My sister came to visit over Christmas with her young children. My dog was a novelty for them so I let them take her out to play on a leash. One afternoon, a man came to the door and wanted to thank the kids who saved him from the dog. It seems when none of the adults were paying attention, the dog escaped the children and ran up to him as he rode by on his bike. He didn’t know the dog is friendly, not territorial or aggressive. He was charmed by the children- I agree: they are unspoiled, sweet, polite. He asked if the children needed anything- new shoes, warm coats. My sister and I were struck silent. He went on to say he had been praying as usual and then thinking about generosity. And there he was on my cottage porch. I thanked him and told him the children were fine with two employed parents and a lovely home.
I was a bit embarrassed but had to admit to my sister that my house, decades older than others in the neighborhood, has a coat of primer on it and has hundred-year-old windows and doors. I have to do all the repairs myself when possible. I got as far as sanding and primer before winter set in. The roof still leaks despite my efforts. It doesn’t look great but the bills are getting paid so far. It’s been a “halfway house” for more than one friend or family member between jobs.
My sister was embarrassed because someone thought the kids weren’t cared for. “Play clothes! They were in play clothes! They wouldn’t wear their hats and gloves!”

There are so many caring people out there.

A tip for the nomads–
I found 2 helpful websites

freecampgrounds dot com
and
boondocking dot org

Best wishes for this new year, everyone!

We often struggle with our response to those standing on the corners with signs. There’s so much need and it’s heartbreaking to know that it’s only going to get worse in the coming days. Some days we hand out money, other days we pray and other days I just cry in frustration to have nothing practical at hand to help with.

Good luck with the “sneaker smells”. Our biggest bugaboo is trying to keep the “bathroom” from smelling like an outhouse. It doesn’t seem to matter what chems I use or how often I clean it. It still has some very STINKY days!

I have been reading your blog and watching the videos. The video stories are getting better and better. I especially enjoyed the woman walking her horse across the country. Are you going to catch up with her? I’m wondering where she might be at this point. And I must have watched “Signs of Change” at least three times perhaps more. You did a great job taking a story a lot of people would not even look at and made it fun and compelling to watch. AND my latest favorite is “Maisie’s Pool” the compelling humanity of this story shows through your shooting, writing and editing. It would be nice to put all of these stories in a long form documentary.

Stay in touch, continue to have fun.
All the best,
Pierina