[Faith-Talk] serving and connection

Sun Aug 11 03:31:22 UTC 2024

So go find one!!  Just because you don't know right now, doesn't mean you can't find out.  Do it.

Judy

“Embrace each day with His mercies and blessings.”

-----Original Message-----
From: Faith-Talk <faith-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of andrew edgcumbe via Faith-Talk
Sent: Saturday, August 10, 2024 7:17 PM
To: Faith-talk, for the discussion of Blindness in faith and religion <faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: andrew edgcumbe <rollercoasterman86 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Faith-Talk] serving and connection

i don' have money to be putting out on councilors. i might need blind role
mottle in Canada but i can't go and see them I don't know of anybody here
in Canada who could actually talk to me not that I can think of.
I wouldn't be able to call through my direct phone i would only be able to
call using an alexa or something like that.

On Sat, Aug 10, 2024 at 10:08 PM Ericka via Faith-Talk <
faith-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Andrew again for the third time in this thread I have asked you to either
> email or call my husband and I. While I did not continue to keep up my
> social work certifications I still can listen and help you and my husband
> who is also totally Blind has experiences similar to yours that he can
> definitely help you as well. Some days it would probably be therapeutic for
> him too. And all we require is an international phone call. I know
> counselors cost money but that’s an excuse.
>
> First thing I would do is ask the person on this list who has connections
> in Canada to give you a phone number of a Blind role model who volunteers
> and ministry. They probably can help you more than this group just on this
> email list. They can come to you. I understand you’re disabilities. That’s
> why I’m willing to help you and because I wish there was someone who was
> that supportive to me when I was your age.
> Ericka Nelson
>
>
> > On Aug 10, 2024, at 8:41 PM, andrew edgcumbe via Faith-Talk <
> faith-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >
> > I am on some of those sights. maybe that would be better then just going
> > back and fourth by email or in a phone call.
> > Sometimes jaws reads things in such a way it makes me think everybody is
> > mad at me which I don't want.
> > I know I shouldn't have treated linda like a trouble maker but sometimes
> i
> > struggled with lashing out and stuff.
> >
> > I can't do ca counciling because christian councilors cost ton of money i
> > don't have when don't have a job to pay for it.
> >
> > I know my character isn't good sim sometimes. I know that i tend f to
> have
> > allot of off moments sometimes.
> >
> > I often times struggle to express myself in the right way without it
> coming
> > out the wrong way.
> > I really don't know who i really am i don't know myself what i am really
> > about sometimes and don't know  what i really worth to God and what i
> won't
> > say place because that means serving but I don't know what my space is to
> > look like and don't know what it is I tend to hold on to things and let
> > things bother me to point where i explode sometimes now maybe i don't
> > always lash out but I lash myself going inside of me and thinking negatie
> > thoughts and making myself very whatever.
> >
> > I really trying to figure myself out.
> >
> >
> >> On Sat, Aug 10, 2024 at 9:18 PM Wesley Burden via Faith-Talk <
> >> faith-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >>
> >> I agree Ashley Andrew is sending one liner emails and it is literally
> >> blowing up my iphone, my ipad, my email, and my apple watch.  I would
> love
> >> to talk to you about ministry Ashley.  I volunteer at my church by
> setting
> >> up and tear down for every single event that we host at are church and
> love
> >> it.  You can reach me on my cell which is:
> >> 8567695115
> >> Call or text me anytime Ashley with questions.  I have an idea maybe if
> >> all of us are on one of these chat sites like out of sight or blind café
> >> maybe inviting Andrew in a room so we can all have a discussion with
> Andrew
> >> and try to help him and encourage him or zoom would work.  Just a
> thought
> >> and a idea.
> >>
> >>
> >> -----Original Message-----
> >> From: Faith-Talk <faith-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Ashley
> >> Bramlett via Faith-Talk
> >> Sent: Saturday, August 10, 2024 9:02 PM
> >> To: 'Faith-talk, for the discussion of Blindness in faith and religion'
> <
> >> faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
> >> Cc: bookwormahb at earthlink.net
> >> Subject: Re: [Faith-Talk] serving and connection
> >>
> >> Andrew!
