Today has been such a blessing. I cannot really describe in words the things that have transpired since my phone rang this morning and Earl's daughter was at the other end. Actually, evidence of God's grace has been showered upon me all week and it took this for me to realize my heart was being filled up, my spirit being replenished all along. If ever I needed to be reminded of God's grace and mercy - it was now. So...I tracked down Earl tonight and gave him the good news. He was very happy, although you can't tell by the picture! He was able to talk to his daughter and it was really cute. He was very nervous and his words became somewhat jumbled, but he managed to carry on a short conversation. He found out his mother is still alive and that too made him very happy. After I got back home I received a phone call from a different daughter and she said the family phone lines are buzzing in Ohio - everyone is so happy - son, father, and grandpa is returning home. We talked and talked and a bus ticket has been purchased for tomorrow night at midnight. My son is home for the weekend, so he will accompany me to the bus depot to see Earl off. Our bus depot couldn't be in a worse location and I would never go there that late for any reason, but I know God has had his hand in this from day one, so I will trust in that. I will stay until the bus pulls away and then I will come home and call one of his daughters to let her know he is en route. His trip will take 2 days, 12 hours, and 30 minutes. He will have 3 transfers and supposedly the bus drivers will give him transfer assistance. Tomorrow evening we are going to pick Earl up a bit early and clean him up somehow. Not quite sure about the details on that yet. I have never brought a homeless person home with me before, but I see no other way for him to get cleaned up on such short notice. He doesn't know he's leaving tomorrow night. Another surprise awaits him...lol. Please pray for a smooth journey with no complications. I'm stuffing every one of his pockets with important information! This has been a long time coming. Earl is one of my favorites and I will miss his big smile and southern charm, but I am so very happy to be putting the pieces back into place. I am not sad in his departure, but very honored to have crossed his path.
12 comments:
I'm SO happy for Earl and his family!!! You're an ANGEL!!!hughugs
Earl will never forget you and your kindness and love. God bless you, dear friend.
Thanks for the prayers. That means a lot to me. Little Anna is feeling better today, probably because her mom is home with her now, and her sisters spoiled her with tons of new stuffed animals! Do you remember when a stuffed animal cured almost everything? Now that we're older we rely on God and prayer rather than stuffed animals!
Be blessed dear friend.
oh my goodness....wow!!! now i'm gonna worry for 3 days on whether he makes it to his destination or not!!!!!!!! are you sure the bus drivers deal with that sort of thing?.......too bad someone can't fly out here for him and then ride back with him, but......be sure and let us know dear joni!!!!
it isn't sad, his leaving....knowing what he is going to...but i am sure that he will forever be grateful to you...along with his family...and that you will miss his familiar face on fridays....i can only imagine the gratitude his family feels for your caring!
hugs,
kimberly
What good news, we will be waiting to hear how Earl made out. It certainly great.
Joni,
You, dear, sweet lady...
are an Earth Angel....
bless Earl and his family and may God see him home safely...
And may God bless you, sweet Joni, for guiding Earl home.
Simply an amazing story.
xoxo
Velvet Brick
wondering how the evening and departure went?..........thinking of you!
love,
kimberly
What an amazing story! I will pray for his safe journey back to his relatives. Bless you!
Wow! I have goosebumps! This is amazing news. I will pray for his safe and complete journey. You are certainly his guardian angel.
OMG This is so AWESOME!!!!!
This is one of the million things I love about you~
As you know I was so very happy for Earl, and that God had answered our prayers, but sad for you and him too. This morning I got woken up by some idiots arguing on that busy road behind my house, you know the one..I looked at the clock and it was 2:30 a.m. and I thought Earl is 2 hours and 30 minutes into his journey, asked God to be with him and allow a safe travel, again....and I asked God to be with you as well, and all his friends down town. I sure Love God for allowing this to all take place and just remember my sweet friend, this journey began with one meal and your love....
Love ya BUNCHES~
Nettie
You are amazing!
Oh my goodness, Joni!! I just got back home, and now am in tears of JOY!!!! Thank God, and thank you & all the people like you who have such an amazing heart. Goodness, I don't know what else to say except I hope Earl makes it to his family safely. ((((hugs))))
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