#we need buildings to make hospitals and to make shelter for the needy families

[mikewanders]

[stars-trash-18]

Home lll

Ngl this was kind of a filler chapter. but it’s what I got, if anything this will give you more background on reader and the planet’s history.

Again please message me about corrections about anything, especially if I use anything gendered or with racial descriptions. 

You did as promised, you delivered some crops and spare farming supplies. After that you turned your focus back home. You went about as normal, getting Attila to school, smoking meats, tanning hides, and prepping everything else for the monthly market. The town several miles from your ranch had a weekly market for smaller sales, but once a month they had a large fair to sell bulk items for better prices. It helped keep some income during the weeks coming in and when the fair happened it brought in tourists or larger buyers to bring in the bulk income for many of the families, including yours.

 Over the years you had gained the reputation of being one of the better ranchers to buy livestock off of. You cared for them like they were your own children and made sure that everyone walked away with a decent price, whether or not you gained a profit or broke even. 

Because of this the fair became one of the only markets you showed up to, you'd bring your products and had the city wives falling over themselves for the leather and furs, the galactic ranchers trying to outbid each other for whatever prized bull you brought with you, and the smaller families happy when you turned the wealthier business to them. Because, although you had a wider range of product than most other farmers, you made sure to make a sly comment about others like, "The Ferdorick's leather products are some of the finest, if you decide to buy from me i'm sure they'd make this hide into a wonderful jacket,". 

Something you valued so much more than the core worlds was the community that surrounded the outer rim planet, in planets like Coruscant people walked by the needy everyday. But here if someone needed shelter or something to eat the locals would give it to them, whether they were one meal away from the same fate or not, they still extended a hand and gave what they could. They did it for you when you ran, when you first landed with Attila balanced on your shoulders wondering what to do it was the Ganoris' who set you up in their spare bedroom, the Ferdoricks who taught you how to tan hides and gave you your first 5 head of cattle, and the Actorias who gathered the materials and taught you how to build and thatch. You were a stranger who was more dangerous than they knew, but they extended their hands to you and you work so that you can prosper and help them too. So when the Armorer landed on your doorstep you wondered if it would be wrong to turn her away, because you were tired of seeing people.

You enjoyed chatting with those you knew, but seeing so many strangers more than once a month made your social batteries drain. But you reluctantly invited her in and sat across from her at your table as you went about preparing the morning coffee. Already preparing yourself for the long day ahead. She sat regaly for someone who was so weary weeks prior, she reminded you of the tall bamboo stalks from your ex’s estate with how she could go from being bent with stress to tall and strong. She only watched you carefully as you moved around your small kitchen and rested a hand onto the table, only moving it to say no when you offered her a mug. 

“How can I help you today, is everything alright?” you inquired carefully, blowing the steam away to cool the sweet nectar of the gods. 

“Everything is alright in our new home, it’s been a long time since we’ve been able to call anything that,” she receded, her voice filled with warmth at her family’s good fortune before she continued.

“I’m here to ask if you would be willing to help us again, we’d like to gain some income but don’t know how we’d be received by the community and we’d prefer to stay as hidden as possible,” she breathed a heavy sigh when she finished. You blinked at her owlishly for a moment before giving her a calming smile and leaned back in your chair.

“I’d be glad to help, from what little I know of Mandalorian culture your people are famous for their care of those they consider family and it’s the same here,” You paused to sip your coffee before further explaining, “ There’s a story that the natives tell, the natives that have been here long before space exploration, that this planet was steeped in war but over time as the war dragged on the blood spilled by the fallen started to poison it, causing more to die from starvation than battle itself,”

“They came to the agreement that to preserve themselves they had to merge, it took many years but finally there was peace and balance, they shared their knowledge with each other and valued cooperation and helping others and that has remained the same since, they are wary of outsiders but would still help them at any cost, because with all the bad in this galaxy they hope to heal it one person at a time,” you finished before pausing again in thought, “But don’t mistake the peace for weakness mandalorian, the people of this planet will still fight if it’s the last thing to do, because though they prefer peace if you threaten their homes and family they fight like you wouldn’t believe, now onto the business at hand,” you chimed as you pulled your datapad in front of you.

“That was insightful, all the same. We'd like it if one of our own accompanies you to the market so you can show them how this planet works,” She replied thoughtfully, tapping her fingertips onto the table briefly in thought. “We understand that there are a few threats to you at the monthly fair but Paz has volunteered to accompany you to help carry your goods and some of ours with the added benefit of protection, from what i’m told you’re more than capable but at this moment it is the only labor we can provide,” she clarified. “ We'll give you a percentage of our sales since by extension we’re using your reputation to do so and to compensate for you teaching Paz the ropes, because what he learns with you he’ll bring to us,” she further revealed.

You huffed a laugh before waving your hand at her, “nonsense, here knowledge is free and openly shared, I’ll send you the coordinates for the public libraries and can have Attila look out for your children if you ever decide to put them into the school, besides you have more mouths to feed than I do and I could frankly use an extra set of hands at the market so this will go towards you’re payment for the land,” you receded. The armorer jolted for a moment at your news, her breathing seeming to stutter for a moment before she straightened further.

“Very well I accept the terms, I must ask however why you show us such hospitality,” she prodded, you understood what she really meant. She was trying to find any ulterior motive, and you could see why with how the mandalorians have been treated throughout their history. So you only thought for a moment before answering her, setting your mug down and looking to the floor to try and keep the memories at bay.

“I was running from someone who wanted me dead and to take my son, I was an intelligence officer for the resistance during the war so I knew that this planet would be the safest and furthest away, when I got here all I had was a small bag with necessities and little Attila slung over my shoulders,” You breathed in heavily to try and build a wall around the memories that flashed into your mind, trying not to get thrown into an episode, “I had nothing, but the people here took care of us, they helped me and as the saying goes taught  me to fish,” you smiled softly at the memory of the elderly patriarch of the Actorias lecturing you.

“So to repay them for their kindness is to pass it forward and no one is more deserving than the Mandalorians, you guys were really screwed over by history,” you finished with a slight chuckle and turning back to the mandalorian matriarch, who sat rigidly. She rose from her seat at the table and placed her arm over her chest and bowed slightly.

