They got me "out of the woods"

On Wednesday morning, 9/14, "P", "R" and I went up to Nashville to make face-to-face deliveries to "DC" & "CS", our two "Contributor" vendors, we decided to bless at our last meeting. The three of us made a plan to "patrol" the areas I knew that they would be selling papers. We wanted to do a drive-by to ID them and present them with the envelope. Because I knew their faces, I drove and "R&P" made the delivery. We found "C", but were unable to locate "D". Today, I "C" had reported that he had "gotten out of the woods," made a deposit on an apartment room, and had paid his rent for a few months. "C" said, "Oh yea, Wednesday morning these two guys walked up on me at my spot and I thought, 'Oh no, I'm in trouble now.'" He said, these two guy said "Are you CS"? They handed me an envelope and told me they just wanted to bless me and let me know that they were praying for me...and that they were not the only ones. These guys were my angels! They gave me just enough money to get my boots and apartment with two dollars left for bus fare!" 

Well done 12AJs, whoever you are. You gave him exactly what he needed, including bus fare to pick up his winter boots at Redwing. Maybe we are all entertaining angels, unaware? 

The room suddenly got really dusty...

Joes –

"C" and I did the gift delivery yesterday...I think I speak for "C" when I say it was an incredibly emotional experience – not one that I'd ever like to repeat, but one that I wouldn't hesitate to repeat when the need arises. (If that makes any sense.)

We got to Skyline and met with "DP", a Skyline employee who put this family's need on our radar. She told "T" that something was being delivered for her, but didn't go into specifics. "T" brought her husband, "R", along with their three children.

"T" brought 12 copies of the memoriam card – one for each of us. This got to me and I'm not afraid to admit that the room suddenly got really, really dusty. I only took one, because my IT nerd instincts took over and I said "Oh, I'll scan it in for everyone." I've attached a PDF of the memoriam card for Matthew, to remind us all of why we did this in the first place.

We spoke for just a moment, and I found out that "R" quit his job to take care of Matthew, and was now having problems finding work as a truck driver. So if anyone knows of any contacts, etc., with trucking companies (or other area firms that need a driver) please let me know ASAP.

"A" later found out that this gift was sorely needed – after taxes and health insurance was taken out of "T's" last paycheck at Skyline, she was left with two dollars. Two dollars! This money would go mainly toward feeding her family.  

This is one experience I won't forget anytime soon. I sincerely thank my fellow Joes for their support of this family. 

God bless

Covert Opps in Lowes

We got to Lowe's and searched the whole store until we found him. He was helping someone, so we had to find a way to look like we were "shopping" in the aisles around the contractor's supply part of the store – not easy to do, especially as that's not a "Oh, let's look around until we find what we want" kind of department. I learned a lot about those little pyramid-shaped caps you put on the tops of fence posts, and learned more about the vast array of kneepads on the market today.

Anyway, we finally found "S"by himself, behind the counter. I approached, asked if he was the "S"we were looking for, and once he confirmed, I said "Someone asked me to deliver this to you."

He said "Oh, okay" as though this kind of thing happened every day.

I handed him the envelope and said "Just know that some people are thinking of you and praying for you." Then we high-tailed it out of Lowe's – but of course, we parked ONE MILLION MILES AWAY from the contractor's supply department, so we made kind of a fast-but-not-fast getaway across the entire length of the store, making sure NEVER to look behind us, in case he was chasing us down.

As we approached the garden department, I saw another employee pick up her in-store walkie talkie and look at us. I felt like the Jason Bourne of anonymous gift-giving, and I started planning our escape route. She wasn't very tall, so I figured I could take her out if need be ... but we made it out without incident, hopped into the car and took off.

WHAT A RUSH! It was so amazing to do the delivery, and I'll admit I choked up a bit as I handed over the envelope. It's something all of us should do as we go forward with the group.

"P"

I know I saw God today...

March 7^th around 12:30 P.M. I met two angels. Some may say, it was two of twelve average Joes but I know I saw God that day. These two angels handed me a simple plain envelope said nothing more than “were here to help, we heard about the trials with your family”.  I asked “who are you” and they said “we are anonymous, the envelope will explain”. Said nothing more, nothing less, I said “thank you “, they shook my hand and left. When I opened the envelope, I was so overwhelmed. Not by the monetary value as much as the kindness that God shared with my family that day. Thank you so very much when I know so many others are more deserving. Some say angles have wings and long gowns but I know one is tall with salt/pepper hair and glasses and the other, a young man with dark hair and a warm gentleness about him. Some people may never see Gods angels and I had the privilege to shake hands with two of them and meet them face to face….. RP

We aren't the only ones...

"J" said hi, are you "W"? Yes. They shook hands. I said good afternoon and did the same.

He was in shirt and tie. Ready for interview? Sweet little girl at his knee. Puzzled look growing stronger. 

"J" handed him the envelope.  Really puzzled now. Noticed his name on it. "J" said we are here on behalf of some men who care.  This is for you. I said we have been thinking of you and we aren't the only ones. Have a blessed day. 50 seconds tops

Divine Intervention

It is with the deepest gratitude that I extend a most heart-felt thank you to the 12 average Joe’s.  Your gifting is immeasurably appreciated and goes far beyond its worldly means.  It has strengthened and proven the fruits of our faith, a testament our children shall carry on beyond our generation… because, not only 20 minutes before the '12 Joes' came into our life, I held my newborn son, praying alone yet aloud for divine intervention in such a trying time.  Then the doorbell rang. Thank you and God Bless. Sincerely, TK