NanoWrimo Book 2022

Chapter 1 (flashback)

Joal Burnett and Tony Hoskins are walking down the street they grew up on talking about what girls they wanted to go with to their high school prom in just a couple of weeks. They had been neighbors since the 3rd grade, and this was a day like any other day.

The boys were laughing and joking. Tony was kicking a rock as he walked. Joal was describing his dream girl. "I want her to be not too fat and not too skinny. She would have long brown hair and green eyes. I want her to be at least average height. She needs to be talented and athletic, kind, hard-working, and smart."

Tony punched Joal on the shoulder, "Every girl can't look and be like July Wright, you know?"

"I didn't say that!" said Joal, rubbing his shoulder.

"You just described her!" Tony said, laughing.

All of a sudden, everything began going in slow motion as they heard a loud pop and Tony fell over onto Joal. There were 5 more pops, and then 2 more. What was happening didn't register at first. There were 3 more pops and Joal felt something like a punch and burning in his left arm. Then silence. Not even any birds were chirping.

Joal reached up and grabbed his arm. It felt warm and wet. When he looked down, he realized his arm was bleeding. Someone was running down the road toward them and yelling. "Are you okay? Is anybody hurt?"

That's when he saw Tony bleeding from his head and limp lying right beside him. Joal yelled back to the man coming toward them, "Yes, we need help!"

It wasn't long before the man reached their location. "I saw what happened! My wife is calling for help!"

Still feeling dazed and beginning to feel in shock, Joal answered, "I am bleeding from my arm, but Tony is bleeding from the head. What should we do?"

The man took off his shirt and tore it. Then he wrapped it around Tony's head to try to stop the bleeding and gave the other piece to Joal to wrap around his arm. Joal did as he was told still trying to wrap his head around what had just happened.

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(sprint 1)

Waking up in sweat, Joal sat strait up on the bed! This was another one of his night terrors. Why couldn't it have been him that was killed that day 6 years ago? How could he continue to live with this? Why did he survive and his friend did not? He shook his head and rubbed his eyes.

Joal got out of bed and went to the kitchen for some water. What time was it anyway? He looked at his watch. It was 4:03 AM. He wasn't sure he could go back to sleep and had to wake up in a couple of hours anyway. Maybe he should just study for his test today.

When Joal reached the Kitchen, he turned on the light and walked over to the sink. He splashed some water on his face and pulled a glass out of the cabinet to fill it with water. Once he got his water, he went to the table to sit and think for a minute.

God,

Why did you not take me too? Why did Tony have to die? I feel there is supposed to be more to my life than just taking over Daddy's construction business, but what? What is there for me to do? My family expects this from me. This is what I have spent the last 4 years of collage preparing to do. I have a hard time sleeping. Every time I close my eyes, I see Tony getting shot and falling to the ground at my feet again. Why, God, Why? Please, help me to understand. I don't know how to live with this. Please, make the nightmares stop!

Amen

Joal took a drink of water and consentrated on it going down his throat and then took another drink. He got up from the table to get his backpack. He walked back down the hall into his bedroom. Ouch! He stubbed his toe in the dark. Now, where did he put his bag? Oh yeah, over in the corner by the dresser. He felt his way around, grabbed his bag, and went back to the kitchen table.

Joal pulled out his books and began to look over his notes and study.

Beep, Beep, Beep... His alarm was going off. He must have fallen back to sleep. Oh well, he was off to another full day at school and then onto work after that.

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Joal had almost completed his college education. He sat in his dorm room studying for finals. He knew his dad wanted him to take over the family construction business. However, there was another desire burning deep inside Joal's heart.

Just a few years ago, his friend had been killed in a drive-by shooting while he was right next to him. It had haunted him like a bad dream. Then he met this guy who volunteered at a homeless mission. The guy had talked to him about how he was able to help the people on the streets of the city. Joal couldn't stop thinking about that random meeting in the coffee shop. What if he could help people get off drugs and have better lives so they didn't end up dead like his friend had? It was the first time he had felt any sense of hope since his friend had died.

Joal couldn't help but daydream of running his own mission someday, but how could he do that if he had to take over the family business? He didn't want to disappoint his family, but what good could he do in the construction business all of his life. It really wasn't what he wanted to do. He just never thought he had a choice in the matter. Now all of a sudden, he had this dream, this idea.

One thing he did know, he had to finish his college degree for the time being. There would be plenty of time to plan and dream later. This degree in business management would be beneficial either way.

