Day 10 : I am leading a group of 120 people who sometimes need support as we are all caught in a difficult situation with a scam. One of them left a message asking me to call back. I was tired but I know how much it means for us all to know we are not alone. So I did call back, listened and talked. She thanked me for responding so quickly. Day 11: Met a friend for dinner who is visiting from another city. He was tired from having to meet up with several people before seeing me. He usually pays for everything, but while he was in the bathroom I fixed the bill and he was really pleased. Day 12: Followed up a friend who has had skin cancers removed from his legs. He is fine but had to stay home with leg elevated and was very bored. Day 13 : This is a favour for a dog. A couple I see regularly at my local cafe have 2 huskies. One is a favourite of mine so I bought a cabanossi and fed it to him under the table (they know). Day 14 : A group of us have signed up to do a Diploma in Sports Development via a Kung Fu School near my office. We had a meeting to kick off the year and we have committed to meeting regularly and helping each other with research for our assignments. Made an effort to turn up even though I am really busy. Day 15 : A friend joined me this morning for coffee - there is a group of us who come to the same place each morning - often at various times. He sat down opposite me and needed to talk. He was shocked that someone he knew, though was not close to, had been arrested for molesting his 5 year old daughter. I have worked in that field a long time so sadly I was not so shocked. I was able to offer an understanding ear for my friend to talk through his reactions. I usually try and avoid such topics in social situations - otherwise I get burnt out - but I could see my friend needed me to listen.
Day 9 : This morning on my way home from night shift I went to go into my local cafe, which I do regularly before going to sleep for the day. There are several of us who frequent this cafe and we have become like a little community chatting to each other. There is a small front section where we meet up and the unwritten rule is that anyone can come in there - any stranger too - and we will listen and talk. One of the regulars talks much more than listens and can be insensitive. I asked him to change the subject a few days ago as I was stressed and didn't want to think about horrible things happening in the world. However, he just kept going so I politely said I had to go. This morning he was waiting there on his own and I felt the urge to avoid going in (others have avoided this man in the past). But, I sat down as usual and did my best to be pleasant and kind. He was appreciative of the company and turned out to be quite helpful. He actually knows a lot about our local area and just about everyone who lives here. I wanted to find a swimming pool that was all salt water - not chlorine - to train in and he suggested one not too far away that will work out very well.
Day 3 : Crewed on a friend's yacht because he needed it. He is grumpy in races but I weather it for his sake Day 4: Was staying at a hotel and in the morning went for breakfast - made sure I smiled at all the staff. One stopped for a little chat and went away looking happy. Day 5: Chatted to the building manager for our office block about his holiday - mostly people just want him to do things so I thought he might like to chat and he appreciated my genuine interest. Day 6: Sent money to my sister. Day 7: Got some groceries for a work colleague when I went to the supermarket for myself. Only a few $ and I didn't have change so told her not to worry about it. Day 8: Stayed at my Mum's and put 6 hooks in the door frame so she can hang her keys and a bag for her eye glasses.
I am leading a group of 120 or so people from 7 countries who have been cheated in a property scam in New Zealand. We have raised the money to start a class action via Australia, where most of us are. Would appreciate prayers for the success of our case, so we get some money back and these people are held to account. I know it happens all over the world but it is worth trying for justice and recompense and it might even prevent others being ruined. Sadly a lot of our group were near retirement and won't be able to start again. Some have died early from the stress so we are looking after the widows now. Please pray that our lawyers do their job well and quickly. It takes a lot to keep pushing professionals - even decent ones. We have a time limit that we need to meet as well. Thank you.
You and your group are in my prayers, Pauline. Your actions are a gift to others by exposing the fraud. I pray the criminals are brought to justice and that your money is returned in full.
Thank you Mary, your prayers are working. This morning I was sent an article about the developer with a judge warning people about him and the way he does business. Things are starting to come out in the open at last. I hope this is the start of the exposure of the whole crooked scheme.
Day 2: My sister is flying out tomorrow morning and has to be at the airport at 3am. Originally I couldn't take her since I was meant to do an overnight shift. Our Mum was going to drive her but she is nearly 80 and not that confident at night. I make more money on Friday nights as it goes into Saturday and there are shift penalties. In the end I decided that my sister was more important and took leave. I'm glad I did. She said she didn't mind but both her and Mum are pleased. They can relax and we can see her off together. My sister travels a lot for work but it is still nice to have family around to put you on the plane.
