When They Come Back

She's back!! Oh, my goodness. She came back. A few days ago Rainee walked through our doors. Many of you may remember her. Rainee is loved by so many. She is kind and encouraging and oh, so very wise. We were given the honor of walking this journey with her. It has been an incredible front row seat into watching the miracles of God work in her life time after time.

Rainee came to the PARC almost 7 years ago. She was heavily into her addiction and living outside. She had a lot of anger, but she also had a lot of drive. She WANTED to get better. Sometimes she showed fits of anger and sometimes she just couldn't stay. But, she never ran out chances, and she kept coming back. She kept coming back while she transitioned into Salvation Army. She kept coming back as we watched her struggle through staying sober. After a while she transitioned into Martha's Home. While there she got a job. Then there was the day that she bought her own car. She drove it straight to the PARC, and we rejoiced with her. I prayed with Rainee as she sought God to try to figure out how to reunite with her children. She waited patiently for wisdom and the right time to reach out. 

Rainee continued to take her next steps. I had the honor of visiting her in her apartment where she served me tea. As she continued to work hard, she eventually became a manager at Dollar General. It wasn't long before she BOUGHT her own house. Oh my word!! That girl amazes me.

It has been a while since I have seen or heard from Rainee, so when she walked through our doors, I leaped up and ran to throw my arms around her. I love her so very much. We sat down and she began to catch me up on what is going on in her life. She has been married for 3 years and now has a garden at her house. Rainee is now an insurance agent for Farmers Insurance with her own desk, and her own office. She is also driving a very nice car which we went out to see, remembering the first one. She attends church with her daughter and the family whom she lives with. So many miracles. So much redemption. 

It struck me so deeply. Are we the reason that Rainee has come so far? I would never take credit for that. Rainee is an exceptional woman. But what I do know is that because of the PARC, I have gotten the privilege of sharing this journey. with her. I have made an incredible friend who is tenacious and inspiring. I have also been able to watch the miracle of the hand of God move mightily on behalf of my friend. Yes, I have seen the power of believing in people and loving them just as they are. I have witnessed the strength of acceptance and allowing creativity to turn and help focus energies and minds. I have seen over and over that the PARC works. What happens at the PARC is powerful and effective. People are changed and the relationships that happen here are not only life changing. They are relationships for life.

She came back because what happened here is still happening here. We are still here doing what we have always done. Many come back to share their successes. It blesses me every time. I will never stop thanking God that I get to be here doing what we do. I love the PARC. I will never be the same.