“That was all I needed so I’ll take my leave, but know that you have a clan of mandalorians in your debt, those who threaten you threaten us,” she said like a vow before she swiftly turned and walked out of your home. Using the jetpack you didn’t even notice light up as she took off back towards the bunker. 

~~~~POV switch to earlier that week~~~~~~

“Paz you don’t have to be the one to accompany the rancher, we can send one of our more experienced merchants to better learn the trade,” The Armourer explained with a hand to the front of her helmet in exasperation.

“I know, but if you send me it’ll be better to gauge how the people would react to us, I can also provide security,” He stressed, adamant about being the one sent to learn.

“From what you told me they are their own security, you just find them attractive,” Din teased his brother playfully, earning an elbow to the side gap in his armor from Paz and a groan from the Armourer.

“Enough you two, Paz if you’re so enthralled with the rancher I’ll grant your request now both of you out,” she reprimanded before waving her tongs at them in dismissal so she wouldn’t have to deal with their childishness.

As they left Din passed his brother with one last jab, “try to learn a little Verde”.

[melodyalanaroster]

All I Want For Christmas Is You

When Halloween ended, it didn’t take long for the people in the Black Tower to begin their holiday preparations. The Senior Staff were already discussing what acts of good will they would commit during the season, and Alana had begun overseeing the decoration of her family home. “Why are you doing this so early?” Nora asked her. “You know its one of the only times that the family home is full. So, I want to make it to where my family won’t need to do much of the decorating. As Agatha and I are the ones closest, she and I will decorate the tree on Black Friday.” Alana replied. “It’s good that your family follows traditions like that.” Nora grinned. “I’m very thankful that The Red Death allowed me to continue that tradition even during my ascent to power. He didn’t have to do that.” Alana commented. “Because The Red Death still has a soul.” Nora stated. Alana shook her head. “Not just that. He still has his heart.”

★

Throughout the days leading up to November twenty-seventh, the Senior Staff gathered together in the main Recuperation Room. “I think we should give to local homeless shelters!”, “I think we should donate toys to needy kids!”, “Let’s take care of the bills for a few families this month!”, the ideas for acts of kindness poured out from the various members like a waterfall. Alana was deep in thought as everyone else talked. “What do you think Melody?” The Red Death asked. “I think we should make a list of all the needy families in the area, each of us choose at least a couple of them, then provide them with relief and goods this month. I also think that we should get the children more than just toys, but clothes, shoes and books as well. Perhaps, for every child on our list, we get them an outfit, pair of shoes, new book, and a toy. We can even take in to effect the non Christian population and still provide to them, simply for an act of goodwill. That way, everyone gets help, and needy children get a little cheer. They are a lot less fortunate than us, we should give them a bit of what they need and want. Oh, and let’s not forget the children in the hospitals around the area. At least one toy for each of them, and a meal sent to their families.” She suggested. “Do we have the budget for that, sir?” Veronica asked. The Red Death looked at Veronica with an eyebrow raised. He grabbed a tablet, tapped on it for a couple of minutes and handed it to her. “I see. We have more than enough.” Veronica replied. “I think it’s a fantastic idea!” Renee called. “We can even get the Paladins in on this! That way, we can help more people!” Nora cheered. “I’m in.” Derek chimed in. “Here here!”, “Let’s do this!”, “Huzzah!”, the room boomed with approval. “So, it’s unanimous. Melody’s idea wins.” The Red Death chuckled. “We deal with so much death, this is a lovely idea that can help people across the board, even if it is just for a little bit.” Lyra stated. 

After much more discussion, each member of the Senior Staff was given a family to spoil. As they left the Recuperation Room to begin their missions, The Red Death held Alana back. “I know you’re going home for Christmas. When will you be leaving here?” He asked. “Probably the morning of Christmas Eve. Sam and Ken will get to the house the night before, and Mom and Nate are set to come home that day as well. Don’t worry... I’ll be back the day after Boxing Day.” She replied. “You know you don’t need to worry about when you’ll be back. I just want you to have fun.” He grinned. “Thanks for this. Although, I know that, if I’m not back in time for the New Year’s Party, all hell will break loose.” She chuckled. “When it comes to your missions, just buy the stuff for the kids. I’ll buy the food and deliver everything. After all, you are the only person in this tower who is leaving it for the holidays.” He ordered. She looked at him, puzzled. “Are Brandon and Jack not having Nora over?” She asked. “They’ve decided to spend the day here.” He replied. “Ah.” She nodded.

★

“Melody are you ready? It’s time to decorate the tree!” Agatha called from the living room in the main Roster family home. The family matriarch, Margaret, sat in the rocking chair next to a big box of ornaments. Alana dashed into the room. “Sorry, I was working on something.” She huffed. “You’re always working on something. It’s time to have fun!” Margaret stated. “I know, but Oma, you know I’m a busy woman.” Alana explained as she stood next to her grandmother. “I know, but, you need to slow down a bit.” Margaret replied. “I’ve been saying that for over a year, Mom, but she won’t listen.” Agatha commented as she turned on Christmas music. “Sweetie, you can’t be running all the time. Sometimes, you have to sit back and enjoy the view.” Margaret smiled as she held Alana’s arm. “But the view I want to see is almost within my sight! I’m almost to my ultimate goal!” Alana excitedly protested. “It’s not good for you to always be running. Even Nathaniel has been saying that.” Agatha stated. “I know... But still...” Alana sighed. “Alright, let’s get to the tree!” Margaret ordered.

As the three women took decorations and ornaments out of boxes and put them on the tree, they talked about memories. Margaret picks up a purple heart ornament with a pink decoration on it. Agatha: “Awe! Mels! It’s your Hannah Montana ornament! Remember your pop star phase?” Alana: “I’m trying to forget about it...” Margaret: “I don’t see why. You have a lovely singing voice.”

Margaret picks up an ornament that looks like a playing card. Margaret: “Sam’s card ornament! What game was that that she was so obsessed with?” Alana: “YuGiOh! That’s her Blue-Eyes White Dragon. She put it in a card protector and turned it into an ornament for safe keeping.” Agatha: “I thought you all were in to Pokemon...” Alana: “We are. But, we all prefer the games and anime over the cards.”

Margaret picks up an ornament that looks like Merida. Alana: “Mom’s Brave ornament!” Margaret: “We were singing “Noble Maiden Fair” before Disney popularized it.” Margaret picks up a metal ornament that’s in the shape of a cat. Margaret: “Sylvester’s ornament.” Alana, who tears up and begins to sniffle: “I miss him...”

★

“Mels! This is a wonderful idea! I’m glad the R.D.R is doing this! I wanna take part! If there’s a family that I can do that to, let me know!” Severina cheered. “Well, there are a couple of families that are on the list that the Senior Staff and I can’t get to... I’ll send you the details later today.” Alana smiled as they walked around the shops. “Fantastic! I can’t wait to put a smile on their faces!” Severina beamed. “Have you finished your shopping?” Alana asked. “Not yet. I haven’t quite decided on what to get you. Do you know what you want?” Severina asked. Alana shook her head. “The item I want most is on its way... I hope.” She replied. “That book you’ve been talking about for months? What was it called again? The Toll?” Severina asked. “No. The Toll is a book I’m still waiting on. It’s The Living that is on its way. I’ve waited two years for that book. I preordered it when Isaac Marion said that it was available. It’ll be a signed, hardcover, first edition, fresh off the press, copy. It’s that zombie book I’ve been waiting for.” Alana replied.

As they went through the shops and Alana purchased the items for the needy kids on her list, Severina kept talking about how great the holidays were gonna be. “We’ll play games and eat ourselves sick!” She cheered. “And your dad will get mad like he always does.” Alana commented. Severina stuck her tongue out at her. “This year, I don’t care if my father gets angry with me! I wanna enjoy myself!” She scoffed. Alana smiled. “Not to mention, how, if everything goes well, you won’t have to deal with your father any more soon.” She added. Severina hugged her. “Yeah! After that’s all over, my father won’t have any power in my mom’s and my life! I still don’t see why this investigation is taking months to do....” She replied. “Because you and your mom need time to build up your lives so you two won’t fail after he’s gone. I’ve told you that for weeks. Make it to where there is no way that you two will ever need him. During this time, the police and I are getting every ounce of evidence we need to lock your father away for good.” Alana explained.

A few minutes later, they had wandered into a bookstore. “Are we gonna have a snowball fight?” Severina asked. “Probably.” Alana grinned as she looked over the books. Suddenly, a book on a shelf in the book caught her eye. She walked over to the shelf and gazed at the book. It was an old detective novel by Agatha Christie. She picked the book up, looked closer at it, and smiled. A first edition. “I’m sure he has a copy of this one, but he doesn’t have a copy like this.” She thought. She took the book to the counter. “Either you’re a hardcore Agatha Christie fan, or you’re a fan of rare books.” The girl commented. “The man I love is a major fan of Hercule Poirot. I’m sure he has a copy of this one, but it’s not a first edition. This will be a perfect Christmas present.” Alana explained. “Would you like it gift wrapped?” The girl asked, smiling as she rang the book up. Alana shook her head. “No, I like wrapping presents myself.” She grinned as she slid her card in the card reader. “That’s so sweet. I hope he likes it.” The girl handed her the book in a bag with her receipt. “I hope so too. Thank you.” Alana took the bag, looked at it hopefully and began looking for Severina. “Have a great day! Merry Christmas!” the girl called as Alana walked off. “So, find anything good?” Severina asked. “Yeah, Nathaniel’s Christmas present.” Alana replied.

★

“Get in assholes, we’re going light looking!” Alana cheered as Castiel, Priya, and Nathaniel stood before a van. “Why do I have to drive?” Nora asked. “Because it will be good for you.” Alana replied. “Why are we doing this?” Nathaniel asked. “Because! Light Looking is a fun holiday event! We get hot chocolate, fast food, blankets and pillows and listen to Christmas music while we drive around and look at everyone’s light displays! Come on guys! Please?” Alana cheered. Nathaniel, Castiel and Priya looked around at each other and sighed. “Alright, if it’ll make you happy.” Nathaniel slightly grinned as he got into the van. “And why are we here?” Priya asked. Alana looked at them blankly. “Because its more fun with more people and you guys are my friends.” She stated. Priya looked at Castiel, shrugged, and got into the van. Castiel looked at Alana and smiled. “Is this what you really want?” He asked. “Yes.” Alana cheerfully cooed. “Alright, I’ll do it.” He chuckled as he got in the van. “Fantastic!” Alana cheered as she got in.

“Does your family decorate the outside of the main house in Weathering at this time of year?” Priya asked as they drove through the suburban sections of the city, listening to Christmas music, eating snacks and drinking hot cocoa. “Yeah. It’s tradition that the closest family members are required to do it. This year, Agatha and I had that task. There are lights in the trees and along the fence. We even have metal Santa hats for the dragons on the gate and the mailbox. Its not much, but people like it. We used to always get comments from local kids and our postmen before mom, Sam and I moved.” Alana explained. “Why don’t you stop, now that you don’t live there anymore?” Priya asked. “Because that house has been in our family for several generations. It’s been my family’s primary home since my great, great, grandmother bought it when my great, grandmother was a child. Typically, the next head of the family inherits it. It’s going to mom. Then, even though I’m mom’s successor, it will be going to Sam. Decorating it is a tradition that my family follows because, at it’s core, even though most of us don’t live there anymore, it is still home to us.” Alana continued to explain. “That’s really sweet.” Priya cooed.

As they drove through the city they saw many beautiful displays. Lights, music, beloved characters, it all made them feel warm. “Are you all gonna see family this season?” Nora, innocently, asked. Nathaniel and Castiel looked down. “I’ll be seeing my parents, but only for a couple of days.” Priya piped up. Alana put her hand on Nathaniel’s arm. “You could spend the holiday with me. I’m sure my family will happily welcome you.” She whispered into his ear. “I’m not ready for that. Besides, I’ll spend part of that day with Amber.” He whispered back. “Oh.” Alana looked down. “Thank you for the offer.” Nathaniel whispered, lovingly.

★

“Calm down, everyone!” Rayan called as he stood before his class. When the class became silent, he gave everyone a grin. “Now, I know that some of you will be starting your winter break after this, but I want you all to remember, learning does not stop at that door. Take in the beauty of the season, and appreciate the art that comes with it. Have a good break.” He announced as the class ended. Alana walked up to the podium. “You gonna watch the BBC’s rerun marathon of all the Doctor Who Christmas specials during the break?” She asked. “Maybe. You know Christmas isn’t my favorite time of year.” He replied, a hint of sadness in his voice. Alana looked down and attempted to be cheery. “I get that. But, hopefully, something will help you feel better.” She replied as she took a package out of her backpack and set it on the podium. “Merry Christmas Rayan.” She smiled as she walked out of the auditorium.

Rayan looked at the package, curiously, and began to open it. Inside was a DVD copy of Matt Smith’s era of Doctor Who, a Deadpool comic, a set of Batman shaped chocolate, and a note. 

“From one geek to another. I hope this adds some cheer during this season.

                                     - Melody Alana Roster”

He read the note and smiled. “Thanks Alana.”

★

The hustle and bustle throughout the Black Tower became more celebratory. The Jewish members celebrated Hanukkah and invited Alana to join in on their fun. She took part in at least one night of the celebrations. “If you ever wanna join in on our holiday, please feel free to!” The girl who invited her smiled. “Yes, thank you so much for giving us some of your time!” a boy beamed. “Thank you for the invite! It was a lot of fun!” Alana smiled as she left the room. The other members of the Senior Staff were continuing their work on their missions. Alana had dropped off her mission purchases in the Red Death’s office.

“Severina talked to me about the mission. I gave her three families to help out and she went above and beyond. I’m impressed.” The Red Death commented. “She really wanted to help and she loved our mission.” Alana smiled. “That’s amazing. I’ll be sure to give her credit for all the work she’s done.” He replied. “Thank you, sir.” Alana bowed. “Alright, go get ready for your holiday.” He ordered.

★ 

The morning of Christmas Eve, Alana had been walking through the city, getting the last items she needed before she had to leave for Weathering. “Alright, got the treats from that local bakery that I like. Got all the presents loaded into my Mini Cooper, the Tower won’t fall into ruin while I’m gone. Nathaniel and everyone here know when I’ll be back. Sam and Ken got to the house last night. Mom and Nate should be getting there right about now. The shops should all be closing in the next couple of hours. I even got myself some yummy treats for breakfast! I’m still waiting on The Living to come in.” She thought out loud as she made her way back to the Black Tower.

When she got back to Death’s Domain, she saw Nathaniel standing outside her door. “My, my!! It really is Christmas. It’s just a damn shame I don’t have any mistletoe around!” She cheered when she saw him. “I wanted to see you before you leave.” He said, nervously. “I’ll only be gone a few days. I promise I’ll be home in time for New Years.” She cooed as she opened the door and let him in. “Would you like something to eat? I guarantee I bought too much for myself.” She offered as she set her purchases on the table. “Are you sure?” He asked. “I wouldn’t have offered if I wasn’t sure. Come on, let’s eat.” She insisted as she pulled out the food and a couple of plates. “Thanks, Alana.” He smiled as he sat down. Alana noticed him placing a package on the ground next to him. “What’s that?” She asked. He looked at her and nervously blushed. “I-I got you something.” He muttered. Her heart skipped a beat. “That’s really sweet! I’ve got something for you too.” She mused. He looked surprised for a second. “Really?” He asked. Alana got up from the table, walked over to the Christmas tree, picked up a present, brought it over to the table and sat down. “Do you wanna do this, then eat? Or do you wanna eat first?” She asked, lovingly. Nathaniel looked at the gift, then at the food, and his stomach growled. “Can we eat first?”