> >> Please, please, stop emailing so much! You have posted 12 emails today
> in
> >> the second half of the day.
> >> Please stop the one liner emails!
> >> I checked my email mid afternoon at 4:00 and now check it again.
> >> You wrote at least a dozen emails.
> >> We are not judging you. You just wrote to Sarah I see and she was giving
> >> you advice to advocate.
> >> She is totally right. You have to tell people you can do it.
> >> In fact, Sarah, interesting you say to do this.
> >> Guess what I had to do politely in a paratransit bus?
> >> I did exactly what Sarah said! I told them I could buckle my seatbelt,
> and
> >> told them I could hold onto my bags.
> >> They deal with many types of disabilities on the paratransit system so
> >> they might ask if I can do the basic things. I say yes and they accept
> >> that. I rarely have drivers try to fascin the seat belt but it has
> happened
> >> years back.
> >>
> >> One suggestion for advocacy is to go over what you need with someone who
> >> can write. Perhaps your mother.
> >> Then you can write it down yourself as she reads back the list. If you
> can
> >> write braille, write it down  before the meetings for when you go to
> these
> >> meetings.
> >> I'm sure its challenging to talk about your needs especially being
> >> developmentally delayed, so that is why I say write it down and practice
> >> ahead of time.
> >>
> >> Take care.
> >> Once again, thanks to the listers who posted and responded helpfully
> >> including Judy and Erica who wrote a lot.
> >> We are strangers, yet you took the time to write helpful things and
> share
> >> your life experience.
> >>
> >> God bless everyone!
> >>
> >> Ashley
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> -----Original Message-----
> >> From: Faith-Talk <faith-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of andrew
> >> edgcumbe via Faith-Talk
> >> Sent: Saturday, August 10, 2024 7:09 PM
> >> To: Faith-talk, for the discussion of Blindness in faith and religion <
> >> faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
> >> Cc: andrew edgcumbe <rollercoasterman86 at gmail.com>
> >> Subject: Re: [Faith-Talk] serving and connection
> >>
> >> well i don't see a r3eason to do anything then because all i am getting
> >> from people is judgment and stuff.
> >>
> >> On Sat, Aug 10, 2024 at 11:21 AM Sarah Blake LaRose via Faith-Talk <
> >> faith-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >>
> >>> Hi Andrew.
> >>> First, the person hindering you most is yourself. You know your
> >>> capabilities and it is up to you to let people know what you can do.
> >>> If you let people do things for you because they keep doing them, then
> >>> they will think you can't do them. So, if the driver tries to put your
> >>> seatbelt on for you and you are perfectly capable of doing it, tell
> >>> him you don't need that help thank you very much.
> >>> What will help your advocacy skills is experience, not someone else
> >>> doing it for you.
> >>> Also, please take time to proofread your emails. I am certain that you
> >>> can write well. Your emails are coming out very jumbled because you
> >>> are not taking time to proofread. If sighted people are reading this
> >>> kind of mail from you, this is likely contributing to your problem.
> >>> Write as well as you speak, in good complete sentences. Communicate
> >> clearly.
> >>> Knowing your way around an area is not a prerequisite to having fun.
> >>> If you want to participate with a group on a field trip, go and plan
> >>> to be included. Let people know what you would like to do. You are
> >>> doing a lot of assuming that there are all the things you can't do.
> >>> The rest of the world is already doing this on your behalf. Assume
> >>> there are ways you can do things and start seeking them out. Make the
> >>> world your ally instead of letting them make you theirs.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Sarah Blake LaRose, D.Min.
