Well, August 8th was the last time I sent out a newsletter. It has been busy. So, let me see if I can give you a re-cap that does not bore you, yet tells you of all that God has been doing in and thru this ministry for the last three months.
The major event that happened in the last three months was Hurricane Isaac. Seven years to the date, I evacuated one 89 year old lady for Hurricane Katrina. That trip was four days and spanned four states. God was in control of that trip and the trip for Isaac was no different. As it happened, I was in Washington State visiting my son and his family. I was not scheduled to return until that Tuesday. The Sunday before, I began having this feeling that I was not where I was supposed to be. One client was quite nervous about the hurricane and was calling me pretty regular. She was attempting to develop an evacuation plan without me that was just not sound. As I prayed about what I should do, I got a text message from Southwest Airlines. I had one chance to change my flight with no added fees. So, that gave me my answer. I immediately went to the computer and was able to change my flight to return on Monday – the exact same arrangements, just a day earlier. I also found out as I was flying home that it was the last flight in or out of New Orleans before the airport shut down for the hurricane. And a big kudos to the pilot – a very nice landing considering the winds had already picked up.
That day as I traveled and people realized I was going back early instead of riding out where I was, people thought I was crazy to be flying into the storm. It was a great opportunity to show people what it means to care with the love of Christ. My place was with my clients and that was where God was getting me – safely.
The next step was finding a place to stay. So, I got on the phone and was able to book a place for myself as well as three ladies and two cats at a hotel in mid-Mississippi. It was far enough inland that if we felt anything it would be minor.
Monday morning as I got up early to finish packing and head to the airport, I accidentally took my night meds instead of my morning meds. Well, normally that would not have been a good thing. But, because I was going to be driving all nite long once I landed, it was God ordained. I needed to sleep on the plane and the meds helped me do that.
So, I landed around 11 PM and picked up three ladies along with the two cats. We headed straight to central Mississippi from there arriving at around 6 AM. We were a little crowded in the car, but we managed. The hotel was OK – we had a few bumps along the way. But, we had rooms for just enough days. As we headed home we all prayed that we would have electricity. Only one did not have power on Friday, but she got it by Saturday evening.
All things considered, I am grateful to God for His provision for that trip. The cost was reasonable and I didn’t kill anyone! LOL!
It has been busy since then too. It seems the Lord has allowed me to get busier these last few months. I have picked up a few new clients. Some are just momentary things – like needing advice on Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, etc. Some take a little more work. I have always said that whatever the Lord allows me to have I will take on. When I need to slow down, He has slowed business down. When it gets busy I trust Him to sustain me physically, spiritually and financially.
As I have reviewed my calendar for the last three months I am amazed at all the appointments that took place. And I am certain that a lot of activity took place that is not specifically marked on the calendar. Often a client is in need and I squeeze in something without putting it on the calendar. In looking at the calendar I have had at least seven or eight doctor appointments with clients every week. On top of that I have made many pharmacy stops as well as a several grocery runs. I have also had at least three appointments a week with people to help with various needs as it relates to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Food Stamps, apartment applications, and many other issues. So, putting this in words is astounding to me that God has done so much in such a short amount of time.
I thank each of you who take the time to read thru this newsletter and get this far. Your faithfulness, prayers and financial support are needed and greatly appreciated. As we get into the holiday season – one of my favorite times of the year – I ask that you prayerfully consider a donation to this ministry. Funds have gotten low and the need is always great. Donations are tax deductible. As you contemplate your Christmas giving please consider giving to an extremely worthy and needy cause.
Thanks again for your prayers and support.