After eating their meal, Alana cleared the table, took the present she had gotten for Nathaniel to the couch, sat down and motioned for him to follow in her stead. He picked up the present at his feet, walked over to her and sat down. He sat the package on the table next to hers. She picked up the small package and handed it to him. “You first.” She beamed. He took it in his hands and began to open it. When all of the paper was off the book, he looked at it. “Its a first edition. Where did you find this?” He asked, shocked, a smile making it’s way onto his face. “There’s a bookshop in the more aristocratic part of the city. I was there with Severina one day and I found it in the back on a shelf.” She explained. “Thank you Alana. I love it.” He blushed. Nathaniel laid the book on the couch next to him, picked up the remaining present and handed it to her. She unwrapped the present, opened the box and looked at the item in shock. “Nathaniel, you remembered!” She choked as she pulled out a blue and white teddy bear. Nathaniel put his hand on his neck and nervously looked away. “Amber dragged me to the mall one day... I saw that in that bear building store and thought of you...” He explained. The bear was a deep blue with white spots all over it, resembling snow. It had yellow pajama’s and a deep blue robe on. On it’s wrist was a large plush bell. Hanging from it’s ear was a tag that looked like a golden train ticket. “Nathaniel, you didn’t have to get me anything...” Alana smiled. “I know, but I wanted to.” He replied. She set the bear down on the coffee table, got closer to him and kissed his cheek, sweetly. “Thank you so much Nath. It means the world to me.” She cooed. He scooted away from her, nervously, and his blush became more prominent. “M-Merry C-Christmas A-Alana.” He stuttered as he grabbed the book. She chuckled, grabbed the bear and stood up. “Merry Christmas Nathaniel.”

A couple of hours later, the gate at the main Roster family home in Weathering opened and Alana’s car pulled into the driveway. Sam opened the door as Alana got out of her car. “Welcome home, asshole!” Sam called as she walked towards the car. “Merry Christmas jackass!” Alana called as she started pulling stuff out of the car. “Good to see you, sis.” Sam patted Alana on the back. “You too, Sam.” Alana smiled. “Mom and Nate aren’t home yet. A package was sent here for you. The Red Death directed it to come here.” Sam explained as they walked into the manor. They walked to the kitchen and sat the goodies on the counter. “Mom and Nate will be home this evening. As for what he sent here, I’m not sure what it is.” Alana replied. “Well, he’s not the type to send gifts like that, is he? He typically gives you guys stuff directly, or sends messengers, right?” Sam asked. “Typically... Unless...” Alana began as her eyes shot up and she bolted to her room.

Alana threw open the door, ran to the bed, pulled out a knife and opened the package. “FINALLY! TWO YEARS OF WAITING AND IT’S FINALLY HERE!” She called as she picked up the book. Two years of waiting patiently, watching out for Isaac Marion’s email updates, a hint of despair when one update said that it might not get finished, hope when the emails began talking about the looming completion, and utter joy when preorders became available had all lead up to this. She opened the book and smelled the pages. “Ahhh... Freshly printed!” She sighed. She turned to the title page and saw the signature. She closed the book, looked in the box, pulled out the two packets and smiled. “The signed bonus stories!” She cheered. She quickly placed the book on the bed, sat down, and delved into the stories. After a few minutes, she placed the packets on her desk. “Those were lovely.” She sighed as she grabbed the book and went back downstairs. 

“He must have seen that it would come in while I’m here!” Alana cheered as she walked into the living room and held up her book for Sam and Ken to see. “Isn’t that the book you’ve been waiting on for a while?” Ken asked. “Two years, yes.” Alana confirmed. “Well then, good for the Red Death. Although, you’d better understand, you can’t tear into that book the entire time. I know you’ve been waiting forever for it, but you need to stay in our world for a bit.” Sam chuckled. Alana rolled her eyes. “I know. I’ll just read in my free time.” She sighed. “Good. Mom texted me, she’ll be home in a couple of hours.” Sam announced.

Hours later, while Sam, Ken, Margaret and Alana were in the kitchen preparing the meal for the following day, the front door flew open, allowing some of the snow to come in to the manor. “Mom!” Sam and Alana cheered in unison as they sauntered towards the entryway. “We’re home!” Lynne announced as she and Nate walked into the entryway and shook off the snow. “Welcome home mom.” Alana smiled as she hugged her mother. “Hey Nate.” She cheered as she hugged her step-father. “Welcome back guys.” Sam smiled as she hugged them. “My babies! I’ve missed you two so much!” Lynne cheered as she looked at her daughters. “Is Nathaniel not with you?” She asked Alana. “No. I invited him, but he’s spending tomorrow with his sister. He came to Death’s Domain this morning and we ate breakfast and did our gift exchange.” Alana clarified. “What did he give you?” Nate asked. “The Polar Express bear from the bear building shop.” Alana blushed. “Awe, he must have remembered your favorite Christmas movie!” Lynne smiled.

It didn’t take long for everyone to eat dinner and get settled into the living room. The Christmas Eve movie that was chosen was Hogfather. As the movie progressed, and Death did the Hogfather’s job, Alana couldn’t help but be reminded of why she chose the Grim Reaper as her R.D.R avatar. It was, of course, an homage to her favorite incarnation of him. She never got over the part of him saving the little match girl in Hogfather. The scene in the movie was playing. “You’re not supposed to do that.” Alfred said as Death refilled the little match girl’s hourglass.  "The Hogfather gives presents. There's no better present than a future." Death pointed out as he picked the little girl up off the street. Terry Pratchett’s version of the Grim Reaper was what she wanted to resemble when doing her job.

After the movie was over, and everyone had gone to bed, Alana made sure to leave a pork pie and a glass of sherry for Santa with a note saying “The Hogfather likes this, maybe you’ll appreciate something different.”. She knew that no one would come for it, but she giggled at the principle of the thing. She went back to her room, put the bear Nathaniel gave her in her lap, texted Nathaniel “Goodnight”, and began reading her book. “I’ll just read a couple of chapters, then I’ll go to sleep.” She mused as she read.

★

The morning of Christmas Day was always a fun one. With no little kids waking up early to make a ruckus, it was up to Sam and Alana to wake up and begin the festivities. As Alana descended the stairs in her pajamas, she smelled bacon being cooked in the kitchen. “Merry Christmas fuckface!” Sam cheered as she stood over the stovetop. “Merry Christmas you overdeveloped cum shot!” Alana mused as she walked into the kitchen, pulled out a griddle and began preparing pancakes. As the pancakes cooked, Alana pulled out her phone and sent a “Merry Christmas” message to Nathaniel. He quickly came back with a “Merry Christmas” message. As the smell of the girls’ cooking became stronger, Ken, Lynne and Nate wandered into the room. “Smells delicious!” Lynne mused. “Can I have some?” Nate asked. “We’re eating good today!” Ken cheered.

Not long after breakfast, there was a knock on the door. Everyone had gotten dressed and was beginning to work on the next preparations for the evening feast. “They’re here early.” Sam smiled. “At this rate, they might as well spend the night here!” Alana commented as she went to open the door. “MELS!” Severina cheered as she threw her arms around her. “Hey Rini!” Alana mused as she hugged Severina. She looked at the people behind Severina. “Hey Viktor, aunt Verity!” She called. Viktor came into the manor holding a large stack of gifts. “Hey Mels!” He smiled as he did his best to balance the stack in his arms. “Do you need help?” Alana asked. “I’d appreciate it.” He sighed. She chuckled and took some of the packages away from him. “Thanks.” He smiled as they walked to the living room and set the presents around the tree.

Throughout the day, the manor filled with the Roster clan and close friends. Agatha, Seraphina, Kirk, Kai and Ravenna had all shown up. As soon as Kai had entered the living room, he was met with sharp glares from Viktor, Severina, Ken, Sam and Alana. “Already judging, I see.” Kai commented as he sat down in a chair in the corner. “If you weren’t so disrespectful, you wouldn’t be receiving this treatment.” Sam spat. “The least you can do is be a good little boy and remain silent.” Severina shot. “Oh, and don’t forget to thank OUR FAMILY for making sure your daughter doesn’t turn into a wretched disgrace like you!” Alana added. Ken and Viktor looked at each other, then shot Kai disgusted looks. “Come on? Nothing from you two?” Kai asked them. “The girls have got it covered.” Viktor stated as Ken nodded in agreeance. Kai then scoffed and left the room. He could be heard muttering the phrases “fucking assholes” and “no respect” as he walked out. A minute later, Ravenna ran into the room, Seraphina following suit. “MELS! SAMI! RINI! KEN! VIKY!” Ravenna cheered as she made her way around the room, giving everyone hugs. “Hey kiddo.”, “Hey Kid.”, “Merry Christmas Ravenna.”, “Good afternoon little one.” they all greeted. “Hey kids.” Seraphina smiled. “Hey Sera.” Alana grinned. “I see you’ve all instantly jumped on Kai.” Seraphina commented. “I know Christmas is about “Peace on Earth” and “Good will towards men”, but he’s been an insufferable prick the past few years, so, we’ll ignore peace and good will in an effort to show him that.” Sam explained. “Not to mention how he’s disrespected mom, Sam and me A LOT over the past few years!” Alana commented. “Sera, he has become a selfish, self centered, overly entitled, fool.” Severina stated. “Okay, I get it. But, can we please tone that down for the holiday? I’ll tell him to do the same.” Seraphina requested. Sam and Alana rolled their eyes. “Fine, I guess.” Sam sighed. “Whatever.” Alana shot.

It wasn’t long before the ham was in it’s final hours of cooking and everyone could gather in the living room to open presents. “Did you get something from Nathaniel?” Severina asked. “Yeah, that Polar Express bear that just came out.” Alana replied. “Awe! He remembered!” Severina cooed. Lynne began passing the presents out to everyone. Ravenna had gotten a bunch of toys from various genres. Superheroes from Alana, Anime from Sam and Ken, Sci-Fi from Lynne and Nate, and Princesses from everyone else. “Looks like her villains are up a creek without a paddle!” Alana joked. “Oh yeah! They won’t know what hit them!” Ravenna cheered. “Mels? Sam? Did you two not get Kai anything?” Seraphina asked. “Nope.” Alana replied. “Why would I?” Sam asked. Seraphina, and Lynne sighed. Kai opened the three presents he received. “Thanks guys.” He sheepishly grinned. Ken, Viktor, Agatha, Seraphina, Kirk, Margaret, Harold, Nate, Lynne and Verity opened their presents. “Thanks everyone.”, “This is so sweet!”, “You all know me!”, “This is lovely!”, “Thanks fam!”, “This is amazing!”, “So cute!”, “Fantastic!”, “I love it!”, “Divine!” they all cheered as they put the trash in the bag. Severina began to open her presents. “Oh my gosh! These are amazing!” She cheered. Alana had gotten her a collection of all of the Pokemon movies. Sam had gotten her a bunch of Sailor Moon items. Viktor had gotten her Disney stuff. The family got her various other things that was on her wish list. Sam opened her presents. The pile of items around Sam looked like an explosion of Batman. “This was awesome!” She beamed. Alana began to open her presents. Agatha gave her filaments for her 3D printer. Margaret gave her a Sailor Moon plush. Seraphina gave her a set of Stewart Semple’s paints. Lynne gave her figures of Death from the Discworld Emporium. Nate gave her Doctor Who items. Verity gave her a black, Doctor Who, long coat. Viktor gave her a Rowlet plush from Pokemon. Severina gave her a set of Sailor Moon Funko Pops. Then came Sam’s presents to her... Alana unwrapped the gift and instantly became awestruck. “Sam, this is a Hong Kong exclusive.” She commented. “Yeah, I got a contact to get it to me.” Sam replied. Alana picked up the item and showed everyone. In Alana’s hand was a portable power bank shaped like the Cosmic Heart compact from Sailor Moon. “There’s more in that box.” Sam smiled. Alana pulled out a Spiral Heart Rod selfie stick and a Cosmic Heart popcorn bucket from Universal Studios Japan. “See, it matches the Crystal Star and Cutie Moon Rod stuff I got for Rini!” Sam beamed. Tears came to Alana’s eyes. “Sam.” She sputtered. “Awe, come on! You know I love you!” Sam chuckled. “Awe!” A bunch of people smiled. 

After the trash from the presents had been cleared away, and all members who didn’t live in the house had put their presents in boxes and bags, Sam, Ken, Lynne, Seraphina, Agatha, Viktor and Alana put the food on the table. The dinner consisted of a massive brown sugar glazed ham, turkey, two different dressings, green bean casserole, yams, mashed potatoes, white gravy, cranberry sauce, carrots, croissants and rolls. The desert table was covered in beautiful snacks brought by several members of the family. Several Christmas themed cakes, snickerdoodles, several variations of sugar cookie, shortbread cookies, gingerbread cookies, divinity, home made hard candy, truffles, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, candy canes, and cheesecake. “I see the feast is a little extra cheery this year!” Verity beamed as everyone sat down. “Yes, this is a major year for our clan! We must celebrate it properly!” Seraphina smiled. “Let’s hope that the table will have more next year!” Agatha cheered. Alana smiled. “Hopefully, it will!” She cooed. Margaret whispered something to Lynne and Lynne stood up. Everyone turned their attention to Lynne. “Family, dear friends, each Christmas, our clan celebrates another year of love, life, and the pursuit of happiness. As the stories tell, this season is for “Peace on Earth” and “Good will towards men”. Our family is no different. The past few years, we have been through many hardships, and, while I know the hardships have yet to end, and I can say that, this past year has brought us many victories. That being said, this is a time to be thankful for what we have, and look forward for what’s to come. I know you all are working hard to achieve your dreams, just as I have. Thank you all for everything you are, and everything you do! Merry Christmas!” Everyone raised their glasses and toasted to Lynne’s speech. “Merry Christmas!” They all cheered.

When dinner ended, they cleaned everything up, got everyone’s “to go” boxes ready and the kids went into the living room. “Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros.?” Sam asked. “Either way, someone is getting their ass kicked!” Alana cheered. “Let’s play Mario Kart! We played Smash last year!” Severina suggested. “I’m in.” Viktor cheered. “I’m out, I’m too full. I’ll sit and watch.” Ken sighed as he laid on the couch. Viktor, Severina, Sam and Alana proceeded to play video games for a couple of hours. Each match ending in cheers, someone groaning, and plenty of jokes and laughter.

Alana’s head had begun to hurt from the games, even with her glasses activated to “videogame mode”. “I’m gonna go to bed.” She yawned. “Okay, do you need help upstairs?” Viktor asked. “Nah, I’ll leave my presents down here, I’m just gonna go to sleep.” Alana smiled as she left the party and went to her room. Suddenly, her phone was vibrating. She took it out of her pocket, looked at it, and answered the call. Alana: “Good Evening Nathaniel.” Nathaniel: “Hey, Alana.” Alana: “I get a present and an evening phone call? It really is the most wonderful time of the year!” Nathaniel: “You sound like you’ve had fun.” Alana: “It would have been more fun if you had been here.” Alana put Nathaniel on speaker phone while she got changed into her pajamas. Nathaniel: “Alana....” Alana: “I know, I know.... You’re not ready for this yet. It’s a big thing to come to the Roster Family Christmas. Especially considering you’d be meeting Viktor, Severina and my aunt Verity. Oh, and we’re not officially back together yet.” Nathaniel: “You know...” Alana: “I know, it’s dangerous. You keep telling me that. But, you’re worth the danger. Not to mention, I’m me. I’ll survive.” Nathaniel: ... Alana took the call off of speaker phone and got into bed. Alana: “So? How was your holiday?” Nathaniel: “It was alright. I hung out with Amber for a while, then she had to spend time with our parents.” Alana: “So, for the most part, you just spent Christmas with Blanche?” Nathaniel: “Yeah.” Alana: “Well, next year, how about you spend Christmas with me?” Nathaniel: “Next year?” Alana: “Yeah. Amber can come too. We can even bring Blanche!” Nathaniel: -chuckles- “Maybe. When we get closer to that point.” Alana told Nathaniel how her Christmas went. Nathaniel: “Wow, you did have a lot of fun!” Alana: “It’s always a bit of a party around here at Christmas!” Nathaniel: “Would your family be okay if I came next year?” Alana: “Mom asked me why you didn’t come this year. Don’t worry, I told her that you and I aren’t fully official yet, and that you’re not comfortable.” Nathaniel: “Thanks Alana.” Alana: -yawns- “Of course. Hey, I’m really tired, I’m gonna go to sleep. Goodnight Nathaniel. Merry Christmas!” Nathaniel: “Okay. Goodnight and sweet dreams my Melody. Merry Christmas.” Alana ended the phone call, put her phone on the charger on her bedside table, grabbed the bear Nathaniel gave her, and curled up in bed. Viktor and Severina lightly knocked on her door, telling her that they’re staying the night and they’ll see her in the morning. Slow, calm, Christmas music rang through the house. Sam knocked on the door. “Mels! Don’t forget! We’re all having a snowball fight tomorrow! Rest up and prepare for battle!” She called. “’Night Mels!” Ken called. A couple of minutes later, Nate and Lynne called through her door. “Goodnight kiddo!”, “Sweet dreams sweetie!”. When the only thing that could be heard from outside her bedroom door was the Christmas music, Alana rolled over and muttered to herself. “He called me “his Melody”. She smiled.