> >>> sarah at sarahblakelarose.com
> >>> http://www.sarahblakelarose.com
> >>>
> >>> -----Original Message-----
> >>> From: Faith-Talk <faith-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Deborah
> >>> via Faith-Talk
> >>> Sent: Saturday, August 10, 2024 10:52 AM
> >>> To: 'Faith-talk, for the discussion of Blindness in faith and
> >>> religion' < faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
> >>> Cc: Deborah <deborahb14 at verizon.net>
> >>> Subject: Re: [Faith-Talk] serving and connection
> >>>
> >>> My church has a Lyft account that they use when I can't take the bus.
> >>> They have actually used it for me sometimes when the bus is running.
> >>> If your town is very small, that is not an option.  Sometimes if you
> >>> get yourself there, people are more willing to help you get home.
> >>> That sometimes works for evening activities because the bus is still
> >>> running at the beginning of the event but not at the end.
> >>>
> >>> Also, if you join a group activity, you have to attend for a little
> >>> while to decide if the group is for you.  I also think we all need to
> >>> remember that our ministry is to serve God rather than just
> >>> participate in an organizational activity.  If you know of an elderly
> >>> person who is not getting visitors, visit them on your own.  This is a
> >>> little hard for those of us who do not have our own transportation,
> >>> because sometimes a sickly person wants a short visit and sometimes
> >>> they want to talk for two hours, and there is no way of predicting
> >>> what they will want.  Try to find opportunities to study the Bible with
> >> one other person.
> >>>
> >>> Debbie Brown
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> -----Original Message-----
> >>> From: Faith-Talk [mailto:faith-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
> >>> bruce&joy breslauer via Faith-Talk
> >>> Sent: Saturday, August 10, 2024 5:13 AM
> >>> To: 'Faith-talk, for the discussion of Blindness in faith and
> >>> religion' < faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
> >>> Cc: bruce&joy breslauer <breslauerj at gmail.com>
> >>> Subject: Re: [Faith-Talk] serving and connection
> >>>
> >>> Do you have a service or a program that can teach you orientation and
> >>> mobility skills, or is there somewhere you could go to learn daily
> >>> living skills like cooking, cleaning, laundry, hygiene, handling
> >>> finances, reading Braille, using computers, learning job skills, or
> >>> whatever it is you need to learn or need to build up your confidence
> >>> doing?  I don't know if blindness is your only disability. I don't
> >>> know what you need so I'm just including a random list.  You say you
> >>> live in a small town, so I don't know what transportation options are
> >>> available to you.  Some places have busses or vans for the elderly or
> >>> handicapped, and some have busses that anybody can ride if you know
> >>> the schedule.  Are there any groups who help the blind learn things
> they
> >> need to learn in order to be on their own successfully?
> >>> You say there aren't any other blind people around, so you can't learn
> >>> from someone as a mentor.  But I know there is a Canadian group for the
> >> blind.
> >>> I just looked it up and there is more than one.  The first one I came
> >>> to was the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.  They say they
> >>> have local chapters all over Canada, and they might even have at large
> >>> chapters which meet by phone or by zoom if you are too far from a
> >>> local chapter.  If you look up your province on the list, they will
> >>> tell you the phone number to call. I don't know if that interests you,
> >>> but if they can't help you, perhaps they can point you in the direction
> >> of someone who can.
> >>>
> >>> I just came across a really cool thing on their web site.  They have a
> >>> mobile van that they can bring to your community at no cost.  Here is
> >>> what their web site says about it:
> >>> Meet the CNIB Mobile Hub – a new program delivery model where we visit
> >>> your community to deliver in-person programming at no cost to you.
> >>> Drop in to meet CNIB staff and learn more about free programs and
> >>> resources for people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision.
> >>> Enjoy a day of recreational and social activities, technology
> workshops,
> >> and much more.
> >>> Experience the latest breakthroughs in assistive tech from CNIB
> >>> SmartLife and connect with other members of the sight loss community.
> >>>
> >>> To see where we’re headed next, check out our tour schedule.
> >>> https://www.cnib.ca/programs-and-services/live/cnib-mobile-hub
> >>>
> >>> I hope some of this helps.
