And just when I read all the responses...

[Nibowaka]

The person who was supposed to pick me up is my home teacher. He called a couple of days later and apologized; he had "forgotten". It happens. I forgive him. Tomorrow I expect to be picked up by someone else.

As for walking, I am tired from having to walk to work five days a week. The bus drops me off about a mile and a half from work, so I have to walk the rest of the way. Too, walking in church clothes in this desert heat would be very hard, and by the time I got to church I'd be a sweaty mess.

My crimes from years past, and the way society treats me today, cause a lot of judgment and disdain from people. I suppose you can guess my crimes, but I really do not want to discuss that issue.

Thank you to everyone who posted a response, even though some were judgmental and haughty. Many others were very kind.

Edited October 26, 2008 by john doe

[BenRaines]

When I lived on a small Caribbean island we had members that walked ten miles each way to church each Sunday. Yes it is hot and humid in the Caribbean each and every day. Yes they would arrive sweaty but they were where they needed to be. Some times they got rides along the way and others just walked and used the time to prepare spiritually for the meetings ahead.

Good luck in finding a ride.

Ben Raines

[OneEternalSonata]

When I joined the church I had to drive my electric wheelchair to the nearest bus stop to get there, over a mile away. I would go come rain or shine, even though I didn't have a coat to wear. Sometimes, I would be soaked to the bone, hardly able to move my fingers because my hands went numb from the cold. I know it was worth it.

I'm not trying to boast, because the Lord was there beside me. However, sometimes you have to just make your own way and push on. I look to the early LDS pioneers and how much more than me they had to endure for the Lord in getting to church.

[miztrniceguy]

we all have trials and tribulations. my life has been far from easy, but I am thankful that it has not been as difficult for me as it has for others. I'm sorry that you have troubles, and I wish you good luck in improving things for yourself.

[Elgama]

I am glad you are feeling better but its your decision what you put first none of us are perfect but like other people have said many, many people walk a long time and many hours to get to church, for us it was 4 miles to the bus stop and 4 miles back for a period of time with 2 children in all weathers,,, (my husband did the same distance everyday for work) - the Lord is more important than anyone I am just greatful it wasn't much further as my illness makes walking difficult, I personally found because I was willing to walk that distance we had people at church willing to take us, we have one sister who uses a large portion of her pension every week to get a taxi to church rather than bother anyone, however we have one sister who treats the people that pick her up like a taxi service expects them to be there on time etc the branch president can't find anyone to pick her up these days. Like Ben says there are many saints in many countries who spend a much bigger portion of their wages, or walk a lot further than any of us in my branch do to get to church, and do show up very sweaty etc - one solution is to carry a change of clothes and wash and dress in the toilets. The blessings we received from walking were tremendous, we sung hymns all the way, read our scriptures on the bus, and arrived at church feeling really good we got into our Sunday clothes at church it was nice reminded me of the temple. The blessing we receieved from walking meant I missed it when we got lifts, but every week we got a lift it was greatful - I always phoned the night before and had something for the person that took us if they refused to take petrol money.

-Charley

Edited October 26, 2008 by Elgama

[Nibowaka]

And guess what...not being given a ride today either.

Edited October 26, 2008 by pam
Attack against a moderator

[BenRaines]

Nibowaka, what part of the world do you live in? Every place I have lived if someone needed a ride they were able to find one unless everyone walked and few had cars. If few had cars then the most needy, elderly and those with small children, were picked up and given rides.

Ben Raines