As the calm took over the Roster Estate, the area felt an air of peace. The snow was still falling, the music was soothing, and everyone in the home felt warm and cozy. Sam and Ken snuggled up in their bed. Nate and Lynne cuddled in theirs. Kirk picked Ravenna up off the floor and took the child to bed. Harold had fallen asleep in a chair in the living room. Seraphina told Kai to quit complaining and go to bed, before having a cup of tea with Agatha and Margaret. Verity, Severina and Viktor took refuge in guest rooms. And Alana fell asleep without the fear of her nightmares waking her up in the middle of the night. Just as it should on Christmas, peace and love won, and for one night, all was well.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have been wanting to write this one for a couple of years now. It was originally going to be a lot like the first Christmas event for MCLUL, but I ended up taking a lot of liberties.

Oh, for context.... Kai gets a lot of harsh treatment in this one... You might wanna read the Cousin Mels specials.... You’ll find out why the girls can’t stand him. He’s an entitled asshole. But, hey, every family has one of those.

Credit: @candysweetposts for Lynne’s sprite, and most of the components used to make Sam’s and Severina’s sprites. andanguyen for the background of the Roster Family Home

[newstfionline]

Saturday, December 26, 2020

Getting creative to help the homeless (AP) After three years on the streets, Tiecha Vannoy and her boyfriend Chris Foss plan to weather the pandemic this winter in a small white “pod” with electricity, heat and enough room for two. Portland this month assembled neat rows of the shelters, which resemble garden sheds, in three ad-hoc “villages”—part of an unprecedented effort unfolding in cold-weather cities nationwide to keep people without permanent homes safe as temperatures drop and coronavirus cases surge. “We just get to stay in our little place. We don’t have to leave here unless we want to,” said Vannoy, wiping away tears as they moved into the shelter near a downtown train station. “It’s been a long time coming. He always tells me to have faith, but I was just over it.” ... “Those (are) folks who would under normal circumstances maybe come into a drop-in center to warm up, or go into the subway to warm up, or go into a McDonald’s to warm up—and just not having those options available to them. What then?” asked Giselle Routhier of the Coalition for the Homeless in New York City.

Raise your mittens: Outdoor learning continues into winter (AP) Cindy Soule’s fourth graders in Maine’s largest city have studied pollination in a community garden. They solved an erosion problem that was damaging trees. They learned about bear scat. Then came a fresh layer of snow and temperatures that hovered around freezing—but her students were unfazed. Bundled up and masked, they scooted outside with their belongings in buckets. They collected their pencils and clipboards, plopped the buckets upside down in the snow, took a seat and went to work. The lesson? Snow, of course, and how snowflakes are formed. Schools nationwide scrambled to get students outdoors during the pandemic to keep them safe and stop the spread of COVID-19. Now, with temperatures plummeting, a smaller number of schools—even in some of the nation’s most frigid climes—plan to keep it going all winter long, with students trading desks in warm classrooms for tree stumps or buckets.

Explosion in Nashville that damaged 20 buildings, injured 3 people an ‘intentional act’ (USA Today) Authorities believe an explosion that occurred in downtown Nashville early Christmas morning and was felt for miles was an “intentional act” sparked by a vehicle. Police responded to reports of a suspicious vehicle parked outside the AT&T building just before 6 a.m. Upon arrival, police said an officer “had reason” to alert the department’s hazardous devices unit, which was en route, when a “significant explosion” happened. Three people were hospitalized with injuries, police said. At least 20 buildings were damaged, Nashville Mayor John Cooper said. The sound of the explosion could be heard from miles away, and people reported windows shaking from South and East Nashville. “It looks like a bomb went off,” Cooper said. The downtown area will be “sealed off” for further investigation and to make sure everything is “completely safe.”

US to require negative COVID-19 test from UK travelers (AP) The United States will require airline passengers from Britain to get a negative COVID-19 test before their flight, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced late Thursday. The U.S. is the latest country to announce new travel restrictions because of a new variant of the coronavirus that is spreading in Britain and elsewhere. Airline passengers from the United Kingdom will need to get negative COVID-19 tests within three days of their trip and provide the results to the airline, the CDC said in a statement. The agency said the order will be signed Friday and go into effect on Monday. “If a passenger chooses not to take a test, the airline must deny boarding to the passenger,” the CDC said in its statement. The agency said because of travel restrictions in place since March, air travel to the U.S. from the U.K. is already down by 90%.

Many just want a hug for Christmas this year, Queen Elizabeth says (Reuters) All many people want for Christmas this year is a simple hug, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth said in her annual festive message, saying it would be hard for those who lost loved ones to COVID-19 pandemic or were separated by curbs on social mixing. In her traditional pre-recorded Christmas Day address to the nation, the 94-year-old monarch repeatedly spoke of hope for the future whilst acknowledging millions of Britons would be unable to have their usual family celebrations this year. “Of course for many, this time of year will be tinged with sadness; some mourning the loss of those dear to them, and others missing friends and family members distanced for safety when all they really want for Christmas is a simple hug or a squeeze of the hand,” Elizabeth said. “If you are among them, you are not alone. And let me assure you of my thoughts and prayers.” “Remarkably, a year that has necessarily kept people apart has in many ways brought us closer,” said the queen, adding the royals had been inspired by stories of those who volunteered to help others in need. “In the United Kingdom and around the world, people have risen magnificently to the challenges of the year and I’m so proud and moved by this quiet indomitable spirit.”

For the European Union, It’s a Pretty Good Deal (NYT) The European Union emerges from fraught negotiations with Britain over its exit from the bloc with a sense of satisfaction—that it has maintained its unity and its core principles, especially the integrity of the single market of now 450 million consumers that is the foundation of its influence. And it is now looking ahead to its life without Britain. The final deal is a free-trade agreement that recognizes Britain’s desire to leave the single market and the customs union while preserving tariff-free, quota-free trade in goods with the European Union. To that end, Britain agreed to a mechanism, with arbitration and possible tariffs for violations, that would keep its regulations and subsidies roughly in line with those of Brussels, to prevent unfair competition. But the deal will require inspections of goods to prevent smuggling. The deal also covers many mundane but crucial matters of visas, health insurance, and air, rail and road travel. It treats Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, as within the E.U. customs area to prevent the need for a hard border on the island, but requires some checks on goods going from Britain to Northern Ireland. And the deal reallocates fishing areas and quotas, given that Britain is now an independent coastal state.

Pope Francis celebrates low-key Christmas Eve Mass amid coronavirus restrictions (Fox News) Pope Francis celebrated Christmas Eve Mass on Thursday night amid coronavirus restrictions that reduced a normal crowd of as many as 10,000 congregants to a group of fewer than 100 people, according to reports. During his homily, the Roman Catholic leader urged followers to reach out to the needy, noting that Jesus Christ was considered an outsider. “The Son of God was born an outcast, in order to tell us that every outcast is a child of God,” the pope said. May the Child of Bethlehem help us, then, to be generous, supportive and helpful, especially towards those who are vulnerable, the sick, those unemployed or experiencing hardship due to the economic effects of the pandemic, and women who have suffered domestic violence during these months of lockdown,” he said.

Turkey debates law that would increase oversight of NGOs (Reuters) Turkey’s parliament began debating a draft law on Friday that would increase oversight of non-governmental organisations and which, according to rights campaigners, risks limiting the freedoms of civil-society groups. The government says the measure, covering “foundations and associations”, aims to prevent non-profit organisations from financing terrorism and to punish those who violate the law. Civil-society groups, including Amnesty International and the Human Rights Association, said terrorism charges in Turkey were arbitrary, and that the draft law would violate the presumption of innocence and punish those whose trials were not finalised.Investigations based on terrorism charges have been launched against hundreds of thousands of people under a crackdown following a failed coup in 2016. Hundreds of foundations were also shut down with decrees following the coup attempt.

Half of Russians sceptical Kremlin critic Navalny was poisoned (Reuters) Half of Russians believe that Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was either not poisoned, as he and Western governments contend, or that his poisoning was stage-managed by Western intelligence services, a poll showed on Thursday. The poll, released by the Levada-Center, shows how hard it remains for Navalny to shape public opinion in Russia even as his case attracts wide media attention in the West and his own slickly-produced videos of what happened to him this summer rack up millions of views online. Navalny, one of President Vladimir Putin’s most outspoken critics, was airlifted to Germany for medical treatment in August after collapsing on a plane in Russia. Germany has said he was poisoned with a Soviet-style Novichok nerve agent in an attempt to murder him, an assertion many Western nations accept. The poll by Levada, which is regarded as more independent than state counterparts, showed only 15% of Russians believed what happened to Navalny was an attempt by the authorities to rid themselves of a political opponent. By contrast, 30% thought that the incident was stage-managed and that there was no poisoning, and 19% said they believed it was a provocation orchestrated by Western intelligence services.

Hong Kong street refrigerator keeps giving (AP) Most people who head to Woosung Street in Hong Kong’s old-school neighborhood of Jordan are visiting its popular restaurants serving everything from curries to seafood. Others may be headed for a lone refrigerator, painted blue, with a sign that reads: “Give what you can give, take what you need to take.” The door of the fridge sitting outside a hockey academy opens to reveal it is stuffed with packets of instant noodles, biscuits, tins of food and even socks and towels for anyone who may need them. Ahmen Khan, founder of a sports foundation on the same street, said he was inspired to create a community refrigerator after seeing a film about others doing the same thing. He found the refrigerator at a nearby refuse collection point and painted it blue. “It’s like a dignity, that when you go home, you open your fridge to get food,” Khan said. “So I want the people to just feel like that. Even if it’s a street, it’s their community, it’s their home, so they can simply just open it and then just put food there, and collect the food.” Khan’s blue refrigerator project went viral on social media and people have been dropping by to leave food inside.

Israeli jets fly over Beirut, explosions reported in Syria (AP) Israeli jets flew very low over parts of Lebanon early Friday, terrifying residents on Christmas Eve, some of whom reported seeing missiles in the skies over Beirut. Minutes later, Syria’s official news agency reported explosions in the central Syrian town of Masyaf. Other Syrian media said Syrian air defenses responded to an Israeli attack near the town in the Hama province. The Syrian Ministry of Defense issued a statement saying Israel “launched an aggression by directing a barrage of rockets” from the north of the Lebanese city of Tripoli towards the Masyaf area. Israeli jets regularly violate Lebanese airspace and have often struck inside Syria from Lebanese territory. But the Christmas Eve flights were louder than usual, frightening residents of Beirut who have endured multiple crises in the past year, including the catastrophic Aug. 4 explosion at the city’s port that killed over 200 people and destroyed parts of the capital.

[dailyaudiobible]

05/22/2021 DAB Transcript

2 Samuel 1:1-2:11, John 12:20-50, Psalm 118:19-29, Proverbs 15:27-28

Today is the 22nd day of May welcome to the Daily Audio Bible I’m Brian it is wonderful, it is a joy to be here with you as we bring another week to its conclusion and…and release it. It becomes a part of the past and we keep moving forward, day-by-day but here we are at the end of a week and it’s been a wonderful week as we’ve continued to examine the life of King Saul, Israel’s 1st king. Of course, yesterday in our reading Saul died in battle along with his 3 sons on Mount Gilboa in a battle with the Philistines. Now, we’re moving into 2 Samuel.

Introduction to the book of Second Samuel:

And as we’ve talked about in the past there was no Frist and Second Samuel originally. This was all 1 manuscript, First and Second Samuel and First and Second Kings, all one big manuscript but they’re broken apart and First and Second Samuel are kind of broken apart at a place where Saul’s reign has ended because he’s died and so Second Samuel now focuses on upon the character David. This little shepherd boy who became a national hero after killing Goliath and then had to grow up so fast under the spotlight and just become a cunning warrior just to stay alive because the King wanted him dead. Well now the King is dead and David is alive and David was supposed to be fighting in that battle where Saul lost his life but he was supposed to fight as a Philistine because he had defected to the Philistines to try to stay alive, to try stay out of Saul’s grasp. But then once they gave him shelter, they expected to allegiance and so he and his men were to go in battle but the Philistines freaked out and sent David home because they’re like, “we’re going into battle with his…with his own countrymen so if he turns on us and starts slaying us from within, like he’s just gonna endear…like they’re gonna receive him back.” So, David got back to his town Ziklag and it had been raided and everybody had been taken. And, so, that’s a bad day. They had to travel 3 days just to get back home away from the battle lines and then they found everything was gone. And, so, they had to go in pursuit, which they’ve done and everything has been recovered. And, so, just to kind of give us the big broad scope here as we go into Second Samuel, Saul died on Mount Gilboa which is basically in the Jezreel Valley up in the north not…not too far south of the Sea of Galilee. Whereas Ziklag is way down in the transitioned zone into the…into the desert. And, so, David is in Ziklag, he’s recovered all of the property that was stolen from them and Saul is dead on Mount Gilboa. The news of…of the defeat of the Israelites hasn’t reached David in the Philistine territory yet. And that’s precisely where we are as we begin 2 Samuel. And, so, let’s dive in. We’re reading from the English Standard Version this week, which is today, Second Samuel chapter 1, verse 1 through 2 verse 11.

Prayer:

Father, we thank You for Your word and another week. We thank You for another week and we thank You for another week in the scriptures and we thank You for all that we learn, week-by-week, day-by-day, this slow methodical step-by-step accumulation. It just continues to transform us as we learn and as things seep into our hearts and begin to transform the way we’re looking at things and the way we’re reacting to things. We are so grateful. And, so, come Holy Spirit and continue this work as we continue to surrender ourselves to You and the work that You are doing within us. Come lead into all truth, we pray. In the mighty name of Jesus, we ask. Amen.

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And that’s it for today. I’m Brian I love you and I’ll be waiting for you here tomorrow.

Prayers and Encouragement:

Good morning Daily Audio Bible family this is James from the beautiful Northeast Georgia mountains. This is…like to pray for Noah who called in today and talked about his addiction to pornography. And Noah you…you can get passed this. It’s a very dark place. I…I would encourage you to use some prayer and fasting and…and just want to encourage with a…a verse it’s Psalm 101 and verses 3 and 4. It’s says I will set nothing wicked before my eyes, I hate the work of those who fall away, it shall not cling to me. A perverse heart shall depart from me, I will not know wickedness. So, what I’d encourage you to do with this Noah, is to print it out. I used a little label maker for myself, I put it on the bathroom mirror, the car mirror, my windshield any…my workstation, I put it everywhere. And every time I saw it, I read it and I…I prayed it and, in the mornings, when I went to bed and I did that for a long time and I still do it. So, I love you brother and you can get through this, I’m gonna be praying for you. And God bless you.

