mobile HOLMES

Every week I get to see and meet more and more people that struggle to get a grip on hunger and the eonomy. The last two weeks were in counties with 400 plus people waiting in line for hours waiting to get food. On some of my days I am not handing out for USDA, I go to help at a food pantry here in Jonesboro, that hands out to the needing without judging. That is something I do not like. Judgement. That is a big reason I like to work at this one. The lady that heads this one, talks to individuals one on one, and will double up on food when she detects the need. I really believe she can decerne the difference in needs. Once when I was there, a Man came in with his daughter and granddaughter. He said my daughter ande her child were hungry and he was unable to help them today. THAT IS WHY WE ARE HERE AND DO THIS PEOPLE! Then, the other day a lady came in in tears, she said her husband had been laid off, there are very little jobs to be offered here, and her kids were starting to feel the hunger now. Sometimes, you have to know when to ask for help, and it can be the hardest part.

Enough of my soapbox. We did nearly 1000 people in two counties in the last 10 days. The further south in the Northeast part of Arkansas the more food for kids we gave out. I would think one of two things are happening here economically. Either the younger people are getting without jobs, or more and more grandparents are raising kids. In both cases the economy is worse there. And white, black, or hispanics have no bearing. They are pretty even accross the state.

After our setback from Mark's 3rd stroke, we are still planning on hitting the road full-time.  I went back to work at the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas as the Program Coordinator.  I am over the Commodity Distribution, the Sr. Pack Distribution, and the Backpack Distribution.  Mark is coming with me volunteering to give out food.  This has helped his recovery very much.  Although he has improved and has actually gained weight, his risk of another stroke is still pretty high.  He still has 2 completely blocked arteries that can not have anything done about them.  Hopefully his medicine will keep the other two main arteries to his brain clear. 

The job itself is a stressful one.  There is lots to do and deadlines to meet.  We have seen an increase in the hungry folks out there.  Not a good sign for our economy.  This has increased our desire to travel cross country helping wherever we can - volunteering at Food Banks, Soup Kitchens, and any where we can be of assistance and encourage people.  The plan now is to hit the road right after Christmas.  Of course our first stop will be in Florida, hopefully far away from the cold winter weather. 

We plan to go to Mountain View, AR in a couple of weeks to meet up with another couple on the road full-time.  I have been keeping up with several Families On The Road via the FOTR website, their blog sites, and on Facebook.  It keeps me motivated! 

Our next RV trip will be to Tulsa to visit our son and other lifetime friends over Thanksgiving.  Then off to Branson for that weekend.  I have reservations at the Mingo RV Park in Tulsa and the Branson's Ozark Country Campground.  While in Branson we will be joining Passport America to save 50% on many of our camping ventures.  I can't wait to see Silver Dollar City in Christmas lights!  I have wanted to do this for YEARS!!  We will be sure to update our blog after visiting these two campgrounds. 

If we get to Tulsa in time the day before Thanksgiving, we may start on establishing our Oklahoma Domocile by getting OK tags and licenses.  Then we will get our insurance transfered to OK.    The main reason for this is the homeschool laws in OK.  The other reason is because our son lives there and can be our mail service. :)   But also Oklahoma is where we plan to settle once we decide we are done with RVing fulltime. 

I guess this is enough blogging for today.  We will definitely update again soon. :)