Going through dark times
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Equality & NIxburg News
Jennifer Williamson
I have been going through a very dark time. Things are not well with this world, and my job is in uncertain times. Defense funding has been cut; layoffs and cuts are being made. Yes, seems an odd time with our government announcing support to Israel, as well as continued support to Ukraine.
My job is secure until January, but I know that in Huntsville one agency cut 20% of its engineering staff, and another has said that there will be a hiring freeze and any job that becomes vacant will not be filled until further notice. Very uncertain times for me as I need my income, the store does not support itself let alone me, and our house still needs renovations. But amid all this my son has been ministering to me.
My son, who has come to Equality twice since I have moved here, is not known by many because of his social anxiety. He has had his own trials, starting at infancy with severe illnesses that lasted for years until I took him away from traditional medicine and to a naturopath. He went from dying to healing, but the damage was done, and at age 12 he was diagnosed with some learning challenges, dyslexia, social anxiety, Semantic Pragmatic Disorder.
There have been many days spent on the phone or driving up to him to talk him through things. Yet now he is talking me through things, sharing his faith with me, telling me it is going to be OK, and God has a plan, and really ministering to me. Which makes my heart sing.
I have a new neighbor, and I have seen activity at the house mostly on Mondays since I work from home on Mondays, but have not had an opportunity to meet him. With my days being filled with work from dusk to dawn with the house, farm, full-time job, store, EPAC, babysitting grandson, I wondered if I ever would meet him unless he stops by the store for an introduction. But then after a phone call from my son I started thinking maybe my new neighbor is like my son and new social interactions are challenging and stressful. So, with understanding I will let him be, and when the opportunity comes will make my introduction. Not everyone can talk to a stranger for an hour like I can, and that is OK.
Last Saturday, October 28, was the first Community Bingo fundraiser in support of the Equality Volunteer Fire Department, and it was a big success with 40 participants. This is a fund-raiser and will be a regular monthly event from 4 to 6 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month. It is $1 a card, and they will play 10 games with prizes. There will also be refreshments for sale.
Tomorrow, Saturday, November 4, is First Saturday EVFD fundraising event. Stop by in the morning for breakfast for a donation, buy from the bake sale, shop the rummage sale, and return for a lunch plate. There are also volunteer opportunities if you want to get involved.
EPAC does not have an event tonight, but the second Friday, November 14, is Open Mic Night. Come enjoy an evening out enjoying live music. While it is not mandatory, you are encouraged to bring a dish of shareable food for our “Potluck,” and if you can afford to drop something into the donation jar for the music, it helps keep the lights on. The EPAC provides free coffee, iced tea, water, and fresh-popped popcorn, as well as some of the potluck offerings.