Hi neighbors, this is Lisa the Encourager I hope you all are doing very well. I wanted to call and pray for a couple of the DABbers that were going through some difficult things. Ashley called in from California and her dad had a stroke. And Ashley, I just want you to know that I’m praying for you and your dad and that his recovery and that he will have a complete recovery and be able to…have rehabilitation so that this mild stroke doesn’t impact his life and that he will be able to be there for you and you’ll be able to love on him for many, many more years. And I also want to pray for Beloved in Texas. And I definitely…my heart is just broken for you and what you’re dealing with, with your 13-year-old daughter contemplating anorexia and eating disorder and trying to navigate through that with a counselor that has her best interest at heart and also to do it in a loving and Christian way. I’m just praying for you Beloved in Texas and I’m going to be thinking about your daughter too and praying that her heart will be stronger, and she will love herself and that she will grow out of this…that it won’t impact her for a lengthy period of time and that you will get the resources that you need to help her. And I’m also praying for Norman. I know you have cancer Norman. And I am so happy that you’re at peace in your heart for your…you know where your heart is with Christ, but I am praying that…

Hey DABbers it’s Laurie from Central Ohio and I wanted to call in, I know so many are facing different things and I wanted to pray for you. So, regardless of what you are struggling with be it medical issues or addiction to alcohol, drugs, porn, sex, food…whether you struggle with loneliness, self-doubt, depression, whatever…whatever it is, anything that you are facing this prayer is for you. Dear Jesus, I come to You to lift up each of those listening and their families. Lord, You know each of them by their name. You know what each is facing and whatever it is God, please work in each of our lives. May we sense Your love and guidance. May our loved ones come to know You personally. May we be Your light to others. In Your name we pray. Amen. Until next time know that I am…

Hey family it’s Jesse from Washington. I just wanted to call in and thank everybody for their advice and for their prayers. It’s really like lit a new fire under me. I…I missed, I’ve been behind, I’ve been so busy cause my dad’s in the hospital and my grandma’s whatever…everyone’s getting better by the way so thank you for your prayers. My dad’s making a lot of progress, he’s getting out of the rehab facility tomorrow. My grandma is in a lot better spirits and we figured out that, you know, if we get a massage therapist to come to her house, I know they’re opening back up, she thinks that would really, you know, make her feel a lot better so I pray for us to find a massage therapist that will take her insurance and come by a couple times a week. But yeah, just thank you for your prayers and your advice, like I said, I thought I missed it, or I thought that my call was to whiney or needy and they didn’t play it or something, I don’t know. And, so, I guess I just totally missed it and then I missed the…the weekly, the weekend thing last week and I’m halfway through it and man, its overwhelming. I love you guys. I thank you so much. And I knew no matter what that people would be praying for me even if they didn’t hear my prayers. I know God, you know, knows that…that at least I burned a calorie and asked for prayers. But it’s really awesome to hear you guys praying for me. And I love you. Thank you so much guys. Alright. Bye.

[lincolnamericanuniverstiy]

By: Toyib Amusa, Student

Good day everyone, and I wish you very good compliments of the season!

This letter is an extract from the remains, left in my cerebrum, of what I read, many years ago, about Muhammad in “The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History,” a 1978 book by Michael H. Hart, an astrophysicist, alien life researcher, and white separatist.

The most influential person says we should be mindful of five things before five things come to us.  As a medical candidate, I have no doubt that those five things are going to be beneficial to us, and the same are listed as under:

Thing 1: To Make Use Of Our Youth Wisely Before Old Age.

It is very important that we, particularly the medical students, make use of being young to acquire adequate knowledge in this respectable and honorable field we have chosen to pursue our career in.

Imagine how difficult it’s going to be if one of us decides to postpone the acquisition of medical knowledge until old age. We know that in old age, the memory is not so retentive as when one is young because the cells of the brain start getting close to worn out, and it is not to be forgotten that Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease is most frequent in old aged persons. How would one be able to retain important information from so many voluminous texts and books in old age? How would it be easy to move from one class to the other in order to attend lectures and seminars? Therefore, it's most incumbent on us to judiciously use our youth before old age.

Thing 2: To Make Use Of Our Leisure Time Before Getting Busy.

As medical candidates, there is no doubt that much is required of us. However, we still need to look after ourselves and have time for ourselves. But, the question is how do we make use of our leisure time, i.e., the time when we’re not working, or in the lecture rooms attending lectures, basically our free time.

In school or during school periods, our free times are when it is time for lunch, anytime before 9 a.m. and anytime after 5 p.m. I opine that those times should either be used in these followings ways but not limited to:

Making calls and connecting with family and friends;

To read other books or novels that are outside science or medicine;

To indulge in some extracurricular activities such as dance, cultural learning, exercises and games, watching didactic movies, meditation; and

Most importantly, to relax, to rest in order to revive our brain and mind and to gain more energy, etc.

Thing 3: To Make Use Of Our Health & Wellbeing Before Sickness.

I believe in the bridge that connects our objectives for coming down here and the attainment of these objectives, which I could call our destination. We have to look after our wellbeing and remember if we fall sick, it is not going to be like home no matter how good people we have around us. Besides, falling sick in Guyana,  I would say, is expensive. I prefer to spend money on good meals than to fall sick and to spend on hospital bills.

Majorly, what can make you sick is what you eat or drink and what you expose yourself to from the environment such as smokes from cigarettes, weeds, and industrial wastes. Falling sick is usually not a bad thing, you know, because it would give you time to look after yourself and enjoy. However, some kinds of sickness can deprive you of attending lectures. It’s very important to remember that the state of our wellbeing determines how much we would be able to attain our objectives. It’s no surprise that you can’t attend lectures on a sickbed. So, even before you fall sick, make sure your objective is attained both in this worldly life and beyond.

Thing 4: To Make Use Of Your Wealth Before Poverty.

Cambridge dictionary defines Wealth as “a large amount of money, property, or valuable possessions that a person or country owns.” As per Wikipedia, “Poverty is not having enough material possessions or income for a person's needs. Poverty may include social, economic, and political elements. Absolute poverty is the complete lack of the means necessary to meet basic personal needs, such as food, clothing and shelter. The threshold at which absolute poverty is defined is always about the same, independent of the person's permanent location or era.”

Your knowledge is also your wealth. Knowledge could be turned to physical wealth, cash, and assets. And that is one of the reasons we are here to acquire this knowledge so that we might exchange it with wealth. After the acquisition of medical knowledge, we are expected to become doctors, and we will attend to patients, treat them of their illness and in return, be expected to be paid and have the satisfaction to have delivered healthcare to someone or have relieved people from some ailments, complaints, or difficulties.

We should use this wealth before anything of adversity comes to us, build relationships, get ourselves a shelter for the rainy days, get assets that would make our living and sustenance easy, and keep something for our coming progeny, as the future is unpredictable.

We should make use of this wealth and prepare ourselves before the uncertainty of this world surprises us. We should use this wealth of knowledge accumulated and gathered over the years to assist the less privileged and needy and establish justice, and more importantly, to provide a fundamental base for further undiscovered knowledge for the coming generation.

Thing 5: To Make Use Of Our Life Before Death.

Regardless of what social class you belong to, political affiliation, clan, religious group, and creed you believe in, I think none preaches evil and propagates vice in the society. They all preach and advocate for peace, unity, and cohesion and ultimately direct towards a status of higher morality. Irrespective of one’s aims in life, the primary essence of one’s existence is self-realization and accomplishments. Therefore, it is of paramount importance that you make use of your life without the waste of time to achieve those objectives and aims during your lifetime.

Note: If you are studying at Lincoln American University and want to publish your insights/ blog post/ other work under the “Insights From Students” series, feel free to submit a copy of your work to the University Registrar or mail us at info@laumed.org.

[meditationadvise]

67 Ways To Change The World

About a month back on July 18th, it was Nelson Mandela Day. We enjoy the guy as a result of exactly what he's done as well as just what he stands for. And also that's change.

So we thought we 'd share this motivating checklist of 67 things you could do to transform the globe drawn from NelsonMandela.org.

Enjoy and also let us recognize which ones you have actually currently started doing:-)

67 Ways To Change Our World

1. Make a brand-new good friend. Learn more about somebody from a different cultural history. Only through good understanding can we clear our communities of intolerance as well as xenophobia. 2. Read to someone who can't. Check out a local home for the blind and open up a new globe for someone else. 3. Fix the splits in your street or neighbourhood. 4. Aid out at the regional animal sanctuary. Dogs without houses still need a walk as well as a little bit of love. 5. Locate out from your regional library if it has a tale hr and offer to review during it. 6. Offer to take a senior neighbour who can not own to do their shopping/chores. 7. Arrange a clutter cleanup day in your area. 8. Get a team of people to each weaved a square and make a blanket for someone in need. 9. Volunteer at your cops terminal or neighborhood faith-based organisation. 10. Donate your skills! 11. If you're a building contractor, help build or boost somebody's home. 12. Assist someone to obtain his/her company off the ground. 13. Build a website for a person who requires one, or for a cause you assume requires the support. 14. Aid a person get a job. Placed together as well as print a CV for them, or help them with their meeting skills. 15. If you're a legal representative, do some pro bono benefit a worthwhile cause or person. 16. Compose to your area councillor regarding an issue in the area that calls for interest, which you, in your personal ability, are incapable to attend to. 17. Fund a team of learners to go to the theatre/zoo.

Help out for good health

18. Obtain in touch with your local HIV organisations and discover how you could help. 19. Assist at your neighborhood hospice, as personnel usually need as much assistance as the patients. 20. Several terminally unwell people have no one to talk with. Take a little time to have a chat and bring some sunlight right into their lives. 21. Talk with your buddies and also family members about HIV. 22. Get tested for HIV as well as motivate your partner to do so too. 23. Take a bag filled with toys to a local health center that has a children's ward. 24. Take more youthful participants of your family for a stroll in the park. 25. Give away some clinical materials to a neighborhood community clinic. 26. Take someone you know, who can not manage it, to get their eyes examined or their teeth checked. 27. Bake something for a support system of your choice. 28. Start an area garden to motivate healthy consuming in your community. 29. Give away a wheelchair or overview pet dog, to somebody in need. 30. Produce a food parcel as well as offer it to somebody in need.

Become an educator

31. Offer in order to help out at your neighborhood school. 32. Advisor a college leaver or student in your field of expertise. 33. Train one of the extramural activities the school supplies. You could additionally offer to instructor an extramural activity the school does not offer. 34. Deal to give tutoring in a college subject you ready at. 35. Donate your old computer. 36. Assist maintain the sporting activities fields. 37. Spruce up a classroom by changing damaged home windows, doors and also light bulbs. 38. Contribute a bag of art supplies. 39. Teach a grown-up literacy class. 40. Paint classrooms and also school buildings. 41. Contribute your old books, or any kind of various other good books, to an institution library. Help those living in poverty

42. Buy a few coverings, or order the ones you no more requirement from home as well as provide to a person in need. 43. Tidy out your cabinet as well as contribute the garments you no more put on to a person that requires them. 44. Created food parcels for a needy family. 45. Organise a bake sale, car clean or yard sales for charity as well as give away the proceeds. 46. To the poorest of the bad, shoes could be a deluxe. Don't hoard them if you don't use them. Pass them on! 47. Volunteer at your local soup kitchen.

Care for the youth

48. Aid at a regional kids's house or orphanage. 49. Aid the children with their studies. 50. Organise a friendly video game of soccer, or sponsor the youngsters to see a video game at the neighborhood stadium. 51. Train a sports group and also make brand-new friends. 52. Give away sporting tools to a children's shelter. 53. Contribute academic toys and also publications to a children's home. 54. Paint, or repair service, facilities at an orphanage or young people centre. 55. Mentor someone. Make time to pay attention to exactly what the youngsters have to state and also provide them excellent advice.

Treasure the elderly

56. If you play an instrument, visit your neighborhood old-age home and spend an hour playing for the homeowners and also staff. 57. Discover the story of a person older than you. Frequently individuals neglect that the elderly have a wide range of experience and knowledge and, generally, a fascinating story to tell. 58. Take a senior grocery store purchasing, they will certainly appreciate your company and also assistance. 59. Take someone's dog for a walk if they are too frail to do so themselves. 60. Cut somebody's lawn as well as aid them to deal with points around their house.

Look after your environment

61. If there are no reusing centres in your area, request your location councillor to supply one. 62. Contribute native trees to beautify neighbourhoods in poorer areas. 63. Gather old newspapers from a school/community centre/hospital and also take them to a recycling centre. 64. Identify open manhole covers or drains pipes in your location and also report them to the neighborhood authorities. 65. Organise the company/school/organisation that you function with to switch over off all unnecessary lights and power materials during the night as well as on weekends. 66. Engage with people who trash and also see if you can convince them of the value of tidy surroundings. 67. Organise to clean up your regional park, river, coastline, street, community square or sports premises with a few good friends. Our youngsters are worthy of to mature in a clean and also healthy environment.

For a lot more regarding Nelson Mandela go to NelsonMandela.org

[multiblaine-blog]

Full Name. Blaine Devon Anderson

Date of Birth. April 16

Gender Identity & Pronouns. cis-male // he/him

Romantic & Sexual Orientation. homosexual homoromantic

Hometown. Ada, OH

family.

Mother. Pamela Anderson

Father. Christian Anderson

Siblings. Cooper Anderson (maternal half brother; twelve years older.)

Pets. Rooney (family dog), Marion Cotillard (”family” bird, even though Blaine is the only one who takes care of her.)

Other Family Members of Importance. N/a

Please describe your character’s family dynamics. The Andersons have never been a particularly close family. They all love each other, sure, but they have an odd, often times difficult, way of showing it. It’s the reason Blaine’s father is his mother’s third marriage and the reason why Blaine is convinced his father actually dislikes him. His mother tries her best when she’s around, as does his father. But really, Blaine has felt that they’ve all been walking on eggshells around each other (more than usual) ever since he came out — even more so since that night at Sadie Hawkins. Despite their age difference, Blaine is definitely closest with Cooper — and even that comes with it’s own set of problems.

personality.

Positive Traits. charming, compassionate, bright, ambitious, well-rounded

Negative Traits. impulsive, insecure, needy, dramatic, naïve

canon integration.

assault tw, hate crime tw, homophobia tw, mental illness tw. warnings apply for this portion as well as the biography.

Sadie Hawkins and transfer to Dalton Academy. After coming out during his freshman year, Blaine was severely bullied at his old public school. It all came to a head at the school’s Sadie Hawkins dance, where Blaine had asked the only other openly gay student at school to attend with him. The two were waiting for a ride home when three students assaulted them, putting both of them in the hospital. Blaine received multiple injuries including three broken ribs. He transferred to Dalton as soon as he was healed and finished his freshman year there. He’s currently in his sophomore year at the school.