> >>>
> >>> I think some of the changes you're seeking may start with you.  You're
> >>> the one who knows yourself best and knows what you need.  Joy
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> -----Original Message-----
> >>> From: Faith-Talk <faith-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of andrew
> >>> edgcumbe via Faith-Talk
> >>> Sent: Saturday, August 10, 2024 2:16 AM
> >>> To: Faith-talk, for the discussion of Blindness in faith and religion
> >>> < faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
> >>> Cc: andrew edgcumbe <rollercoasterman86 at gmail.com>
> >>> Subject: Re: [Faith-Talk] serving and connection
> >>>
> >>> Hi  I know  I guess the thing that stops me is not only  self
> >>> confident end of thing that is stopping me but in my area  i wouldn't
> >>> be welcomed on to most construction sights I think that kind of is
> >>> really  well I don't know.
> >>> My family never  has never pushed me to advokate in anyway.
> >>>
> >>> While I  for most part moved out on my own  most cases my family  has
> >>> never  whatever I think that even they don't know what blind people to
> >>> do because they have never bothered to educate themselves.
> >>>
> >>> I have conversations with people  from latest c latest church i
> >>> currently go to and they say it is to bad that  or say they understand
> >>> i want to do more  but no effort was ever made for me to help out.
> >>>
> >>> There is no hiking groups in my area at all. I tried to look for them
> >>> and look for  stuff along those lines.
> >>> With trips and stuff i just don't know how to even find way  ways to
> >>> go to these places i would want to go to. going on these adventures to
> >>> me is not a problem but it is finding people to do these things with
> >>> Water parks would be harder to do if person doesn't ride water slide
> >>> because I wouldn't know my way around in water parks and stuff.
> >>>
> >>> I really  far as youth group did go on few of the trips actually as
> >>> well like he did accomidate way in a sence.
> >>>
> >>> There is hardly any other blind people seen in the community here. So
> >>> i live in a smaller town in a sence.
> >>>
> >>> allot of people around here don't have the blind person can do it
> >>> attitude and for me to  be  advocating for myself totally alone or
> >>> like the lone ranger trying to advocate myself is very hard or would
> >>> be very hard and to me it is hard to  and very tiring to explaine to
> >>> people i cn can cross a street and stuff like that for example.
> >>>
> >>> Not every place in town is excessible I can only get to one grocery
> >>> store in town out of the 2 or 3 others bu by myself because of the
> >>> inexcessibility of the parking lots no way for pudestrians to get in
> >>> there without dealing with bunch of cars in and out  I can't go to a
> >>> sub place at all one of them because there is no safe way to get there
> >>> at all even o and m never could figure it out.
> >>>
> >>> part of me really wishes that somebody could at least help me with the
> >>> advokating part of things at the very least that is the thing.
> >>>
> >>> Like I do go to a day program for people with disabilities but most
> >>> times i am just sitting there doing nothing.  I am always left out of
> >>> the games they are doing and left out of video games and i used to be
> >>> in another day program last year but they didn't do very good at
> >>> getting me playing games because these certain ones were playing the
> >>> card or board games I never got a turn or anything like that.
> >>>
> >>> Also they never gave me chance to know my way around at all they never
> >>> gave me chance to They never  whatever I never used the bathroom while
> >>> there because I didn't feel i could be independent over  independent
> >>> because they were almost treating me differently like you need help
> >>> with this and that type of thing.
> >>> even their vollunteer drivers especially one in particular ansisted on
> >>> putting my seatbelt on but that was only one he put it on before i had
> >>> chance to say anything so when I was coming home and he was doing
> >>> something else i quickly put it on.
> >>>
> >>> So i ended up leaving that particular program.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> People around here really don't want me to help out with stuff  each
> >>> time i mention it to my mom she is like i don't know what to tell you.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> I just feel so alone in my struggles and i hate being so alone in the
> >>> end of advocacy and i know i need to do it probably but i don't know
> >>> how to really build that self confidence when people are not as open
> >>> to me doing things or blind people doing things.