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Wow! He was finally on the stage to receive his diploma! He had finally completed school. Joal Noel Burnett, they called. He walked across the stage with a great feeling of accomplishment and pride. He took his diploma and looked out at the crowd. He could see his Dad, Mom and rest of the family beaming with pride. He knew he had done the right thing and all his hard work had paid off. He was looking forward to the next phase of his life.

He took his place on the other side of the stage with the other graduates who had received their diplomas and waited for the rest of the names to be called. Since his name was early in the alphabet, it felt like forever for them to call out the rest of the names. About 45 minutes later, he and the 62 other graduates moved their tassles to the other side of the graduation cap. The entire place went up in cheers and the graduates threw their hats in the air and was hugging each other and crying. The room was filled with joy!

Finally, the commotion died down. The graduates began to line up again and begin their journey out of the auditorium as they received a standing ovation. Once outside, Joal had to pinch himself to make sure this wasn't all a dream. He was a man. Was he supposed to be feeling all of these emotions?

He didn't have much time to think about it. His sister ran out the doors and gave him a big hug and almost knocked him off his feet. He hugged her back and then the rest of the family was there to greet him. This was exciting! Gifts were handed to him, pictures were taken, and once everyone had congradulated him, the family headed to their vehicles. He was rode with his parents because they were going to take him out to eat afterwards and his dad said he deserved to be chofered around.

The rest of the evening was wonderful and became a delightful blurr in his memory. He drifted off to sleep with a feeling of accomplishment that night.

The next morning, he showed up to work at his dad's construction business, ready begin his new career.
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sprint 2

"Hi, Dad!"

"Hello, Son! Are you ready to begin your management training?"

"Is that what I am doing today?"

"Of course! That is what you just finished 4 years of college to do, was to manage my company!"

"Dad? What if I want to do something else with my life?"

"I won't hear of it! You get that thought out of your head right now! This family is counting on you! You will be fine! It's probably just the first day jitters! You have worked for this company for the last 5 years. You will make a great leader, Son! I am proud of you!"

Not wanting to disappoint, Joal put the thought out of his mind. "Okay, so are we starting with the paper work?"

"Yes. I will get you started on the paperwork and then Greg will be in charge of training you. You know his has been one of my longest and most loyal employees. I trust that he is the best person for the job."

"Ok, Dad. Do you want me to sit at this table over here?"

"That will do just fine. I will go grab the papers out of the file cabinet and we will get started."

..................

It had just been around 30 minutes into the paperwork when Greg walked in. "Hey! There's my new trainee! Congratulations on graduating college! Your dad has talked to me a lot about his plans for you! Let me know when you are done there, and I will get started with you."

"Give us about ten more minutes, Greg, and I will hand him over to you"

...................

Twenty minutes later and he was being shown around one of the construction sites the company was working on. Greg began to fill him in on the plans and progress of the building and what it was like being a manager. He let him know what he was responsible for and which employees to watch out for. He pointed out the best workers too. As he led him around, he asked Joal, "Is your dad going to have you take over right away or wait a couple of years or do you know?"

"He said that he was going to train me as a manager first and depending on how well I did and how quickly I learned would determine when he had me take over. He wants me to take over while he is still living before he retires so he can make sure that I can handle it."

"I suppose that makes sense. How do you feel about it?"

Well, I am not sure about it. I know my family expects it, but I don't even know if it is what I want to do.

Son, all I can say is that if you don't take over the business, your dad is going to be very disappointed. That is all he has talked about for the last 4 years while you were in college.

I know, but sometimes I wish I had a choice.

........................

Joal felt tired at the end of the day. There was so much information to take in. He felt completely overwhelmed and even intimidated by some of the older employees. He felt so uncompatible for the job. He had been working for the company for 5 years, but something just didn't feel right. Something felt off and he felt uncomfortable.

He clocked out, looked at his dad, and said, "Sometimes, I just wish I felt like I had a choice, Dad."

"I am sure you do, Son, but this is what is best for you, the family, and the company. We are all counting on you."

Joal said sarchastically, "No pressure!" Then he smiled and said, "I will see you at home. I am going to probably be late for dinner. I have a meeting for some volunteer work. I may volunteer at a mission after work a couple of days a week."

"Ok, I will let your mother know. Don't work yourself to death, boy! You are just getting started."

"I won't, Dad." Joal said as he went outside.

........................

