Living in Poverty - Day #3

In case you have not been checking back to see what is new, I am on my way to Oklahoma. I applied for an internship with AmeriCorps. (That is like the American version of the Peace Corps.) I am required to live in poverty for one year. I have to apply for food stamps, subsidized housing, etc. As a VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) I have parameters that define my experience somewhat. I must live solely on my biweekly stipend that is based on 1o5% of the poverty level cost of living for my particular area. I cannot work another job, not part time or otherwise, can no longer write for Pay Per Post, cannot sell crafts, or supplement my income in any way. I will be making my Christmas gifts so that I will be making crafts (not for sale though). I forgot my sewing machine. Rats!

As I reflected on this process, it occurred to me that I have been in training for this for some time. I have been living on less and less. I have been documenting that process. Wonder if "You Know Who" (God) had this planned for me? What a thought? By the way, we are not allowed to preach, prosletyze, etc. We are not missionaries.

When I was taking care of an Al-Anon meeting I had to explain to a friend (Christian) that I could not permit someone to try to evangelize during a meeting. That was something hard for her to understand. It is just the way it is. No way around it. So, I have been exposed to that limitation before.

Anyway, my experiences in the last three years have made this more than a lesson on how the other half lives. Since DH became sick we have been living at poverty level. Now I get to document it here. Are you ready for this part of the journey?

Later tonight I hope that we will be in Northeast Oklahoma. Check back as this part of the trip unfolds. Will I be saving money, living on less, pinching pennies, chipping away at my debt? You bet! Talk to you later. Hi Cyndi!

Sign me, Moving right along in Small Town America, M

To track our trip, go here:

http://www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp?go=1&do=nw&rmm=1&un=m&cl=EN&ct=NA&rsres=1&1ffi=&1l=&1g=&1pl=&1v=&1n=&2ffi=&2l=&2g=&2pl=&2v=&2n=&1pn=&1a=&1c=New+Madison&1s=OH&1z=&2pn=&2a=&2c=Tahlequah&2s=OK&2z=&r=f

Today is my eldest son's birthday. He is 35 years old. I called to sing happy birthday to him but he had already left for work. His wife, Angel, answered the phone. Wow! I miss them all! Will call him later this evening to sing to him. He has five kids but we still sing to him...lol.

Happy Birthday Artie!!!!!!