> >>>
> >>> It feels like i am always being watched and stuff.
> >>>
> >>> I don't mind people helping me but when they help me to much just
> >>> because i am blind it can really be over whelming.
> >>>
> >>> I don't know how to use discord I can never get it to work for me and
> >>> i been trying to figure it out on my computer but it is very hard
> >>> because allot of the time i don't know how to make it work and how to
> >>> whatever.  as allot of things are not excessible.
> >>>
> >>> I have a real hard time finding out about events in my area weather it
> >>> is restaurants or web sites not always info is even excessible and miss
> >> stuff.
> >>>
> >>> I had been trying to fix that events thing by having a facebook group
> >>> somebody else helped start but facebook becao became un became the
> >>> option that is out the door because i have not been able to log in for
> >>> whole month because i kept getting error messages like sorry we will
> >>> fix it something went wrong usually it fixed but this time it is that
> >>> way for 4 weeks now or a month i use facebook on my computer so i
> >>> can't access the group on facebook. i even tried resetting passwords
> and
> >> everything so no go.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> On Sat, Aug 10, 2024 at 2:38 AM Ashley Bramlett via Faith-Talk <
> >>> faith-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >>>
> >>>> Hi,
> >>>> That is too bad you did not feel too included as a Christian teenager.
> >>>> Well, its too bad you did not have your mom or family member advocate.
> >>>> It sounds like the adult leaders had misconceptions and did not seek
> >>>> to educate themselves about inclusion and that is real sad.
> >>>>
> >>>> When I was in youth groups, I did most things but not other
> activities.
> >>>> Like you though, I went to because I wanted to be out of the house
> >>>> and my parents just said it was available and I should go like my
> >>>> brothers
> >>> did.
> >>>> I think they told the youth group leaders about sighted guide and to
> >>>> describe things to me such as when they served dinner or snacks to
> >>>> tell me the options before serving me; but not too much else.
> >>>> I was finding myself as a teen like all other teens and did not know
> >>>> all of what I needed but did do some advocating.
> >>>>
> >>>> If the group did sports, I was left out, but for most activities, I
> >>>> went to them. It was a long time ago so I do not even remember what
> >>>> we did. I think we did some prayer, stories, drama, simply
> >>>> socializing, and
> >>> singing.
> >>>> We also had some fun outings and some I attended such as bowling.
> >>>> I have some memories of youth retreats too.
> >>>> The adult leaders did accommodate me sometimes.
> >>>> At the time I did not have a braille Bible so when we did our Bible
> >>>> story time, I think one of the leaders read to me.
> >>>> Much of the retreat was to hang out and talk and have plenty of food.
> >>>> I remember having a good time overall.
> >>>>
> >>>> I think you need to advocate for yourself! Maybe you can find other
> >>>> friends with your same disability to hang out. In my area, there are
> >>>> day programs for people with developmental disabilities so maybe try
> >>>> to find one. If you use a Ipad or Iphone, there are apps to chat
> >>>> with people who share your interests such as the clubhouse app. Oh
> >>>> and there is discord too. Not the same as a real place to hang out
> >>>> but it would give you the connection to talk to people.
> >>>>
> >>>> You can certainly go to adventure activities such as amusement
> >>>> parks, Andrew!
> >>>> In my area there are clubs for that. There is a hiking club and a
> >>>> running club and some others. Maybe try finding a club to do this
> with.
> >>>> Just go sighted guide and have someone tell you the rides they see
> >>>> around and pick some to go on. Its fun.
> >>>>
> >>>> If someone told you that you cannot work with the elderly, that is
> >>>> real discriminatory and you should absolutely not have to bring
> >>>> someone with you to perform that task of being a friendly visitor.
> >>>>
> >>>> Finally, you can certainly do hands on activities. I do not know
> >>>> what is stopping you still. I just think you lack self confidence.
> >>>> So, look for a service project and go for it. Fill out the
> >>>> applications and steps for it and go for it.