Joal began walking toward the mission. He was lost in his thoughts and praying as he went. He wasn't even sure this is what he was supposed to do, but he had a passionate desire to help the less fortunate of the city. He wanted to keep others from experiencing what he had, what his friend had. He wanted to make a difference.

A few minutes later, he arrived at the Mission. He looked around at the surroundings. The building wasn't in bad condition, but it obviously needed some repairs. There were a couple of men standing outside the building wearing dirty clothes and smoking cigerettes. The traffic seemed to zoom by as though the place wasn't even there. There was some trash on the sidewalk. Joal took a deep breath and went inside.

Inside, he found the receptionist. The man asked him if he could help. Joal couldn't help but think to himself that the guy probably thought he was a street person with the way he looked after he had gotten off work. "Yes, I have an appointment with Mr. Sherman."

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sprint 3

"Ok, please take a seat and I will let him know you are hear. What is your name?"

Joal Burnett Joal nervously made his way to one of the chairs the receptionist had motioned toward.

It was a small waiting room. There were only 6 more chairs there. 3 chairs were against one wall and 3 against the other wall with a small square table in the corner. There were a couple of large potted plants at the other end of the chairs, one on each side. There weren't many wall decorations. Only a clock was ticking away with the hands pointed towards the wrong time. A couple of magazines were on the corner table. Joal picked one up and started to flip through it.

It wasn't long until an elderly man came out and called his name.

"I'm Joal"

Oh good! I am David Sherman. It is nice to meet you. Follow me."

Joal followed him down a narrow hallway into a small room on the right. Mr Sherman shook his hand and asked him to sit in a chair on the other side of the desk. Joal did as he was told.

"As I understand it, you are interested in volunteering here at the mission, is that correct?" Mr. Sherman asked examining Joal with his eyes.

"Yes, that's right. I want to volunteer a couple of nights a week here if I can."

Have you ever volunteered at a place like this before?

No sir. I have not. I am willing to do what it takes to learn though.

Well, that's a start, young man. Sometimes it isn't easy as you will be dealing with people straight off the street. Some of them will be high or drunk or not smell good. Will that be a problem for you?

I don't think it will. I work with my dad and was just promoted to construction manager. I work with some rough guys there. It will be a good experience to learn how to deal with those types of people.

What made you want to volunteer at this mission? Why are you here?

I want to make a difference. It's these people I want to help.

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sprint 4

I had a bad experience when I was sixteen. My best friend was killed walking right next to me and I was shot in the arm in a drive-by shooting. I was told it was gang members who were on drugs and initiating someone into the gang. This has haunted me ever since that time. I want to help those kind of people. If I can I can help change one life, then maybe I can keep someone else from experiencing what I had to go through.

Wow! That takes some guts! Do you have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from it?

I have nightmares, but I have never been told that I have that.

You may want to start out slow and see how you like it and will get along with these people. It is admirable that you desire to help the kind of people who caused your problems, but it can be different once you get in this environment. What is it exactly that you want to do here?

Where do you need help?

We may need help in different areas each week. I have the men that are staying here do some jobs around here to pay for their keep. We have chapel 5 nights a week and a church service on Sunday. We have a soup kitchen and food pantry. We have a clinic and clothing closet. There is a thrift store right down the street where we raise funds to help run the mission. Have you had any experience in any of these areas?

Well, I noticed the building is in need of some repairs. Maybe I can help with that.

Yes, the building does need some repairs, but we don't have the funds to do that right now.

I will see what I can come up with and get back to you if that ok with you. Do you have an idea how much it would cost to do the repairs and fix this place up? Remember, I have some connections in the construction business.

True. Well, let me know what you can do and I will let you know how you can help here.

Okay, Thank you, Mr. Sherman. That sounds like a plan. I will touch base with you again next week. What time is the chapple services?

8 p.m every week day.

I will plan to come see you again around the same time next week if that works for you.

Looking over his schedule, "Let's see... Okay, that will work great! I will see you next week. Thanks for stopping by.

Ok It was nice to meet you. I will be in touch!

Joal felt hopeful as he walked out of the building. It wasn't far from where he lived. Maybe his dad would be willing to help with funding and maybe he could get some of the other construction workers to volunteer to do the work. Could he get his dad's friend, Mr. Collins to draw up some blue prints for the repairs. All he could do is ask them and see what people said. He would take it from there.

