I had been working on reports all morning long. Had to go to the bank. Stomach was growling with hunger. (Ran almost 4 miles this morning). Finally decided to take a break and head to the bank then get some lunch. I thought I deserved a lunch out.
Got to the bank, gathered my check book (yep, has been found!!), purse, keys, looked to my left as I was about to open the car door and Holly Cow! Freaked me out! This woman was standing there with this very sad face and holding something up to my car window. After my heart began pumping again, I looked at her sign, it was a small piece of cardboard with words on it. All I was was "refugee".
I then knew why she was there. She wanted money. I shook my head. Her face got sadder and she pressed the sign against my window. I shrugged my shoulders, and shook my head again. If I could have driven off I would have. But my keys were in my hand and there was a parking curb in front of me.
Thankfully she walked away. I sat for a few seconds, scanned outside my car and watched the lady in the car beside me bolt from her parking spot and speed away. I dashed from my car and raced into the bank.
I scanned the parking lot before dashing back to my car and quickly locking my doors. I didn't see this woman anywhere. Whew. Wonder how many other people she freaked out today.
Drove through the parking lot and thankfully welcomed the long line in the Taco Bell drive through. I got to engross myself in my book and occupy my mind with Jamie, Leana and Rose for awhile and forget about being freaked out.
Now, please don't get me wrong. I am not against charity. But this woman really freaked me out, standing right there by my car door. Yeeks! I know these people lurk around parking lots trying to get money. I have seen them before and been approached by them before. I don't give them a thing. Never have I had one right outside my car door. I wonder if I could have even gotten out.
There are charity's I contribute to. Legit ones. Here is a good one http://www.freethekids.org/ Project Espwa (meaning Hope) in Haiti. I have 7 bags of clothes in my garage to get to church to add to the collection. Save clothes all year long. They are collected during VBS, sorted, counted, and set aside to go in a shipping container which is sent to Haiti. Many other necessities are sent as well.
Back home now, working on yet another report, with my ever watchful, ever present, K dog snoring at my feet.
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3 comments:
Nothing like getting an unexpected "Freak Out". Working in LA I had many exchanges with the local homeless and drug addicts. It's not pleasant and can be very uncomfortable. But one thing I learned - don't offer money but if there is a Starbucks close by or even a restaurant - I'm happy to take a moment and buy them a drink or food. If they turn me down, then it's not legit. They are looking to score drugs or booze. But plenty of them simply want acknowledgement and are truly hungry. Just a thought. Hope you don't get "freaked out" anytime soon. BTW - thanks for sharing your favorite charity.
I do agree with you Mel. Would rather buy them a meal than give money for something else.
have a super day!
Oh no, that would have put my defenses up too! There are charities out there to help people who are in need. Perhaps keeping phone numbers handy to give these people might help them out....
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