Lessons from TN

I can't believe that this trip is coming to an end!
Last year I was blown away from the way some of the people here live and the lack of knowledge of knowing how to live.  I cleaned homes I never thought I could even step foot in. God used the people and their circumstances to teach me a lesson or two.:-)  God sent me to a house that changed my heart forever. That is where I met Mrs. Lowe and was able to clean her house and do some things for her, but most of all He allowed her to open up to me and from there a relationship between Mrs. Lowe and myself formed.  Throughout the year I have talked to her about once a month and she calls me often and ask for prayer or just calls to talk.  She tells me numerous times that I am like family to her and one of the only "family members" that she has. 
Now fast forward to this week.  I was able to go and visit with her yesterday and was over joyed when I pulled up and saw a construction team there working on her "shack".  She was beyond excited to see us and was so proud of what was going on at her house.  For the first time ever, she was going to have a bathroom! This time when I said my "good byes" to her it was different.  I was sad, but for different reasons than before. Last year, my heart was broke knowing I was leaving her in that shack. This year, I left knowing that she has everything she needed to live a "normal" life. Her living circumstances are a lot better than a year ago, but her heart still hurts from things that have happen to her in the past and the way she has been treated by family and "church members" over the years. 
Today, when I pulled away from her house, it became clear to me why God sent us there last summer.  It wasn't only for us to clean Mrs. Lowe's house and to get her connected with One Accord Ministry. Although all those things are great and because of that one visit we made last summer resulted to her having a construction team at her house a this very moment. The reason God sent me there last summer was to show me that He loves me no matter what the circumstance is in my life and that it is not about me, it is about Him and His calling on my life.
Also, this week God has reminded me of the wonderful family that I have. We have visited with so many people that don't have family around. Today I talked with lady that was telling me that her husband has never bought her a birthday present or anniversary gift and they have been married for 39 years.  I am beyond blessed with a godly husband that loves me know matter what and I was reminded today how I take him for granted.  My prayer is that what God has shown me this week will not just be a memory but an action that I live out everyday.  I have so enjoyed being here and loving on the people in TN, but I am very much ready to bring this love home and love on the people of Florence, SC.
Lori Dulaney