As he walked up to the sidewalk in front of his parents house, he could smell the fried chicken cooking. His tummy rumbled a bit. He finally noticed he was hungry. He felt like he could eat 2 whole chickens by himself! He made his way inside the house and to the kitchen where his mom was. Hi mom!

Joal! You made it in time for dinner! Your dad said you were going to be a little late.

Well, fortunately, my meeting didn't take that long. I went down and met with Mr. Sherman who runs the mission. I am thinking about doing some volunteer work a couple days a week there.

Oh? And when were you going to tell me about it?

Joal smiled, "I just did."

What are you going to do there?

I don't exactly know yet. I am supposed to meet with him again the same time next week. The mission's building is in need os some repairs. I thought I might see if Dad and some of the men at work would be interested in helping out.

You know how your dad feels about charity work.

Yeah, but this is a chance to help and give back to the community. It might even be a chance to improve the community.

Son, volunteering at the mission isn't going to change what happened to you if that is what this is about.

Mom, I know. I just want to do something though. I want to help those people and just maybe, just maybe, I can keep someone from experiencing what I did. It doesn't hurt to try.

I don't mind you doing some volunteer work in your spare time, but don't let it interfere with you taking over the family business. We are all counting on you.

I know. That's what dad said too. I said I was only volunteering a couple days a week. What will that hurt?

Nothing I guess and if it makes you feel better than who am I to tell you that you can't do it.

Thanks, mom! I knew you would understand.

Go tell the rest of the family to wash their hands and get ready for dinner. It is almost ready.

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sprint 5

Joal went and gathered the rest of the family for dinner. He found his dad out in the garage. "Hey, dad! I made it home. Mom says dinner is almost ready and I have a question for you."

What is it, Son?

You know I went to the mission to check into vollunteering. When I was there, I noticed the building needs some repairs. I think it would be a good act of charit and good for the community if we were to possibly help them fix it up."

Son! You know how I feel about projects like that. I will not take money away from my company or our family for this. This is one thing that worries me about you. Sometimes, you are just way too generous."

Okay, Dad, if you won't get involved in a charity project like this, do you mind if I get some of the guys together to collect donations and form a team to see if we can help the mission?

Now, that son, I don't mind. Get the community involved in taking care of the community, but don't give away all your profit.

Thanks, Dad! I will meet you inside.

With that, Joal turned around to leave. Dinner was delicious and one of his favorite meals, fried chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes with gravy and a dinnner roll. They had Jello with cool whip for dessert. The family chatted about their day and various topics and then they all went their separate ways.

Joal still lived with his parents while he was in college, but is planning to look for a place of his own now that he graduated. He saved up some money while he was in school and will have enough to get a good start on his own. He had lived in the dorms his first year, but was able to save more money by moving back in with his parents. It felt a little strange to him to not have to pull out his books and study before bed. He decided to spend a little time looking through the newspaper classifieds to see if there were any good places to rent. Then he went to bed.

The next morning he got up excited to start his day because now he had a new purpose that excited him in mind. He got to work early and had to wait for his trainer to arive to begin his work day. As he went through the day, he was talking to all the men to see who would be interested in helping him work on this project. A few expressed interests, but most had no desire to be involved. They had families of their own and they didn't want to do more work after work. However, he managed to collect a small list of names and numbers and told them he would be in touch when he had more information.

At the end of the day, he saw Mr. Conner in the office with his dad going over some blue prints for other construction jobs. He waited until he was done, and then explained to him what he wanted to do and if he would be willing to vollunteer. However, he told him he was way too busy for that and he would have to find someone else to volunteer.

Joal decided to go home and do some research to see if he could find someone willing to do it and completely forgot about his search for a place of his own. He spent all evening trying to find someone. He had a list of names and numbers that he had crossed all off. He would have to start again tomorrow.

As Joal lay on his bed, he drifted off into a fitfull sleep. Pop. Pop. Pop. He could hear the shots being fired. This time in his dream, he tried to jump in front of his friend, but his friend got hit anyway. Joal woke himself up yelling, "Nooo!" He sat there for a minute with his heart pounding when his mom peaked in his room and asked him if he was ok.

Yes, mom, I am ok. I just had a nightmare. I am sorry I didn't mean to wake you up.

Oh honey, I was already awake. I am trying to get cought up on our laundry. Will you be able to do some tomorrow? I am getting kind of tired.

Yeah, I can do some, mom. Why don't you get some sleep? I know you did a lot today around the house and it looks good as usual.

