Mutual Exchange

Yesterday was very productive.

Yes it was a Holiday, but there was way too much to do with the move and all.

Earlier in the week I had received an email from a gentleman requesting money to fix his car.

I thought about it and decided to give him an opportunity to earn some money instead of basically asking for a donation.

He lives at Caritas the local shelter and is looking to get back on his feet.

I sent him an email asking if he wanted to do some landscape work.

He replied right away with a yes.

We had a great time working alongside each other and getting to know one another.

I asked about his stay at Caritas and how he had become homeless.

He was very open and honest.

I then asked if he was open to this idea of mutual exchange where he does a job for which he gets paid vs asking for money flat out.

He agreed that the idea of getting paid for a job is much better.

As a matter of fact he was going to stop asking for money in his emails and start suggesting that he could do odd jobs to earn some income.

I look forward to seeing him at church on Sunday!

There is pride and dignity in this idea of mutual exchange instead of just giving out handouts.