This blog is just to give you a visual picture of the first couple of days in Asheville, North Carolina. Each day was full of relationships being built, vulnerability, testimonies, God’s truths, and pure love for one another. I would never share those intimate details because my sweet sisters shared with expectations of trust. But I can assure you that God was and is continuing to move through each person that steps foot into Western Carolina’s Rescue Mission. I hope that you take the time to click the link and learn more about their mission of rescue, recovery, and restoration in Jesus name.
http://www.westerncarolinarescue.org/
A bright light crashed into the room, a sea of groans filled the air, I rolled over and my phone screen showed 5 am. Seconds later X came into the room “good morning, it’s a beautiful day in God’s world, it’s 5 a.m. and time for you to get up.” Hesitant to accept it, I sat up in bed and squinted one eye looking around and a chill filled the room. Realizing I only had 30 minutes in the bathroom to get dressed and ready, I grudgingly climbed down the ladder of the wobbly bunk bed I had been blessed enough to lay my head. I grabbed my basket of belongings, quickly made the bed and rushed to the bathroom trying to beat the clock. On my way back down the hallway I tossed my borrowed pajamas in the dirty laundry to be washed and went straight to the lockers. X unlocked my locker and I pulled out my backpack, taking the few items I had put in my basket back into my bag. I threw my musty smelling jacket over the same clothes I had been wearing for five days, draped my scarf around my neck, and headed to breakfast.
I sat down still sleepy eyed with my plate of eggs and grits. Still trying to wake myself up I ate slowly and conversated with my bunk-mates. Asking around about the day and what everyone had planned. Some leaving for work at various places, others heading to AHope (daytime resource center) for warmth and free coffee, and a few stranded on the street for the day.
I pushed through the front door and the 20-degree chill slapped me in the face. Trying to bundle up and stay warm I took off walking at 6:45 a.m. completely open and available for whatever the day had to offer.
Most mornings our team would wonder to High Five (a local coffee shop) seeking out warmth and a place to sit. Spending the first hour with Jesus and getting to know teammates soon to end with everyone splitting and going different directions for the day.
Every morning looked about the same, but the days differed for everyone.
Whether we were in coffee shops, libraries, churches, parks, or on the street. We sought out all kinds of people, smiled at their presence, looked them in the eyes, and offered a helping hand.
Gathering different places for our free lunches and coming together for afternoon discipleship classes at the rescue mission. We intertwined our lives with the women and men that we met at the shelter.
I wandered back to claim my bed around 4 p.m. and joined everyone that was congregating in the chapel waiting to be directed to the cafeteria for dinner.
Being hungry and slightly exhausted I finished my food and made my way back to the women’s quarters. Checking my bag into a locker while sparing a few things for my basket, I found my spot on the couch in the common area. Surrounded by women, most faces I recognized, a few I didn’t. Engaging in conversation waiting for all the women to get back and settled in. A familiar face came around the corner, radiating joy, she got everyone’s attention. It was time to go around the room and say things we were grateful for. As we made it around the room everyone had something different to say.
“I am thankful to the universe for a bed”
“I am grateful for new friends”
“I am grateful for the Lord’s grace and mercy”
“I’ll pass”
Everyone coming from different places, struggles, jobs, families, addictions, and overall strongholds, yet everyone at that moment in time had found themselves “houseless”. That might have been our only thing in common. Nevertheless, we were all together, spending the majority of the day bumping shoulders, sitting in classes together, eating meals together. God had brought every single one of us into the same space, and though some gave credit to the “universe” we all knew who ordained it.
I hear X yell “Alex, you’re up” I jumped up and grabbed my basket, stopping to grab a towel and a set of pajamas, I was off to the showers. 10 minutes to get in and out. More than enough time to enjoy the hot water and process the day.
Ladies time from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. was our time to share our testimonies and pour into the women. The Holy Spirit filled the room each time, he was moving, speaking, and softening hearts every night. After our time together, chores would be posted. Each of us getting the opportunity to help, scrubbing toilets, dusting, sweeping, and mopping. Our day would come to an end with the lights being cut off at 9 p.m. I would quickly finish my chore and climb back up into my bunk wrapping up in a blanket that a woman staying there let me borrow. I felt at home with my heart filled with so much peace.
6 total days each full of so many blessings. Though my heart is sad to leave my sisters in Christ and new friends, my spirit is joyful knowing God isn’t done with them. He has so much healing and love to pour over them.