Thank you, Joal. You are always my sweetheart. I will get your brother and sister to do some things too. It won't hurt them to do a little work around here. Good night! Are you sure you are ok?

Yes, I am fine. I will just go back to sleep. Love you, Mom!

I love you too

He had always made a point to tell the people he loved that he loved them on a regular basis since the shooting had happened.


sprint 6

The next morning was Saturday and he had the weekend scheduled off. Joal slept in a little bit and then got up, got dressed, ate breakfast, and started his day. He went in to help his mom with the laundry as promised. His brother had gotten up and was eating some cerial while playing his video game. His sister was still asleep. His dad had already gone to work and his mom was outside working in the flower bed.

After he got the laundry going, he heard a knock at the door. He wondered why his mom had not taken care of it. However, he went to the door and answered it. It happened to be the pastor of a local church and his deacon. He looked for his mom but didn't see her.

The pastor and decon introduced themselves and asked if they had a church they went to on a regular basis. Joal told them that they were Christians, but didn't go to church anywhere right now. Just then, his mom appeared. Who are our visiters Joal?

Hey, MOm! This is Pastor and Deacon from local church. They were wanting to invite us to their church.

Hello, Mrs. Burnett Nice to meet you. Is that something you would be interested in?

I don't know. The last church we went to didn't work out so well. My husband and the pastor didn't see eye to eye.

I'd like to go, Mom! I can check it out and tell you all about it.

If that's what you want to do, Joal?

Yes, I want to. I want to get involved in church. I had been going to chapel every Sunday when I was off work at college and now that I am no longer in school, I don't have a place to go.

THe pastor and deacon left their church flyer with him and left.

Joal's mom looked at him a little surprised. You used to give your dad and I a hard time about going to church when you were in highschool. What changed?

Laughing, Joal told him mom, "A counselor at the school invited me to go to the chappel their for worship. I decided I would go one day because I didn't have anything better to do and you and dad had stopped going to church. I ended up liking it for some reason. I accepted Christ as my Savior there last year, and have been going to chappel ever since then. But now that I graduated college, I wasn't sure what I was going to do. Then these men showed up at our door so I figure I will give their church a try. It can't hurt to check it out. I don't have any plans for tomorrow any way.

Ok Wow! I didn't expect that. Why didn't you tell your dad and I?

Because I wasn't sure how you felt about it after Dad got into the argument with the pastor of our last church. You guys seemed pretty upset and I didn't want to stir up the pot so to speak.

His mom threw her arms around him, "oh I am so glad. I had been praying that you would. I might just go with you."

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sprint 7

Joal got up the next morning with plenty of time to get ready for church. He was glad that he had helped his mom do laundry the day before because he needed his church clothes cleaned. He went and pulled them out of the dryer. Mom was already up cooking breakfast for herself and him.

Joal, honey, do you want fruit with your waffles this morning?

Yeah, Mom, I would love some strawberries with cool whip.

Ok I am cooking our breakfast now. I would like to go to church with you if you don't mind. Your daddy is sleeping in today. He had to work late last night and this will be his only day off this week.

I would love for you to come with me, mom. Are you going to drive your car? I haven't got a car yet, so I was planning on walking.

Of course, I will drive us there.

Ok, I am going to go get dressed and then I will be back in here for breakfast.

.....................

Joal and his mom finished getting ready for church and was there in time for Sunday School.

They had a wonderful time and sat together in church on the back row. The sermon was on the scripture where Jesus washed the disciples feet and was about being a good leader by being willing to serve others. It seemed like every word made its way into Joals heart. That is what he wanted for his life. It made him even more resolved to help the mission with their building repairs.

After church was over, he went by to greet the pastor. Hi, Pastor! I made it and brought my mom too. Well, actually she drove us.

I am so glad you were able to come by. How did you like your first Sunday service here.

It was great! I really enjoyed your sermon. That's what I want to do. I want to be a good leader by serving others. Your church wouldn't have anyone who draws blue prints for a living in the congregation would it?

Yes, actually, Bro Smithy, right here does. Why?

I am wanting to volunteer at the city mission and help them fix up their building. I work as a construction manager in my Dad's construction business and am trying to round up a group of volunteers to get the job done. I need someone who would be willing to donate some time to the project free of charge if he would be interested.

Well, Bro. Smithy, what do you think? This young man just asked for a volunteer.