> >>>> If they tell you no, go to the head of the organization. If no
> >>>> resolution, if it were me, I'd blast them! I'd go to the media,
> >>>> write letters to the editor about me being barred from serving and
> >>>> working for no money expected, and then get the equivalent of NFB
> >>>> involved. I know you have something like the NFB in Canada
> >>>>
> >>>> I've not done much hands on work and moving around tables and
> >>>> chairs, but I know blind people who did do it. I also have heard of
> >>>> several blind people doing it from NFB articles and lists.
> >>>> You could serve on a house project with the equivalent of Habitat
> >>>> for Humanity. You could serve at a soup kitchen. Some nonprofits
> >>>> here have projects to move in donated furniture and beautify houses
> >>>> and you could do that.
> >>>> I'm sure your country has something similar.
> >>>> Blind people have done these things. Just have someone show you what
> >>>> to do. If its hands on work, that can be done by touching the tools.
> >>>> You could perhaps start by organizing items or participating by
> >>>> handing group members tools or help lifting things assuming you have
> >>>> the strength to do it. For instance, if you are bringing in supplies
> >>>> to repair something in a home, you can help carry it and unload
> >> supplies.
> >>>> If you go on a campfire outing and you want to help get the fire
> >>>> ready, carry the supplies over for it.
> >>>>
> >>>> These service projects are doable and you should not be stopped.
> >>>> I'll send a few links to articles about people serving in ministry
> >>>> to help the homeless and other vonerable populations.
> >>>>
> >>>> I have some vision and use a cane. So,  I have to first tell them a
> >>>> little about what I do not see since I look normal. Sometimes it
> >>>> seems like totally blind people are accepted less. If you have
> >>>> blindisms, like rocking, try to stop. That is off putting to people.
> >>>>
> >>>> It can be done. These articles speak of overcoming the
> >>>> misconceptions other sighted people had but they did it and
> >> participated.
> >>>>
> >>>> HTH,
> >>>> Ashley
> >>>>
> >>>> -----Original Message-----
> >>>> From: Faith-Talk <faith-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of andrew
> >>>> edgcumbe via Faith-Talk
> >>>> Sent: Saturday, August 10, 2024 1:20 AM
> >>>> To: Faith-talk, for the discussion of Blindness in faith and
> >>>> religion < faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
> >>>> Cc: andrew edgcumbe <rollercoasterman86 at gmail.com>
> >>>> Subject: Re: [Faith-Talk] serving and connection
> >>>>
> >>>> I have even asked my mom and stuff about vollunteer opportunities
> >>>> and she has no idea's for me either.
> >>>> I did go to youth groups and stuff earlier and I like Ashley was
> >>>> left out of some activities in fact I was all by myself when they
> >>>> went to play their games in the Gym.
> >>>> They often didn't include me in much but i still went to get out of
> >>>> the house.
> >>>>
> >>>> I also asked some young people to hang with me as well at times and
> >>>> i always found that they just didn't seem to want to and it was like
> >>>> they didn't care to hang with me.
> >>>>
> >>>> People don't seem to want to do much with me I don't know if it is
> >>>> because they trh think they need to help me or they think there is
> >>>> or it is to complicated to hang out with a blind person I just don't
> >>>> know
> >>> what it is.
> >>>>
> >>>> or if it is because people don't want to deal with those with
> >>> disabilities.
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> On Fri, Aug 9, 2024 at 11:45 PM Brian Hatgelakas via Faith-Talk <
> >>>> faith-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >>>>
> >>>>> you said it 100 percent correctly!
> >>>>>
> >>>>> On Fri, Aug 9, 2024 at 11:15 PM Ashley Bramlett via Faith-Talk <
> >>>>> faith-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >>>>>
> >>>>>> Hi,
> >>>>>> It sounds like you are lonely.
> >>>>>> It sounds like you want someone to assist you with walking and
> >>>>>> getting
> >>>>> out
> >>>>>> in the community for fitness participation and social activities.
