Grace

I took two guys on a tour of downtown this morning.  We were doing the usual route, and had just finished in La Saline.  We turned left by the park and paintings to head to the downtown area when two new building caught my eye.  I was trying to see them when I was distracted by two women yelling at each other.  The one looked just like Samantha, and before I could stop myself, I was yelling out the window, "Samantha!"  Franckis was not amused, and continued driving, but I said,"Stop!  I think that's Samantha!"  I had planned to talk with her at the cathedral, as she still had not come back and I was worried that something horrible had happened.  She heard me and saw me, and came running and leaping over to us.  She stopped and went back to get Monica, and then returned.  By this time we had pulled over to the side of the street.  She came and told me she hadn't had money to get back to Maison.  Franckis told her to borrow some, if she wanted to come.  She and Monica were both in the same clothes as when I saw them last Thursday.  We chatted for a few minutes, the whole time, I was marveling at how I managed to see her, recognize her, and process all of that in such a short time.  I shouldn't have seen her.  I shouldn't have recognized her.  It doesn't even make sense.  But God knew.  He knew that if  arrived at the cathedral and she wasn't there, I'd panic.  And while this isn't about me, I am so thankful He spared me that heartache and fear.  So thankful that Samantha knows I look for her, and that I care about her.
When we arrived at the cathedral people approached me to tell me Samantha wasn't there.  I was able to tell them I had seen her and talked with her that morning.  There seems to be more desperation at the cathedral.  I couldn't quite put my finger on it, or describe it well, but it seems heavier and darker.
We stopped for Franckis to buy mangoes, and I ran inside to grab eggs, yogurt, and juice.  The two men with me paid for my stuff.  Huge blessing, to go with the bread Marie France gave me.
A suitcase full of food and supplies came via my pastor yesterday.  Hamburger helper, chicken helper, almonds, and pickle relish from my church.  Notes from Mom and Katie, placemats from my Ethan, Thanksgiving dinnerware and some tasty candy from the family, and Starbucks VIA from my sweet friend Marlene.
Marie France agreeing with me that Sondy needs a proper service and burial.  My hip and sciatic nerve not clenching quite so tightly today.  The older class behaving swimmingly yesterday with a substitute, and getting to choose something from Miss Angie's Treasure Chest.
Salad, mangoes, and hamburger helper for dinner, with candy for dessert.
Grace, all by God's pure grace.