God's Providence

Mom and I were overwhelmed and blessed over and over and over again in the first 2 weeks after I left.  I left with next to nothing.  Each child packed their favorite things, clothes and bedding. I packed essentials, bedding, 1 computer, my business equipment and a few basic things.
Well in 1 week family, friends and tons of total strangers donated beds, kitchen essentials, dressers, rugs, bedding, desks, tables, chairs, toys, craft supplies, couches, lamps,   and the list goes on and on and on. We went from having air mattresses for every child to a fully furnished home within 3 weeks.  God provided above and beyond my wildest imaginations.

It was most humbling how total strangers would come in and do so much for my family.  It is how the family of God is supposed to work. Helping each other no matter what denomination you are from. Seeing a need and doing what YOU can do to provide.  And I wasn't getting junky cast offs either. In almost every case we were upgrading from what we owned before. Things from antique family heirlooms to brand new couches that weren't needed anymore. Also the most amazing thing was everything coordinated.  From the couch that matched the love seat, that matched the throw rug, curtains, etc...  Then my room was amazing. I had originally had purple in mind as my theme color but when God decorates for you he exceeds above and beyond what you could dream of. And now I have a room that is NOT purple but very rich, cozy and inviting. It could come be featured in a magazine.

Salvation Army gave me 2 bags of food at the beginning plus a check for $215.00 for their thrift store for clothing and household items.

But it didn't stop with just household things. SOS a abused women and children support system gave me a cell phone with 40,000 minutes on it. They gave me forms to get assistance for food and other things. They helped me look for housing.  They brought coloring books and crayons, blankets and food.  They provided assistance in filling out the form against abuse protection. They sat with me in court every time I have to go.

I talked to WIC which was supposed to take weeks to get in. And they had a cancellation that day.  Which I grabbed. Well then I was given the checks that day. When they originally told me it would take several weeks to get approved.  Then I when I went to SRS I was told I should be approved quickly for food stamps. He would put it on the list for the next day.  When I received it I was SO overwhelmed with the amount that was given for food for my children and myself. I have NEVER eaten this well in my life. And it is my understanding this amount exceeds the usual. And I received the conformation in 1/2 the expected time.

He took me to a Godly man who would become my lawyer.  Who does everything he can to protect me and the children. And encourages me as I make this transition. But also encourages me in ways to save money in lawyers fees. (What lawyer encourages you to pay him as little as possible?)

Several gift cards for Walmart.  One of the first trips to walmart was SOOO overwelming. When you have absolutely nothing and walk into a store like that. At every turn you find something you genuinely need but you can't get everything you need. And those gift cards have each come when I really need them.

I was given energy bill assistance quickly. The list goes on and on and on.

God took me to the church that would and continues to meet my families needs immediately. I never even had to church shop. They blessed me with free women study resources. Camp for my kids. But most of all they have blessed me with LOVE, friendship and blessed beautiful fellowship with other believers. You can not totally understand what a blessed thing it is to have the ability to worship with other believers until it is taken away and finally you get it back. It is like the first drink after a hard workout. A refreshing spring of refreshment, healing. A balm to the soul.