Mental health. (canon with a lot of headcanon thrown in, I hope that’s okay.) Blaine struggles with his mental health, with it explicitly being mentioned that he suffers from depression in season six. When it is particularly bad, his work ethic and grades suffer. After coming out, the bullying he received from his peers and the later attack at Sadie Hawkins took a heavy toll on his mental health. That, in combination with the time he needed to take off to heal from said attack, caused his grades to slip. Luckily, Dalton’s advisory and guidance department far exceeds the one at his old public school. With their help and additional therapy, he’s on his way to returning back to his old self, academically and socially. *I also headcanon Blaine with borderline personality disorder, general anxiety disorder and mild PTSD. None of these are explicitly stated in canon, obviously, but I thought I would mention them here since I gleaned these headcanons based on what we were presented in the show.

biography.

Blaine did his best to grow up perfect. It wasn’t necessarily what was demanded of him, no. To be honest, neither of his parents demanded much from either him or his older brother. There was no pressure to be anything but themselves. Perhaps that was why they both tried so hard to excel at everything, to exceed expectations. If all that was asked of you was to be yourself, you might as well be the best self you could be, right?

By the time Blaine came around, Cooper already had a twelve-year head start on being his Best Self and Blaine had always felt like he was left behind, trying to play catch up in a race that no one ever told him he was running. From the beginning, Blaine had always felt the odds were stacked against him. He was the result of his mother’s third marriage, too Filipino to fit in with her side of the family — and too white to fit in with his father’s side. To be fair, his father’s side of the family didn’t care for Cooper (or his mother, for that matter) either. Still, somehow, Cooper seemed to have his dad’s approval more so than Blaine did — a fact which had confused Blaine since the moment he became old enough to truly notice it. Blaine supposed it was because his dad had known Cooper longer, had more time to fall in love with him, even though Blaine was his biologically.

Coming out at age fifteen was a triumph as much as it was a setback. A triumph, for him, in that he finally had a word for those feelings he had been feeling for so long about other boys. For the longest time, he didn’t even know he could like boys in that way, so convinced that he just really wanted to be their friend. ‘Gay’ is the answer to the question he had been asking himself for years. The word itself was liberation. It was powerful — in more ways than one.

The setback was that it was another strike against him in the race he’d been running since he was born.

Everything changed. His father, oddly enough, started spending more time with him. But it was forced, contrived and so obviously about changing him rather than getting to know him, that Blaine grew resentful. There were camping trips, and football games (which he, surprisingly, did actually like), and car building sessions (which he liked decidedly less). When she was home from her busy job, his mother would overcompensate, coddling him. His interactions with both of his parents became so stiff and stifling that he actually looked forward to the times when they were away on business — which, thankfully (depending on how you looked at it), happened often enough that the bullying at school went mostly unnoticed.

It all came to a head the night of his schools’ Sadie Hawkins dance. During the dance, he thought it was strange how the same people who had pushed and barreled into him in the hallways during the school year, gave him and his friend a wide berth throughout the night. He truly almost thought they would end the night incident free. It wasn’t until he was in the hospital, nursing three broken ribs, that he realized how stupid that thought had been. They waited until he and his friend were alone to act, attacking them while they waited for their ride home.

There was a headline written about them, news coverage that ran for a week or so until Ohio found something else to care about. “Gay Teens Assaulted After School Dance.” He had to admit, it was not what he’d initially thought his first claim to fame would be.

Blaine’s interactions with his parents changed yet again. His father went back to being distant — present in Blaine’s life the way he had always been, but the alone time they’d spent together when he’d first came out had become a thing of the past. He almost missed it. His mother still coddled him, only now she held him looser, like she was afraid he might break if she hugged him any tighter than she did. Sometimes, she looked at him and it was like she was about to cry.

Dalton was, surprisingly, his father’s idea and Blaine held onto the brochure like it was the only thing keeping him together.

Dalton is safe. Maybe a little boring, sure. But Dalton is also protection and acceptance. He knows he’s being sheltered there but maybe, right now, sheltered is what he needs. Shelter from the sneers and glares and violence of public school, but also shelter away from his mother’s welling eyes and his father’s awkward, stilted conversation at the dinner table. He’s slowly becoming his best self again at Dalton — but his motivations are different. This time, he’s doing it for him. He’s thriving at Dalton, making friends and doing well in his classes. Joining the Warblers and becoming their unofficial lead vocalist lends him a confidence that shines for everyone to see. Singing and performing has always been his passion but having a safe and encouraging environment to do it in does wonders for him.

[michaelgmoore35]

Colorado’s stay-at-home order #coronavirus #COVID19Colorado

Gov. Polis announced a statewide stay-at-home order beginning on Thursday, March 26 at 6:00 a.m. and will last until April 11, 2020. The Governor also provided an update on the state’s response to COVID-19 and actions taken to limit the spread of the virus.

“Coloradans are living through a global pandemic and this decision was made to help save lives,” said Governor Jared Polis. “We will continue doing everything we can to get the resources Colorado needs to address COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of all Coloradans. In true Colorado spirit, we’re seeing our friends, family and neighbors rise to the challenge, donating their time, money or extra supplies to support relief efforts at the state and local levels. We are in this together and this is the season to stay at home to save lives.”

This executive order means Coloradans should not be leaving their homes except for critical activities including: Obtaining food and other household necessities including medicine Going to and from work if you are a critical employee Seeking medical care Caring for dependents or pets Caring for a vulnerable person in another location Cannabis and liquor stores will remain open Or participating in outdoor recreation at a legally-mandated safe distance of six feet or more from other parties

Ordering Coloradans to Stay in Place Due to the Presence of COVID-19 in the State On Wednesday, March 25, Governor Polis issued Executive Order D2020-017 ordering ​Coloradans to stay in place due to the presence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the state. ​Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) issued a public health order defining critical emergency personnel, infrastructure, government functions, and other activities that are exempt from the directives in this Executive Order. For more information on what this order means for you, please see below. About the Order When does the order take effect? The order will take effect Thursday, March 26 at 6:00 a.m. When does the order end? The order is set to last through Saturday, April 11, 2020 unless rescinded or modified by further Executive Order. Why is the Order necessary? On March 5, 2020, CDPHE’s public health laboratory confirmed the first presumptive positive COVID-19 test result in Colorado. Since then, the number of confirmed cases has continued to climb. We all need to take these precautions for the preservation of public health and safety throughout the entire State and to ensure our healthcare delivery system can serve those who are sick. The Polis administration, along with other state, local, and federal authorities, has taken a wide array of actions to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, prevent further spread, and protect against overwhelming our health care resources​. The economic impacts of COVID-19 are significant, and threaten to undermine the economic stability of many Coloradans and local businesses. The period of the economic disruption must be minimized by minimizing the spread of the virus. We must take action to shore up economic security, ​employment, community cohesion, and community recovery. Where does the “Stay in Place” order apply? The Governor’s executive order includes the entire state except areas in which a county health authority obtains approval from CDPHE to modify the order. Unless you work for a critical business or are doing an essential activity, you should stay home. Work from home is permitted and encouraged where possible. Although this order does not apply to critical business, social distancing will be mandated for those businesses that remain open.

What is the difference between the stay in place order and social distancing? Stay in Place makes it very clear that Coloradans should take extreme steps to avoid contact with anybody outside their household and minimize contact in public places that could be contaminated with the COVID-19 virus. Social distancing is an important first step in preventing the spread of a disease like COVID-19 that allows people to go about their daily activities while taking extra health and safety precautions. The Stay in Place order requires people to remain in their homes unless they are going to or from work or doing an essential task like going to the grocery store or walking a pet. Is this mandatory or just guidance? This order is mandatory. What does the Stay in Place order do? For Businesses: ● Critical businesses exempt from this Executive Order. ● Critical businesses must take all steps possible to comply with social distancing requirements. For Coloradans: ● To remain at home, only leave their home to engage in activities or perform tasks critical to their health and safety, or to the health and safety of their family or household members or to go to or return from critical work. They can leave their home to: ○ Obtain food and other household necessities for themselves and their family or household members. ○ Deliver those services or supplies to others, such as, food, pet supply, other household consumer products, and products or equipment necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and critical operation of a residence. ○ To engage in outdoor activity, such as, walking, hiking, nordic skiing, snowshoeing, biking or running. For purposes of outdoor activity, State parks will remain open to the public to engage in walking, hiking, biking, running, and similar outdoor activities but all playgrounds, picnic areas, other similar areas conducive to public gathering, and attended areas shall be closed. ○ To perform work for critical industries. ○ To care for a family member, a vulnerable person, or pet in another household, or to care for livestock kept at a location other than an individual’s home. ○ To seek medical care. ○ Individuals experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 must self-isolate until their symptoms cease or until they have a negative test result.

Enforcement How will this order be enforced? This order is an executive order, which means it’s the law of Colorado. It’s illegal to break the law. Will the Colorado National Guard be enforcing this order? No. The Colorado National Guard will be supporting logistics, transportation, and medical response efforts. The Guard will not be enforcing this order. Residents who suspect that someone is violating the order should first contact their local public health agency to report any concerns. Residents may also file a report with the Attorney General’s Office at covid19@coag.gov​ if local law enforcement or a local public health agency is unresponsive. For more information about public health orders and how they are enforced ​click here​. How does this impact local municipalities that have already taken steps to enact stay at home orders? ● Any local jurisdiction can put in requirements that are more restrictive and anything that was in place stays in place. What is a Critical Business or Operation Under the Order? These are the businesses that will be open: 1. Healthcare Operations, Including: ● hospitals, clinics, and walk-in health facilities. ● medical and dental care, including ambulatory providers. ● research and laboratory services. ● medical wholesale and distribution. ● home health care companies, workers and aides. ● pharmacies. ● pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. ● behavioral health care providers. ● veterinary care and livestock services. ● nursing homes, residential health care, or congregate care facilities ● medical supplies and equipment manufacturers and providers, including durable medical equipment technicians and suppliers. ● This does NOT include health clubs as defined in C.R.S. § 6-1-102(4.6), fitness and exercise gyms, and similar facilities. All medical, dental and veterinary care provided pursuant to this Order must comply with the directives set forth in Executive Order D 2020 009. 2. Critical Infrastructure, Including: ● utilities including power generation, fuel supply and transmission. ● oil and gas production field operations. ● public water and wastewater. ● telecommunications and data centers. ● transportation and infrastructure necessary to support authorized businesses. ● hotels, and places of accommodation. ● businesses and organizations that provide food, shelter, social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged, persons with access and functional needs, or otherwise needy individuals. ● food and plant cultivation, including farming crops, livestock, food processing and manufacturing, animal feed and feed products, rendering, commodity sales, and any other work critical to the operation of any component of the food supply chain. 3. Critical critical Manufacturing, Including: ● food processing, manufacturing agents, including all foods and beverages. ● chemicals. ● medical equipment supplies or instruments. ● pharmaceuticals. ● sanitary products. ● telecommunications. ● microelectronics/semiconductor. ● agriculture/farms. ● household paper products. ● any business that produces products critical or incidental to the processing, functioning, development, manufacture, or delivery of any of the categories of products included in this part 3. 4. Critical critical Retail, Including: ● grocery stores including all food and beverage stores. ● farm and produce stands. ● gas stations and convenience stores. ● restaurants/bars (for take-out/delivery only as defined in Executive Order ____ ● marijuana dispensary. ● firearms stores. ● hardware, farm supply, and building material stores. ● establishments engaged in the retail sale of food and any other household consumer products (such as cleaning and personal care products)z. ● Pet stores and gun stores. ● Liquor and marijuana.

Critical Services, Including:

News Media ● trash and recycling collection, processing and disposal. ● mail and shipping services, and locations that offer PO boxes. ● laundromats and drycleaning services. ● building cleaning and maintenance. ● child care services (following the requirements outlined in exemptions below). ● auto supply and repair (including retail dealerships that include repair and maintenance, provided that retail activity ceases). ● warehouse/distribution and fulfillment. ● funeral homes, crematoriums, and cemeteries. ● in-person pastoral services for individuals who are in crisis or in need of end of life services provided social distancing is observed to the greatest extent possible. ● storage for critical businesses. ● animal shelters, animal rescues, zoological facilities, animal sanctuaries, and other related facilities. ● newspapers. ● television. ● radio. ● other media services.

Financial Institutions, Including: ● Banks and credit institutions. ● Insurance, payroll, and accounting services. ● services related to financial markets.

Providers of Basic Necessities to Economically Disadvantaged Populations, Including: ● homeless shelters and congregate care facilities. ● food banks. ● human services providers whose function includes the direct care of patients in state-licensed or funded voluntary programs; the care, protection, custody and oversight of individuals both in the community and in state-licensed residential facilities; those operating community shelters and other critical human services agencies providing direct care or support.

Construction, Including:

Defense ● especially for housing and housing for low-income and vulnerable people. ● skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers. ● other related firms and professionals for who provide services necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and critical operation of residences. ● defense and security-related operations supporting the State of Colorado, local government, the U.S. Government or a contractor to either or all.

Critical Services Necessary to Maintain the Safety, Sanitation and critical Operations of Residences or Other critical Businesses, Including: ● law enforcement. ● fire prevention and response. ● building code enforcement. ● security. ● emergency management and response. ● building cleaners or janitors. ● general maintenance whether employed by the entity directly or a vendor. ● automotive repair. ● Disinfection. ● Snow removal.

Vendors that Provide Critical Services or Products, Including Logistics and Technology Support, Child Care and Services: ● logistics. ● technology support for online and telephone services. ● child care programs and services. ● government owned or leased buildings. ● critical government services.

