Frontier Dreams: How the government shutdown is affecting my family

Sunday, October 6, 2013

How the government shutdown is affecting my family

K carved this baby pumpkin for Little L

gift for Little L from my cousin Margie

doll car seat (K made it from the box L's piggie bank was sent in)

sewing in the window

making clothes for their bunnies

sewing bunny clothes

*Sorry, I wish I could have thought of a better title to this post!*

I try to stay away from politics and anything controversial, but this time the politics came to me, so I have no choice but to face them head on. I am speaking of the current government shutdown.

Like many other Americans at the moment, Kevin is still required to go to work and keep his crazy hours there but he doesn't receive a paycheck. We were told that once the government is back up and running we will get back pay, which is good, but what happens in the meantime? We live pay check to pay check so taking even just one away (with the promise of back pay) prevents us from buying groceries or paying bills for the following fifteen days. As far as we know they still expect us to somehow pack up and move by the end of the month without any way to pay for it, too.
We are in a bit of a pickle, for sure, but I have faith that we will get through this. Uploading these pictures tonight made it very clear that we will get by. When I look at pictures like the ones above - how can I not feel incredibly blessed and so very rich with love?! Isn't that truly what matters most?

I know we are not alone in this. In fact, I have quite a few friends in the same predicament as us (or worse!) and it breaks my heart. I want to do anything and everything I can to help them and ease their pain. I am still trying to figure out what I can do to help out more. Some of us have been discussing potluck meals and community childcare. That seems like a good place to start.

Then I see articles like this, showing how devastating this shutdown is to already vulnerable families. I want to reach out to them and help them find the hope, courage and support they need during this hard time. What can we do to stand up for these families both local and across the country? I would love to hear your ideas and thoughts on this. What can we do to come together and help them as a community?

Please hold these families close and keep them in your thoughts, and if you have a moment, say a prayer for them, too. Love can go so very far!

Comments (21)

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katherine johnson · 601 weeks ago

Love, hugs, and prayers for your family. xoxo

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Gracia · 600 weeks ago

I can get very angry about your situation and all of those others in the same situation. But it won't help you. I also am a 'speckle' in the universe.
Please try to help each other out! I'll pray for all of you.

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akeeys 65p · 600 weeks ago

I am so sorry. I am praying for you all, that things in your government will be resolved quickly, and that in the meantime everything will be provided for your needs. It can't be easy to stay calm and happy :( Much love to you all.

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Heather · 600 weeks ago

It is so sad that this is happening. I'm sorry that you are feeling the negative from this shutdown. I think that volunteering in a local food pantry or looking for public suppers would be helpful. Even if you can't donate food or money due to your own circumstances, you can always donate time either by volunteering or researching what is available in your area for needy families. Good luck! My thoughts will be with your family.

1 reply · active 600 weeks ago

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FrontierDreams 111p · 600 weeks ago

Thank you Heather. You have a wonderful point there!

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Tahara · 600 weeks ago

Praying for your family during this difficult time Nicole...

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sondra · 600 weeks ago

I really like your ideas for potluck meals and community childcare. It would create a sense of solidarity - which in some cases is all that you can give. I was 8 months pregnant with my second son when my husband got laid off last year. I was so surprised at the kindness that came in from neighbors, family, and his old coworkers - donating clothing, diapers, and meals. We relied on WIC to eat each week. We relied on state-funded insurance and health clinics so that our children could receive treatment for their illness. I cannot imagine what we would have done without these services. It is so sad to see it taken away from already struggling families during the shutdown. Another idea: if you are active in your church, perhaps organizing a church-wide event - like food drive, diaper/formula/baby food drive, or a collection for winter coats for children which will be needed very soon. Good luck!

1 reply · active 600 weeks ago

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FrontierDreams 111p · 600 weeks ago

Thank you Sondra for your input and idea!! I will have to contact our church and ask them about that.
I am sorry you had to go through such a rough thing (Especially while pregnant) but I am so very happy to hear about the blessings you received. You sharing that fills me with so much hope <3 Thank you!

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Nissa · 600 weeks ago

I'll be offering prayers for your family. We were stationed in England during the last shutdown and I remember it well. It only lasted a week then, so we were fortunate.

Our oldest daughter works with mothers in crisis, so the article you linked hits very close to home. We are doing what we can to bring food from our farm to the shelter where she works. And praying... always.

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Emily · 600 weeks ago

Praying for all of you!

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Megan · 600 weeks ago

We are in the same position right now too. He's working every day with the promise of a paycheck once this is all over. And I'm working as many hours as I can to keep food on the table and pay rent even though we were living paycheck to paycheck before this as well. I'm keeping the tv off and not letting my kids know about this but it's really scary and I have no idea how we'll make it.

1 reply · active 600 weeks ago

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FrontierDreams 111p · 600 weeks ago

Oh Megan, I am so sorry to hear you are dealing with this, too. My thoughts are with you. It's hard trying to keep things normal and not let your children know what's going on. I have been struggling each day with it.

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becca · 600 weeks ago

Praying. The effects of this shut down are alarming. However, God's government is so much bigger and more powerful & constant than any human government. Praying to see that realized here in this situation for you all all those effected. Sending my love to your family.

1 reply · active 600 weeks ago

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FrontierDreams 111p · 600 weeks ago

Oh Becca. Thank you for those words of wisdom <3 <3

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Melanie · 600 weeks ago

Hugs! I know how you feel we are in the same boat. We will be praying for you! Hopefully they can get over their stubbornness and come to a decision soon!

1 reply · active 600 weeks ago

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FrontierDreams 111p · 600 weeks ago

Praying for you, too! <3

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Abigail · 600 weeks ago

I have many family and friend effected by it. Thanks for sharing these images. It helps make it feel more like things are right in the world. And the post below this makes me want to knit. Between you and Ginny, someday I actually will learn how to knit again....

1 reply · active 600 weeks ago

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FrontierDreams 111p · 600 weeks ago

Thank you for this comment. I am so glad to know these little pictures that made me feel better, helped you feel the same <3

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Melonie K. · 600 weeks ago

{{{Hugs}}}
I can't believe they haven't set up contingencies for your move if this continues. A friend has her service member scheduled to deploy and of course with the training beforehand, which is supposed to be starting this month - nobody knows what is happening when and how it's happening.
A lot of stress. Good for you for taking the time to stop, look at the pictures, and take a deep breath. We'll get through this. I hope you get answers about the move soon! TMO here is closed so I don't know how anything could even be scheduled. UGH.

1 reply · active 600 weeks ago

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FrontierDreams 111p · 600 weeks ago

Ugh, indeed!! Hugs right back at you!
TMO is closed here, too. A silver lining is that ALL orders are cancelled so we'll be staying here in Portland a bit longer.

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Deidre Hemway · 600 weeks ago

I'm sending thoughts and prayers to your family and to those who are affected by the shutdown. Hopefully your family can get over this problem soon.

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Thank you for joining me here. My name is Nicole Spring AKA wife, Waldorf homeschooling Mama to four sweet little ones, homemaker of the radical kind, knitter, cook, seamstress, student of life as well as my children, crafter, girl of all trades... and always with a camera in hand to document our days so we may look back at these glorious yet exhausting times.

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