I think I would love to be a part of that, but I just don't know if I have the time as my wife and I are now full time caregivers to my mother in law. She has Dementia and someone has to be with her 24/7. Then we have the kids and I work. I will have to see. I am not saying, "No!". I am just not sure if I can do it.

Ok I can respect that. Do you happen to know of anyone else that I can ask? I went through the phone book and got no wher with it. Anything will help.

I will see what I can do and get back to you on it. What's your name and phone number young man and I will give you a call, let's say, on Tuesday.

Joal gave his name and number to the man and said, Please make sure that you call after 5pm as I will be at work until then.

Ok I will be in touch.

With that, Joal and his mom went home. It felt like forever until Tuesday arrived. When it did, it was a very long day at work. Joal really hoped he would hear back from the guy from church because he just didn't have any more leads. He waited by his cell phone all evening with no call.

Disappointed, Joal went to bed and drifted off into a fitfull sleep. This time the dream was different though. He dreamed of the mission falling down around the people and the mission having to close because he wasn't able to get a team together for the project. The beeping of his alarm clock went into his dream. The bull dozer was backing up and getting ready to knock the building down. Then he startled awake and turned off his alarm.

He was deeply disappointed that he had not heard back from Mr. Smithy. He got up, and got ready for work. Then there was a phone call, and it was Mr. Smithy. "Joal?"

Yeah, that's me!

I am not able to help you out myself, but I did find a friend who is just started in the business willing to volunteer to gain some more experience. Are you willing to work with him?

Yes, sure! Why not? I am fresh out of college myself.

Ok are you going to be able to take his name and number if I give them to you?

Sure, what it is? He scrambled to grab a pencil and paper to write it down.

Jason Conner 555-4305.

I will call him when I get home from work.

Ok great I will let him know.

With relief, Joal stuck the paper in his pocket and was off to work.


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sprint 8

Joal went about his workday thinking about the call he was going to make when he got home. It made the clock tick slower. He was watching the clock all day.

Finally, he got back home and called Jason.

Hello?

Jason?

Yeah, that's me.

Hey, My name is Joal Burnett with Burnett construction company. I am trying to get a volunteer group together to repair the city mission's building. I am short a person to draw up the blue prints. Would you be willing to volunteer some time on this project?

When do you plan on starting?

I have a meeting with the guy who runs the mission on Thursday and that will determine when we can get started and what all needs to be done. I plan to call a meeting with all the volunteers once I am able to talk to him again.

Ok then, just give me a call when you know. I would love to help.

Ok great! I will be in touch!

Joal hung up the phone with a sigh of relief. It appeared he would be able to do this thing. However, he had no idea about where the funds were coming from. He figured he has the volunteers. He would cross the problem of funding when he got there.

The next couple of days went by quickly. He was excited to get to the mission to tell the guy he had some volunteers.

Back in the office, Mr. Sherman listened carefully as Joal laid out his idea.

He thought for a moment and said that it might just work.

Did you consider that we will need to get permits from the city to do the work.

Oh yes! I can handle that since I work in construction. I know how to get permits! Do you have any funding to do it with?

Joal, that is a problem. I have $100 towards the building fund. It was donated 2 days ago by an anonymous doner. However, it is going to take a whole lot more than that.

Ok so we will start with just getting the permit to do the work. Me and my men will begin working towards raising donations. I will call a meeting for us all to get together.

This is quite the task you are trying to take on. Do you know all the repairs that need to get done and do you have any idea what it will cost to do them?

I noticed a few things, but I am sure I don't know all of them,

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sprint 9

Let me give you a tour and see if you still feel the same way after that.

Ok Let's take a look.

Mr. Sherman let him around the building inside and out and pointed out everything that he knew of. Joal was able to point out 2 or 3 things he was not aware of. They discussed each one, what it would take to do the repair, and the priority of each one. Joal had brought a small notebook and pen in his pocket and was taking notes as they walked and talked.

45 minutes later they were back in the office. Mr. Sherman looked at Joal and ask, "Well, what do you think?

I think it will take quite a bit of work and money. I also wrote down here in my notebook which tasks should come first. I can do some checking and get an estimate of the cost for each repair. We can work on one or 2 at a time until we get them done. What happens if the repairs aren't made?

The health department will eventually shut us down.

Yeah, that is what I thought. That roof is what I think the first project should be. I will add $100 out of my own pocket to the $100 you already have. I will get a few supplies to get started and we can go from there. I will call a meeting with my team of volunteers and see what we can get done.

