I Walked a Mile in Their Shoes

This morning was the "Walk A Mile in My Shoes" walkathon to raise money for the Open Arms homeless shelter for women and children.

My aunt Rebecca was going to walk with me. On Friday, she called me up to tell me that her doctor told her not to walk (Heart problems). I knew Ashley was coming home Friday, so I made a FAST TEXT mess. to her. I told her I'd make it worth her time by stopping by StarBucks after the walk. She agreed without hesistation. She also wanted an egg and cheese McGriddle from McDonalds. We had decided to eat before the walk. However, at 7 AM, I called her and asked "Do you want McDonalds OR would you rather sleep for a half hour. The choice is yours." She decided (thank you sis!!) to the "sleeping a half an hour."

The check in was scheduled from 8:30 - 9:30. We got there at 8:15, and the parking lot was already full. I parked a block away in Aaron and Chris's church's parking lot. So, we walked to the Rescue Mission, got our long sleeved T shirts and maps, and headed out. It was the most organized walk I had ever seen. At every stoplight there was SOMEONE standing there to not only make sure everyone gets across safely, but to also answer questions. There was NO WAY anyone could've gotten lost or not know where to go.

The cutest "stoplight guy" was I would say 9 or 10 years old wearing his boy scout uniform. When the light said "walk", he'd lead us across with his little hands held out to "stop" the traffic that's already stopped at the red light. I thought that was adorable. Anyway........

We walked to Open Arms where they had a HEATED tent set out in the parking lot with coffee, hot chocolate (even had min. marshmallows set out), cookies, and donuts.

After Ashley and I finished our hot chocolate, we took a tour of Open Arms. I was really impressed. They have an isolation room for women who want to be alone to pray. There's an AMAZING playroom for the kids. One of the women said that that students from IUK came through and asked if they could redo the playroom. It is really nice.

One of the other women told us that a lot of women don't want to stay because curfew is 8 PM, and all kids must be in bed by 8. Also, a lot of women have a hard time with the "kitchen is off limits" rule. The only ones that are allowed in the kitchen are the ones on kitchen duty DURING meals. They don't realize they have the same health rules as resteraunts. Oh, and all the women have chores every day.

They also had posted at Open Arms the winners of prizes. Yes, I won a pair of pearl earings. (Note to self: I wonder how much I could get for them on Ebay??) Oh well, at least I can't say I never win anything. :)

Anyway, after doing all that, and walking back to my jeep it only took us a hour. So, at 9:30 I was pulling out of the church parking lot and heading to Starbucks. Oh, and we also had time to stop by McDonalds for Ashley's egg and cheese McGriddle. :)

It was a LOT of fun, and I'm already looking forward to next year.