What a wonderful month it has been, with a few surprises along the way. My mission was to work with the homeless here in Baton Rouge, but instead I ended up painting for a new friend. A few weeks ago I met this lady at a new bible study group I had visited for the first time. The couple’s house where we met had been flooded last year and they only had a couple of rooms completed. They had not been able to move in yet because they have been slowly doing the work themselves. They had cooked a big pot of gumbo and rice (the best ever) and as we visited I met Loretta. As we talked I found out she was looking for a small house to buy, somewhere in my area of town. She said she was on a budget and in the price range she was looking, it would probable need some repairs or painting. I joked and said I would be glad to help her with the painting and my only charge would be a home cooked meal. For those of you that know me, cooking is not something I do a lot of. I gave her my number and a couple of weeks ago she called!! She was in her new home and asked if I was still interested in painting and how much do I charge. I laughed and told her painting was not a business for me, but I would be happy to help her. I mean, what else could I say? I thought what have I gotten myself into. Not that I did not want to help, but I have not climbed a ladder in 4 years! So this week I finished 2 bedrooms and her living room. I have to say I did a lot of praying before that God would give the strength to complete what I had promised. And of course he did and during the process a new friendship was made. Loretta turns out to be an excellent cook and now I am having to beg her to stop trying to feed me:) It has been truly a blessing getting to know Loretta. She is such a dear lady, and come to find out we have a lot in common. My body is a bit sore now, but its a good feeling knowing I was able to help her.
This is the last day of my Sabbatical and I have been so blessed to have this time off. I feel rested, renewed and ready to see my work friends again. Thank you again Kris for all you do for us.