“Critical Government Functions” means providing, operating, and supporting: a. Critical services, including: i. public safety (police stations, fire and rescue stations, correctional institutions, emergency vehicle and equipment storage, and, emergency operation centers); ii. emergency response; iii. judicial branch operations iv. emergency medical (hospitals, ambulance service centers, urgent care centers having emergency treatment functions, and non-ambulatory surgical structures but excluding clinics, doctors offices, and non-urgent care medical structures that do not provide these functions); v. designated emergency shelters; vi. communications (main hubs for telephone, broadcasting equipment for cable systems, satellite dish systems, cellular systems, television, radio, and other emergency warning systems, but excluding towers, poles, lines, cables, and conduits); vii. Public utility plant facilities for generation and distribution (hubs, treatment plants, substations and pumping stations for water, power and gas, but not including towers, poles, power lines, buried pipelines, transmission lines, distribution lines, and service lines); and viii. transportation lifelines (public transportation, transportation infrastructure, airports (municipal and larger), helicopter pads and structures serving emergency functions, and associated infrastructure (aviation control towers, air traffic control centers, and emergency equipment aircraft hangars); ix. hazardous material safety; x. services to at-risk populations and Vulnerable Individuals; xi. any government service required for the public health and safety, government functionality, or vital to restoring normal services. What will be open during the duration of the order​? Will grocery stores be open? Yes, essential services will still be operational including, but not limited to: o Grocery stores. o Gas stations. o Pharmacies. o Police stations. o Fire stations. o Hospitals, clinics and healthcare operations. o Garbage/sanitation. o Public transportation. o Public benefits (i.e. SNAP, Medicaid) hotlines. Can I order food/groceries? Yes, grocery delivery will be available as well as meal-delivery, drive through, and take-out options. Will liquor and cannabis stores be open? Yes. Items will on be for sale only for off-site consumption and while purchasing social distancing should be practiced. Healthcare How can I get medical care if I need it?

If you are feeling sick, call your doctor, a nurse hotline, any telehealth hotline set up specifically for COVID-19 (check with your insurance company) or an urgent care center. If you are experiencing symptoms or are currently in isolation, you should stay at home and follow the guidelines provided by your physician. Do not go to an emergency room unless necessary. Nonessential medical care like eye exams and teeth-cleaning should be postponed. When possible, healthcare visits should be done remotely. Contact your healthcare provider to see what tele-health services they provide. Can I get a prescription filled or other healthcare needs? Yes. Pharmacies and other medical services will remain open. You should request for your prescriptions to be delivered to your home if that is possible. Transportation Will public transportation and ridesharing be available? Public transportation and ridesharing should be used for essential travel only. When possible, walk or drive yourself. Will roads in Colorado be closed? No, the roads will not be closed in Colorado. You should only travel if it is essential to your work or health. Can I take a flight out of state? Planes and any other form of travel should only be used if absolutely necessary. What if my home is not a safe environment? If it is not safe for you to remain home, you are able and urged to find another safe place to stay during this order. Please reach out so we can help. You may call the domestic violence hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or contact your local law enforcement. What About Vulnerable and Children Populations What about homeless people who can’t stay at home? The administration wants to protect the health and safety of all Coloradans, regardless of where they live. ​State agencies are partnering with community organizations to provide funding and resources to ensure our homeless population has safe shelter​. The Department of Local Affairs is working on getting a list of Cold Weather Shelters in the Balance of State Continuum of Care with; Contact info, Locations, Bed counts, Closing Dates. In addition DOLA is working with state and local partners who provide services to our unhoused Coloradans through a statewide homeless taskforce. The first meeting is Monday, March 23, 2020 1-2pm. HUD has also developed an Infectious Disease Toolkit for Continuums of Care (CoC) to prepare for and manage the spread of infectious disease in shelters​.

Finally, DOLA, CDPHE and other partner agencies have created guidance for homeless care providers that is posted on the COVID-19 website. Can I leave home to take care of an elderly or sick family member or friend? Yes. Please be sure to practice social distancing and wash your hands frequently. Elderly people and people with suppressed immune systems are at heightened risk for contracting COVID-19. Does the Stay in Place order mean I can’t take my kids to the park? State parks will be open during the Stay in Place order. Families will still be able to go outside, including to local parks and outdoor spaces that remain open, and take a walk, run, or bike ride but should continue to practice social distancing by remaining 6 feet away from other people. Municipalities are encouraged to extend hours of parks to encourage spacing, and to close parks in which visitors are seen to be routinely violating spacing guidelines. ​Playgrounds are closed because they pose a high risk of increasing transmission. Is child care open? Licensed child care remains open under specific guidance from public health. We are working to ensure all essential workers have access to childcare services so are licensing new centers and those that may have closed, on an emergency basis, to ensure there are enough spots for the children of essential workers. For urgent child care needs, contact 2-1-1. Can I pick up meals being provided by my child’s school? Yes. Schools that provide free food services to students will continue on a pick-up and take-home basis. Pets What about my pet? Pet supply stores and veterinary services will remain open. You are allowed to walk your dog and seek medical care for your pet should they require it. Be sure to practice social distancing while out on walks, maintaining at least 6 feet from other neighbors and their pets.

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Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge: February 2019

New Post has been published on https://tagasafarisafrica.com/sabyinyo-silverback-lodge-february-2019/

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge: February 2019

February has been another great month at Sabyinyo – a fun month!

It’s been mostly sunny days, except for a those days where the weather proved a touch fickle. For a spell of 10 days in succession, clouds and rain, (sometimes heavy), descended on us between 10.30 am and 2.30 pm. What was nice though is that this downpour did not dampen the spirits of any of our guests, or even the spirits of the Gorillas. On the contrary, all of the guests this month returned from treks with smiles of sunshine and stories of pleasure in direct contrast to their wet gaiters and muddy boots. Well done to all the Gorillas for comprehensively defeating the Rain Gods, and for smiling down on our guests – good job!

This wet spell though did teach us one thing – not to listen to the manager! Every morning he would look skyward and say with conviction ‘I think it’s going to clear. The sun will lift these clouds for sure’. Obviously he needs some training in meteorology!

In February we particularly enjoyed the return of Nelis Wolmarans, previous manager of the Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge from 2011 to 2014. Nearly all of the staff of course knew Nelis very well – so his stay was not so much a visit, but a reunion. It was also a nice opportunity to congratulate Nelis for winning the Windland Smith Rice Wildlife Photographer Of The Year 2018, which he achieved with the most beautiful photo of a mother and baby Gorilla. Congratulations Nelis! Your stay was too short Nelis, but it was great to have you back!

‘Mother and baby’

Grand Winner of the Windland Smith Rice Wildlife Photographer Of The Year 2018

Photo credit – Nelis Wolmarans

We also very much enjoyed the company of Roger and Lisa Woods – they provided much excitement because they came and left by helicopter. Roger is Chief Flight Instructor for Leonardo Helicopters, and he was in Rwanda providing refresher training for Akagera Aviation Pilots. Thank you Roger for our private helicopter display over the Lodge – it was enjoyed by all! By the way, we will be sending you the bill for replacement of all the lodge umbrellas damaged in the fly-over!

Akagera Aviation comes to the Mountain – photo credit Michael Hughes

And from the manager of the lodge, Michael Hughes, a very special thank you to the Jornvall family, especially to Ann-Margreth who opted out of a second Gorilla trek in order to go birding, and offered offered our manager her place on the hike. The result was one happy man!

Our trek to Kwitonda Family, courtesy of Jornvall Family – photo credit Michael Hughes

We must also mention our guest Charlotte ‘the whirlwind’ Adams. Charlotte stayed with us for two nights in the beginning of February. It was a short stay but enough time to learn a little about SACOLA (Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association – local community trust whom we are partnered with). Only a week later Charlotte had extended her African safari and returned to Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge for a mere 24 hours, specifically to donate cows to the community here. This generous gesture was very much appreciated by the community and on the back of this donation we are hoping to launch a scheme called ‘Charlotte’s Scheme’, where the recipients of the cows pledge to donate the first born female calf to another family – thereby creating a continuously perpetuating donation project that helps needy families. So, ‘thank you very much Charlotte – we look forward to seeing you again at the launch of your scheme in March’.

We officially started the ‘Turengerubuzima Sewing Centre Project’, one of our new SACOLA projects. Already 90 unmarried mothers have started ‘seamstress training’. On-the-job training is scheduled to take three months and in this period we are hoping to make contact with different organisations that require bulk purchase of uniforms. We at the lodge might be their first big customer!

Group #3 undergoing seamstress training – photo credit Michael Hughes

February has also been a very exciting month for the staff of Sabyinyo too as we managed to finally pin down our staff Christmas outing to Lake Kivu! Many of our staff were of course working over Christmas and throughout January and so February was the first opportunity to take a break! We had a group of 33 which took a very enjoyable boat trip on the lake – it was interesting to see the Congo/Rwanda border from the water! Gisenye town on the Rwandan side is small, whereas Goma on the Congo side is a massive bustling metropolis!

Christmas in February on Lake Kivu – photo credit Michael Hughes

The Christmas outing was followed by the wedding of Christine (daughter to Leonard Harerimana, our HR manager) to Pastrome. Weddings in Rwanda are all day affairs that start with settlement of the bride price. The bride price might already be set, but a comic mock-negotiation has to take place with arguments and innuendos going back and forth between the bride and groom’s families. Also this part of the ceremony requires the exchange of peacekeeping gifts – mainly wine!

Once the bride price is settled (3 cows in this instance), then the wedding ceremony takes place. For Christine and Pastrome it was a traditional Christian ceremony. After the couple are wed, there is traditional giving of gifts and the bride has to prove her expertise in hospitality – which she did with a big wedding banquet! The whole ceremony accompanied by lots of song and dance! What a great day it was. Congratulations to Christine and Pastrome and we wish you all the very best for your future together.

Christine and Pastrome’s ceremony – photo credit Michael Hughes

Our new staff block is approaching completion – it will be ready for occupancy in the 1st week of March. As you can imagine, all the staff are hugely excited – there will be lots more room and comfort for all!

The new staff block – almost ready! Photo credit Michael Hughes

In other news, Seb and Yo (two resident ravens who form part of the ‘cast of characters’ at the lodge, continue to grace us with their presence. These two are particularly clever birds – they know exactly how far, and with who, they can push their luck!

Our two Golden monkeys are still paying frequent visits to the property too. But they are difficult to see when the weather is poor. Like Humans they take shelter in the rain and then are difficult to find, but it is really nice to have them around.

Our family of sheep produced 5 new lambs, over five consecutive days, between 2nd to 6th February. The Sabyinyo flock now numbers 21! We use the sheep to help with our grass cutting, especially in the rougher outer reaches of the lodge grounds and where we have cleared land for reforestation.

Some of our flock plus the new lambs – photo credit Michael Hughes

And a final word … a BIG welcome to our new neighbours! In a very elaborate ceremony attended by Portia de Rossi (for Ellen DeGeneres), the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund broke ground for their new research and education centre – which will be, quite literally on our doorstep! The build is planned to take two years and will consist of a research, an education, an information and a cultural centre.

Portia de Rossi ‘groundbreaking’ for the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund – photo credit Michael Hughes

The new centre will be extremely beneficial for the community, tourism and related businesses in Rwanda and especially for the Gorillas. We are very much looking forward to their arrival and working alongside them.

By Michael Hughes, manager at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.

Post courtesy of Governors Camps

African Safaris by the Pioneers who Live in Africa

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Santa Rosa auto repair shop devoted to helping single moms

When Angie Angerman’s 12-year-old Dodge Magnum died last year, it wasn’t just a hassle and financial hit. It was a disaster, upending everything in her precariously balanced life.

As a single mother of two, who works part-time while juggling classes at Santa Rosa Junior College, she couldn’t come even close to paying $1,000 to get the car back on the road.

“It was a nightmare,” she said.

She was forced to get up at 5:30 in the morning to get her 2 1/2-year-old daughter to day care by 8 a.m. The journey entailed a trip from her Rincon Valley bus stop to the Downtown Transit Mall, where she would then have to wait an hour for a county bus to get her to the day care. She would then have to wait another 45 minutes for a bus that would get her to Santa Rosa Junior College. She would have to do it in reverse at the end of the day.

Weekends were even worse. She had to get to her job as assistant manager for a storage facility on Sebastopol Road but also get her daughter to a day care downtown, with fewer buses running. She found herself frequently walking and losing weight.

“I was spending four to six hours on the bus every day. I’m grateful for public transit, but it’s hard to do anything when you’re a parent and you’ve got to work and go to school to survive,” she said. “I felt like I was doing all this work and I couldn’t get a break.”

But relief came when a counselor at CalWORKS, which oversees a welfare to work program for single parents at Santa Rosa Junior College, told her about a little-known auto shop on Santa Rosa Avenue that repairs cars for free for single mothers working hard to pull themselves out of poverty.

For the past year, SAL Auto has operated largely under the radar. It is the brainchild of Matthew Nalywaiko, a 35-year-old Santa Rosa man who for the past eight years has dedicated his entrepreneurship to help others. In 2009, he founded a local nonprofit he called Serve a Little, which marshaled an army of professional tradesmen, mechanics and skilled handymen, to help low-income single mothers and military wives with home and auto repairs. The organization also took donated cars and refurbished them for needy moms.

“We were spread very thin being an all-volunteer organization. We leaned toward the greatest need and the greatest need was automotive repair, particularly for single moms,” said Nalywaiko,

Without working wheels a young mom barely making ends meet can’t get kids to school and day care, to jobs, medical appointments and college classes to lift themselves out of poverty. So he shifted gears and set about figuring out how to keep more struggling mothers mobile.

He put together a business plan for his vision of a nonprofit car repair shop, that would use the proceeds from full-paying clients to subsidize free repair work for qualifying single moms. A man in commercial real estate who Nalywaiko met in a yoga class heard about the project and offered to buy a building and lease it back to the non-profit at a huge discount to get the shop going. Then a whole village of benefactors stepped forward to renovate a former motorcycle shop on Santa Rosa Avenue into an enviable auto shop stocked with professional tools, lifts and four bays.

SAL is a full service auto repair shop, open to the public. On the outside, it doesn’t look any different than any other car repair shop. But on the walls inside are the painted words, “We Keep Single Mothers Moving Forward.”

“There was a study done, and it takes about three hours to go less than 20 miles anywhere in Sonoma County. If you think of a single mom who is trying to go to school, trying to get her kids to school, do the grocery shopping, run the errands and go to work, all on a bus, that just makes your long day even longer,” Nalywaiko said. “And these moms who are on the social service side of it have these vehicles that are just barely running. And most of the time when those cars die they just won’t be able to afford to fix them.”