Ok sounds good to me. Let me know what you find out.

I will give you a call after I meet with the men.

I hope you know what you are getting yourself into.

It doesn't matter. It needs to be done.

Yes it does.

And with that Joal left the building feeling hopeful and overwhelmed all at the same time.

He was late getting home for dinner. His mom had saved a plate for him, but it was cold. He was so hungry, it didn't matter. He scarfed it down and washed it down with a glass of milk.

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Sprint 10

The next day, Joal went off to work feeling hopeful. Throughout the day, he was able to get all the volunteers to agree to a meeting on Saturday afternoon at the McDonald's. Friday seemed to go by so quickly because he was so busy. He couldn't seem to get everything done fast enough. Finally, he was able to go home around 7 pm and have a quick dinner of left overs. Then he went to his room to crunch some numbers and to figure out all the things they needed to talk about at the meeting the next day.

He must have fallen asleep at his desk in his room. When he woke up, he was laying in the floor in front of his desk. He looked at his clock and it was 2:16 am. He shook his head and got up. Then he shut down the computer, got ready for bed, and went back to sleep.

This time he began to dream again. Again, he was tormented with the dream of making the repairs to the building and things going horribly wrong. He couldn't get the needed materials. The funds weren't there. Someone kept destroying what he already repaired. His friend that was shot so many years ago was shot again at his feet this time while trying to make repairs to the mission. He yelled, "No!"

He woke up, sat straight up in bed, and realized he had been dreaming again. He looked at the clock on his table. It was only 4:12 am. A tear began to roll down his face. God! Can't you see I am trying. I would take it all back if I could, but I can't. I would have died in his place! I am trying to help this mission to help other people so they won't end up like he did. Please, this mission volunteer project just has to work. It just has to.

He lay awake for what seemed like forever until he finally drifted back off into a fitfull sleep with the same reoccurring dream.

When he woke up the next morning around 9 am, he was soked in sweat. Joal got up, washed his face, took a shower, brushed his teeth, and put on his jeans and t-shirt he would wear for the day. When he made his way down to the kitchen, he made himself a bowl of frosted flakes, and went into the living room. His dad was there reading the paper.

Good morning dad

Good morning! I hear you are catching onto the management roll rather quickly. I am hearing good things from the men about you and the way you handle yourself with them. They really like you, son. That makes my heart glad. It's easier when your employees like you, but don't you take nothing from them either. They will respect you.

Thanks, Dad! I am also going to run the volunteer group at the mission. I am pretty excited about that. I am sure that will help me with my management skills too!

As long as it doesn't interfeir with your real work, I don't mind you doing it. But I ain't running no charity here so don't you go giving away the company.

I'm not dad. I am gathering workers to volunteer their own time. I will raise donations to fund the projects. It won't cost you or your company a dime.

Ok then as long as we have that understanding. I don't know why you are so determined to do it though.

Dad, I want to help others. If I can help get people off the street, then maybe they won't go around shooting them up.

So, that's what this is about! Son, you can't change what happened. People will always be on the street. There will always be someone who is evil, and people will always be killed. There is nothing you can do about it.

I sure hope you are wrong. At least this way, I can try to do something. It's better than doing nothing.

we'll see.

With that, Joal was finished with his cereal, and put his dishes in the sink. He went back to finish what he was doing on the computer before his meeting with the volunteers.

It was close to 12:30 when he was just about ready to gather everything up. The phone rang. Hello.

Hi, is this Joal?

THis is he.

Great! you are just the person I am looking for. I heard you are looking for volunteers to fix up the mission. Is that true?

Yes, it is. In fact, I am about to get together with a group of them at McDonald's.

Great, do you mind if i meet you there?

Dure, I don't see why not.

Ok I will see you there. click

Joal thought it a bit strange,but finished gathering his belongings and headed to McDonald's.

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sprint

Once Joal made it to Mcdonald's, he walked into the parking lot and looked around. Apparently, he was the first one to arrive. He was relieved because he had hoped to arrive early.

Joal walked on into the restaraunt and decided to place an order. He got a Big Mac meal and a Dr Pepper and went to a large table and sat down. It was kind of busy, but he figured this table for 6 would just have to be large enough. He took a couple of bites of his Big Mac and then a couple of the men arrived. They came over to where he was and sat down. Another man came in with his family. He figured his family could eat and his kids could play in the play area while he met with the others.

