I awoke at 7:35am anxious and excited for Hopeful Hearts first big fund-raiser. There was a certain amount of hope I’d set aside for today. The hope that the word of Hopeful Hearts would spread and the hope that enough would be raised to cover a few projects coming up in the works; not to mention the desire to promote the charm and allow it to grace the necks of many to remind them of their worth and strength.
I ignored the rain clouds that darkened the skies in the morning, certain they would release a shower and roll on by. By the time we were packed up and ready to head to King’s Harbor the sun peaked through the billowy clouds and set my mind at ease.
When we pulled into King’s Harbor it was buzzing with movement. The stage for the Fab 5 was under construction and the booth vendors were setting up. Hopeful Hearts was given a prime location for our booth and I was already humbled by the support that showed. My parents came in to help, along with my sister and Heather, my boys and Neal, my in-laws and Linda, plus Miguel with the Maria Goretti Network joined us and five friends that have supported the ministry from day one.
An hour before the event was to begin I was speaking with a gentleman who was helping with the event. He asked me about the ministry and when I told him I worked with survivors of abuse he said, “You are the one that wrote that book, huh? The one about the abuse you went through?”
Shocked he would know about the book I nodded and smiled. He said, “Yeah, I’m reading that now. You know my sister was abused…” He went on to tell me more specifics about what she’d gone through. I could see it affected him deeply as it was a story that hit close to home. He then spoke about the fact he’d lost his son as well. For fifteen minutes I stood there and listened to this man’s heartbreaking story. One filled with love both for the son he lost and the sister he lost years ago because of the abuse that tore their family apart. His voice thick with despair told me of the pain and sadness he faced daily. “I haven’t been able to really talk to anyone like this before,” he said. “No one really understands or wants to listen.”
“May I give you a hug?” I asked when we needed to part ways and continue preparing for the day. He nodded and we hugged. I found out his name and told him I’d pray for him. Secure in my call I floated back over to my booth to see what else needed to be done for the day. Having an encounter such as that always confirmed and validated my call. There was a part of me that felt like if all I needed to do was speak to that man and pray for him then the day was complete.
The hour ticked by and the sky grew dimmer. “Please God, please don’t let it rain. Please clear up,” I prayed. Despite the bright red and green satellite images of storms headed our way I held out hope that it would miss us completely. We made it through to 5pm still holding out hope. It never completely rained in our area and the skies appeared to be clearing. The party, though sparse, was still on.
People don’t want to go out to eat when the skies are threatening to release a monsoon. The traffic was scarce. Despite the lack of ‘customers’ I still managed to have a few stragglers who were truly interested in what Hopeful Hearts was about. Four young teenagers were adorable as they asked what the Hopeful Hearts Charm meant. Being that we had time and no one else waiting I told them the full version of the charm story. They stood listening intently. These were young, beautiful innocent young women and I made sure they knew the charm was a symbol of their worth and strength. That they are important. Immediately they wanted a charm. 😉
When they walked away my dad said, “Did you see how intent they were when you were telling them what the charm meant?”
It was nice to do what I do and allow my family to be a witness. 🙂
Sadly, in the end lightening scorched the sky and at times came a little too close for comfort. The concert was canceled and we were all in over drive packing up before the sky fell.
Disappointed, I tried to focus on the good that had transpired through the day regardless of the stormy skies. Then Heath Rushing, who had partnered with Scott Pagano of Campbell Chiropractic to put on the Family Festival, came over and offered a generous donation to Hopeful Hearts. The poor guy had no clue I had lived through one of the most emotionally draining weeks of my life and without warning I began to cry.
It wasn’t an ugly ‘boo hoo’ cry but tears none the less. I thanked him again and then had Scott Pagano come over and apologize profusely. But there was no need! We are not in control of the weather. Despite everything Scott Pagano and his team (Nancy and Susan and the rest) were able to help raise enough through the vendor booths and some other side efforts to cover a few things Hopeful Hearts needs. Jennifer Moore at Jennika’s also helped raise some funds too with her painted shells, face painting and popcorn.
The donations given were more money than what we started with and for that I’m blessed and grateful. Who knows, God has his plan and maybe one day we’ll get another opportunity. The love and support I received from my family, friends, Campbell Chiropractic, Heath Rushing, Jennika’s and all the restaurants in King’s Harbor was overwhelming. I simply can’t complain.
Blessings
Shannon