Angerman said when she picked up her car from SAL, fully operational and at no charge, she was completely overcome.

“I started crying. They had just saved my life” she said. “Here I was feeling this despair, almost hopelessness, and then this amazing act of kindness.”

At the moment SAL works exclusively through the CalWORKS program at Santa Rosa Junior College and the YWCA, agencies equipped to screen potential recipients. So far the shop has been able to do several free repair jobs a month. As paying business increases, they are hoping to hire more mechanics to add to the one full-time and one part-time mechanic already on staff, giving them the ability to serve even more needy mothers. SAL is equipped to do most all types of repair work on every make of vehicle, as well as routine maintenance required of manufacturer’s warranties.

“Ultimately we would love to have 10 to 15 cars a week coming through here for single moms,” Nalywaiko said.

Amy Ethington, who oversees CalWORKS program at Santa Rosa Junior College, said success for students under her program hinges on transportation. If they can’t get to class, their benefits are in jeopardy.

“It can really change their whole approach to education. If you can’t get here, the anxiety goes through the roof for our students. The expense alone to maintain a vehicle can be astronomical. To our students who are parenting and going to school with a very fixed budget, thinking about the expense of car repairs on top of that is frightening.”

When Nalywaiko started investigating the idea, he was unable to find any comparable model in the country. Many mechanics will do some pro bono work. And there are organizations that donate cars, like Santa Rosa’s Crozat Family Foundation, which provides free cars to needy people who have “hit a pothole in the road of life,” as they say. But Nalywaiko could not find any shop in the country that was run by the same model, with paying customers subsidizing the charity work.

Nalywaiko at first didn’t get a lot of encouragement from accountants that he consulted. It was the CFO for Visiquate, the Santa Rosa company that Nalywaiko works for doing video production and marketing, who figured it out, based on his years of experience in nonprofit work.

Visiquate has supported his work for years, paying him essentially a full-time salary for part-time work, which gives him the time to run SAL Auto.

His teammate in life and on the job is wife Amanda, who runs the office. She brings a unique set of skills. She has a master’s degree in social work and has been a social worker for both the county and the YWCA, so she knows the turf from a social service standpoint. Her office is equipped with baby gear for their daughter Kadence, 8 months, who comes to work with mom and dad. The pair met when Amanda volunteered with Serve a Little.

“I’ve always had a passion for this work. But having Kadence really puts things in perspective,” she said. “I see how hard it to is raise her with a partner. Some of our women have families or close friends to help but sometimes they’re just on their own.”

The pair share a passion for helping others. They both laugh that their couple quarrels are always heated exchanges over the best ways to serve.’

It took a large team of volunteers, benefactors, and in-kind donors to transform the space into a full-service auto repair shop.

“We ended up doing the entire remodel for under $100,000,” said Nalywaiko, which for a shop this size is completely unheard of.”

Northern Pacific Power Systems donated 52 solar panels and the electrical work. MKM & Associates of Santa Rosa donated their services for the structural engineering. Nunley Engineering of Santa Rosa pulled together a team of companies to provide the asphalt and gravel.

Many of the professionals and businesses that help make it happen are friends of Nalywaiko, or connected in some way.

“People want to help. They want to give,” he said. “They just need the opportunity.”

A key player is chief mechanic Bill Paterson, who ran his own shop for more than 30 years a few doors down. He had long volunteered for the old Serve a Little. When the organization shifted to auto repair only, he closed down his business and rolled his tool cases over to SAL, bringing loyal customers with him. Paterson has a soft spot for single mothers. His own mom raised three kids on her own and when he met his wife years ago, she was a single mother with two toddlers.

He believes giving back is what we’re meant to do in life.

He recalls one single mom who was staying in the battered women’s shelter with her two kids, trying to get on her feet.. She was just getting ready to start a new job with her alternator blew and the car died.

“It was about a $400 repair. When she came in to pick up her car and we gave her the copy of the work order for her records she said, ‘Well how much do I owe you?’ I said ‘Serve a Little paid for the whole thing.’ She just broke down in tears and gave me a hug.”

Paterson said the cars that come in for pro bono work are typically old and very run down. Routine maintenance takes a backseat to rent, utilities and food. Once Paterson gets a car running, he gets the owner on a maintenance schedule to keep it going. SAL continues to accept used cars and refurbishes them for need moms.

Nalywaiko, who struggled with dyslexia and ADD growing up, wondered as a young man how he would ever find a place in the world. Now he feels comfortable that he has found his calling.

He also works with a service project he created, “80 for Haiti,” which raised money to build schools the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. It takes $80,000 to build a school for 400 students. Nalywaiko provides the support and oversight team but hires locals to do the work, providing them income and skills-building.

He also did volunteer work in hospitals and orphanages in India and helped build houses in Mexico.

“I saw how much of the world lives and I couldn’t just go back to a regular 9 to 5 job,” he said. “We have a responsibility, once we recognize there is a need, to give back to it.”

He said his favorite quote is from Martin Luther King, Jr: “Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” It has become his credo.

“It’s really wanting to live a life of more meaning and purpose than myself,” he said. “And you don’t have to travel to other countries to do mission work to help people. The needs are right here, in our own community.”

Source

The post Santa Rosa auto repair shop devoted to helping single moms appeared first on Collision Pros.

Source: https://www.collisionpros.com/santa-rosa-auto-repair-shop-devoted-to-helping-single-moms/

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Simple Ways To Help The People Next Door…And Around The World

The Self Improvement Blog | Self Esteem | Self Confidence

Trying to be a better citizen can be an intimidating and overwhelming idea. Here are some simple, yet effective ways to help people next door and around the world.

In recent decades, major advancements in technology have enabled people to be in constant contact with one another, communicating across the globe in seconds. We can watch world news happening in real-time, answer a question instantly, or share an exciting event with our families and friends with just the click of a button.

When a disaster strikes another country, we are instantly aware of it, with social media updates flooding our timelines. When someone is in need, we know about it quickly. We are connected to each other in unique ways never before possible.

Technology offers amazing opportunities to solve some of humanity’s most critical issues, and yet dependence on it hasn’t had such a positive result. Instead, we’ve become more isolated and disconnected at both the local and global level.

“Technological progress has merely provided us with more efficient means for going backwards.” – Aldous Huxley

Simple Ways To Help The People Next Door…And Around The World

Societies are becoming more divided, governments are looking inward for their own solutions, and we’re losing our sense of charitable duty toward each other. We have forgotten what it means to be loving, kind, and generous. In all the social media updates, we’ve forgotten how to be humans who care about each other.

But despite finding ourselves in an environment of ever-increasing apathy and self-centeredness, there are actually a multitude of ways to generate a positive impact through practicing altruism, showing compassion, and most importantly, by taking real action.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

Step #1: Look Around

Before you come up with an elaborate plan to achieve world harmony, take a look around the community you live in and formulate ways that you can make a positive contribution. Before you try to change the world, look at your own neighborhood.

A small effort can quickly grow into a remarkable movement, and by starting at the local level, you’ll establish relationships along the way with like-minded fellow citizens that also want to give something back.

Consider the case of Ryan Hreljac, creator of the Ryan’s Well Foundation, which raises money to drill wells for impoverished communities lacking adequate sources of drinking water. Ryan began his effort to help others as a young student in elementary school by raising $2,000 to build a single well in Uganda. Sixteen years later, he now runs a widely recognized non-profit that works to provide access to clean water in communities across the African continent and elsewhere.

Impact of One

Ryan’s work and the success of his foundation prove that one person, with one idea and the right kind of dedication, can start a movement at the local level that ultimately has a global impact and improves the daily lives of thousands of people.

“I think the important thing when I was a kid was that I recognized that I could try to do something small and get engaged. And even though I didn’t have all the answers and didn’t come from a position of affluence or knowledge …I had the optimism to do something small and that ended up making a big difference.” – Ryan Hreljac (Source)

  One of the easiest, most obvious ways to make an immediate difference is through volunteering. Nearly every community has need for volunteers of all different types. Hospitals usually have opportunities for students to help deliver mail and gifts to patient rooms, pass out trays at mealtimes, or help with tasks like changing sheets and blankets.

Non-Profits

Non-profit community centers like homeless shelters or women’s homes need people to contribute with housekeeping, serving food to their residents, and helping new occupants adjust and integrate into the facility.

Ministries frequently work side-by-side with shelter groups and your local faith-based organization can assist in finding out exactly what needs your community has and how you can best volunteer.  Beyond that, local police and fire departments need citizen enforcers and volunteer firefighters to keep the peace while public schools and libraries frequently struggle to stay within their budgets and will often take all the help they can get.

Step #2 – Start Raising Funds For The Needy

Fundraising is another great way to help the community and promote global citizenship.  Money can be raised in all kinds of ways and for many different causes and reasons.

For example, you might encourage students to start a local scholarship fund for their peers by collecting donations outside of grocery stores or other businesses. Starting an annual drive for coats, shoes, or general clothing is an excellent way to help others in need and some communities have even started collection for outdated eyeglasses or loose change.

Donation drives place unwanted items into the hands of people that need them and actually have a positive impact on the environment by keeping those donated items from out of the garbage and the local landfill.

Step #3 – Be A Mentor

You can use the skills from your experience, education, or job to find ways to teach and mentor within the community. Career professionals might establish community workshops for teaching things like CPR, public safety, literacy, or computer skills.

Teachers and college professors might offer classes for English speakers to learn another language. They might also learn to teach English to non-native speakers.  Even if you don’t have a degree or special training, you might still be a great communicator that could mentor at-risk children in afterschool programs or participate in parenting or family support groups.

Step #4 – Help Promote Wellness

The need for public service is driven by the concept of the common good, or what is in the best interest of everyone involved. In recent years, neighborhoods and communities nationwide have struggled with the health and wellness of their populations and the trend has been moving too fast in the wrong direction.

Promoting a healthy lifestyle has immediate and long-term benefits to society. And it significantly impacts the viability of the population as a whole.

As of 2016, The American Heart Association reports that “childhood obesity is now the No. 1 health concern among parents in the United States, topping drug abuse and smoking.” (Source)

What are some simple ways you can help? Try inviting neighbors to participate in a group activities that get you more active. Donate your time teaching yoga, strength training, or even martial arts if you’re already embracing a healthy lifestyle.

Consider starting a nutrition education program or neighborhood farming cooperative to help people learn about how to grow and build a diet full of nourishing foods.

Finally, working with city council boards or non-profit entities to provide mobile services like immunization clinics or veterinary care brings access to much-needed services directly to people without the means or transportation to access them. Lack of healthcare, nutrition, and physical exercise are major social problems in modern society and implementing measures to combat them will make a huge and potentially lifelong difference in your local community.

Step #4: Look Globally

At the worldwide level, it can be difficult to devise ways of making a positive contribution and improving global society but it is possible to find ways of reaching out to both individuals and whole communities.

“Sometimes all a person wants is an empathetic ear; all he or she needs is to talk it out. Just offering a listening ear and an understanding heart for his or her suffering can be a big comfort.” – Roy T. Bennett

People all over the world need someone to talk to. You can start out simply by finding a pen pal that you can converse with via traditional mail, e-mail, or even social media.  Plenty of young people lack access to modern technology and offering them a friendly ear and a means to learn about the world outside their own can be incredibly rewarding on both sides.

Beyond that, finding ways to communicate online with people on the other side of the world exposes you to different cultures, new information, and charitable causes, helping you develop a more open-minded and global perspective.

Step #5: Connect With Organizations Making A Difference

Fundraising at the national or international scale might seem daunting and like a task better suited for large charities and non-government organizations. The truth is that our modern world of constant connectedness gives individuals the same power to raise awareness campaigns as entities like the Red Cross and United Nations.

Fundraising

Web platforms for crowdsourcing funds (like Kickstarter or GoFundMe) give one person the ability to set a goal and start a movement that anyone can then contribute to. Social media services (like Facebook and Twitter) offer a means to get the word out on a global scale.

These technologies put the fundraising power that was previously reserved for large organizations into the hands of ordinary people who can then accomplish something extraordinary.

Volunteering

If you’re more interested in getting up from the computer to make a more hands-on positive impact, volunteering to work for government groups like The Peace Corps that focus primarily on social and economic development outside the United States would be great for someone that feels passionately about class inequality and equal access to opportunity.

Likewise, if you’re on a mission to minimize the negative impacts of climate change, organizations like Greenpeace or The Nature Conservancy are excellent non-profit volunteer groups.

Supporting

Finally, if poor access to healthcare and lack of medicine in other parts of the world drives your desire to give back, consider supporting charitable professional associations like Doctors without Borders (a.k.a. Médecins Sans Frontières or MSF) and UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund.

Joining a humanitarian or peacekeeping organization can be an extremely fulfilling way of participating in important international efforts while exercising responsible global citizenship.

Conclusion

Regardless of how you choose to engage in activism, participation in local and national elections by exercising your right to vote is, by far, the most effective way to shift national and international policy and each individual has a civil obligation to participate in the democratic process.

As of the 2016 American election, just over half of eligible Americans participated in voting. The United States ranks twenty-eighth on the list of thirty-five member nations belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) (Source).  We, as local residents, as national citizens, or as global humanity, don’t deserve positive change if we aren’t also willing to embrace the democratic process alongside social activism and participate in electing the right leaders for effective social evolution.

“A person may cause evil to others not only by his actions but by his inaction, and in either case he is justly accountable to them for the injury.” – John Stuart Mill

This article originally appeared here at https://businessconnectworld.com/2017/11/28/simple-ways-help-people-next-door-around-world/and has been republished with permission from https://businessconnectworld.com

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