One by one the rest of the group of volunteers showed up. The guy that had called on the phone showed up last. He was actually about 5 minutes late. He introduced himself to the group. "Hi, I heard you were looking for volunteers to fix up the city mission. My name is Dale Woods. I am a contractor with a rival construction company and was wondering if you would mind if I helped too?"

Joal looked a little stunned as did the other men in the group. Finally, he looked around at the other guys and said, "I don't see why he can't join us. This is being done outside of work and it is for charity. I am sure we can use all the help we can get. What do you say guys?"

The group agreed to let him join their efforts. As they were gathered around the table, Joal began to lay out the job and the challenges before them. He let them know about his research and the funding situation. Then he asked, "Do any of you want to donate money or materials to the cause?"

David spoke up and said, "Man I am going to do good to volunteer my time. I don't have money for things like this."

It seemed all the men felt the same way. Joal decided they needed to raise some funds first. "Ok, guys, let's see what we can do about raising some funds. Let's all see what we can come up with and gather donations this week. I will make up some flyers that we can hand out and let's see if we can come up with some fundraising ideas. Then we will meet here again next week at the same time. Can we all agreee on that?

The entire group seemed excited about the idea and agreed to meet back there again next week. The group went their own seperate ways.

Back home, Joal called his architect friend. He agreed to help him design the flyer and agreed to meet with him the next day in the afternoon.

The next morning he and his mother went to the same church again that they had the week before.
After church was over, the pastor pulled Joal to the side and gave him an annonymous envelope and said that someone had made a donation towards his project at the mission and asked him to give it to him.

When Joal got out to the car, he looked inside the envelope. There was 2 $100 bills and a note inside.

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sprint

To whom it may concern:

I have heard that you are making an effort to repair the city mission. They were of a big help to me when I needed them in my life. I would like to take this opportunity to give back to them now. Here is $200 to help with the expenses and I will contact you next week once I see if I can provide any supplies. I have talked to Mr. Sherman and he has told me that you are who he has put in charge of this task.

Annonymous

Hmmm! Who could that be, joal thought. With that he put the note in his pocket and the money in his wallet. After he got back home, he went to the computer to make a plan and do some more research.

He wasn't sure how long he had been at it, but was startled by the phone ringing. Hello

Hi, this is Pastor ?????. May I talk to you for a little bit?

I don't see why you couldn't, Joal said with a smile.

I feel God has laid this on my heart. I wanted to talk to you first, but I would like to see if I can get the church involved in your efforts to fix up the mission. I know you could use some extra funding. Maybe some of them members can volunteer to do general labor and help raise funds. I feel like God is about to do something big through what you are doing, but I don't know what. I just know that the Holy Spirit is moving.

Wow! I would definitely appreciate the help. I have been praying about it. I have had this desire since I was in college to do some kind of volunteer work at the mission. I think this kind of confirms it. Thank you.

Ok, I plan to run it by the deacons and elders first. If it goes through that phase, then I will bring it before the church during the next business meeting next month.

Ok sounds good to me. I really appreciate. Let me know what you find out. I am just trying to figure out how to get it started right now with very little funding. I will move forward where I can and wait for the rest I guess.

Just listen for the Holy Spirit to guide you. God will lead you in the way that he has for you. Reguardless what happens you have my prayers in this. If you need to talk or anything, I believe you have my phone number. Please call me anytime, even if it is 2 or 3 in the morning.

You know? I might just do that, call at to or 3 in the morning. He said laughing.

Well alright then, I will hold you to that. I won't keep you on the phone now. I know you are busy. I will call you when I know more.

Okay thank you so much. I will look forward to hearing from you. Good bye.

Bye bye

Joal decided to start closing down his computer and get ready to go to bed. He was completely amazed at how things were beginning to come together. He was excited to see what could be done and to be doing something just for the good of doing it. Somehow, he felt a little better about working with his dad and being in construction management. This simple act of volunteering at the mission made him feel like the 4 years of college and all of his efforts were actually worth it. He now had a definate sense of purpose.

The following morning Joal went down for breakfast, and his dad was already at the table. Hi Dad!

Hi, Be sure you get the rest of that training done today at work. There will be some kind of inspection done this week and you will be evaluated. I won't tell you what time, but I think you are doing very well and should pass with no issue. I will not be the one evaluating you to keep it fair and unbiased.

Ok dad. I will be ready.

An hour later, they were both at work.
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