couple of friends and here's what happened.... Jason may be faking, but I'm not; it was pitiful. Thanks for taking me home, Whitney.



Besides getting my hair cut (big deal #1), I also bought a new laptop (big deal #2). I got it yesterday and can't wait to use it. Daddy, I need you to come over and get it set up for me; I've done all I know to do.

A couple of friends came over last night and we cooked out and made homemade ice cream, then watched some "tv". It was good to just hang out and not feel like I had to answer questions or entertain anyone. It was also pretty funny. I'm sure Whitney will blog about it soon so wait for it.

The thing I was honestly most excited about was Friday night. Once a month, our Sunday School class, along with groups from other churches, meet at Lynn Park(?) to feed the homeless and spend some time with them. When I got back from Uganda last year I told myself that I would start taking part in this, but it took until a few weeks of going back this year before I joined in. I'm so glad I did! I thought I had missed it this month but I had not, and I was glad.

We spend the first 30 minutes or so just passing out drinks and food so that is a good time to get your feet wet interacting with the people. It was hard for me at first to just walk up and start talking, but my friend Shannon is really comfortable with it (or at least she seems to be) so I just hung on her coat tails that first time. This time was a little easier, especially since I recognized faces from before. But this time was also really weird for me. I was passing out waters and had just given my last one away when I heard a girl say "excuse me ma'am." I walked over to her just as someone was bringing her and her friend a plate of food. I put my hand on her shoulder and waited for her to turn around. When she did, I recognized her face but wasn't sure from where. As soon as she started talking I knew. She asked me if I used to teach Home Ec. at West Jefferson High School, which I did. She told me her name and asked if I remembered her, which I did. I really hope I didn't seem rude to her but I was so stunned that I'm not sure about the look on my face. We talked for a little while longer as I fought back tears. I'm still not exactly sure how she came to be homeless but my heart broke. She was not just a nameless face in a crowd of homeless people, I actually knew her and had known her for years, since she was in 7th grade. She ate her food and didn't stay around long, but she did stop to hug me and gave me her cell number before leaving.

I don't believe it was a random coincidence that brought our paths together again, so this leaves me wondering..."what now?"