> >>>>>> I'm going to a church with my dad which is also small and most
> >>>>>> members
> >>>>> are
> >>>>>> older or maybe adults middle age with families.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> I have not exactly asked to serve but I suspect they would be
> >>>>>> fine with most activities. I have considered helping out with
> >>>>>> the youth group.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> I am also seeking a fitness buddy to have nature walks with or
> >>>>>> simple
> >>>>> trail
> >>>>>> walking or tandem biking.
> >>>>>> But, so far I did not find anyone. I asked our nearest chapter
> >>>>>> of
> >>>>> Achilles
> >>>>>> international, dc chapter,
> >>>>>> But did not find anyone; no response yet.
> >>>>>> So, I know what you mean about needing a guide to do activities
> >>>>>> with and finding no one. I can and do exercise alone at a gym
> >>>>>> such as by using the seated bikes or treadmills but I do so much
> >>>>>> desire to do some outside
> >>>>> walks
> >>>>>> or biking and go with someone so I can focus on the walk and
> >>>>>> exercise,
> >>>>> not
> >>>>>> my mobility skills.
> >>>>>> I also want more social connections either from the church or
> >>>> elsewhere.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> It sounds like you have other disabilities given how this is
> >>>>>> written and how you write here. I do not know your full situation.
> >>>>>> I'm just speculating.
> >>>>>> It would be helpful to know what you really mean. So far your
> >>>>>> emails are vague saying that You simply are not accepted and you
> >>>>>> are not finding connections.
> >>>>>> What do you want to do? Some examples? What were some things you
> >>>>>> tried
> >>>>> and
> >>>>>> were rejected from?
> >>>>>> Saying you have lack of opportunity does not tell us much.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> I do not mean to be critical but you have written things like
> >>>>>> this before and it comes up year after year.
> >>>>>> Only by getting specific can we help some.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Writing things like this
> >>>>>> " It is like people have been so hazatant to do anything or to
> >>>>>> support me or help me find those opportunities either as part of
> >>>>>> a church or even ministry and stuff like that."
> >>>>>> Does not say much.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Have you tried finding connections through a community website?
> >>>>>> Here we have www.meetup.com, but I'm not sure you have that.
> >>>>>> I've not used this myself, but I know it's a way to find groups
> >>>>>> to meet
> >>>>> up
> >>>>>> with.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> I do hope you find something. If there is a Christian ministry
> >>>>>> for the blind in Canada where you are, maybe you can help them,
> >>>>>> even if its remotely.
> >>>>>> Here in the USA we have Christian Record Services and Lutheran
> >>>>>> Braille Workers; both are far from my home of VA but I've
> >>>>>> considered trying to do something with them  remotely. Maybe
> >>>>>> writing something or conducting something over a video platform
> >>>>>> like
> >>> zoom.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> You have to educate people about your abilities too. You may not
> >>>>>> be asked to help as they do not know what you can do or how you
> >>>>>> can do it, so do educate them.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Anyways, with more specifics, maybe we can give more suggestions.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Ashley
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> -----Original Message-----
> >>>>>> From: Faith-Talk <faith-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of
> >>>>>> andrew edgcumbe via Faith-Talk
> >>>>>> Sent: Friday, August 9, 2024 10:27 PM
> >>>>>> To: Faith-talk, for the discussion of faith and religion
> >>>>>> <faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
> >>>>>> Cc: andrew edgcumbe <rollercoasterman86 at gmail.com>
> >>>>>> Subject: [Faith-Talk] serving and connection
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Hi
> >>>>>> My name is Andrew for those who don't know me.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> I have just had struggle after struggle with  just being able to
> >>>>>> serve as part of a church body and stuff like that other then
> >>>>>> maybe music and
> >>>>> stuff
> >>>>>> like that.
> >>>>>> To me the experience is they don't know what to do with me
> >>>>>> because of my blindness and stuff like that.
> >>>>>> It is like people have been so hazatant to do anything or to
> >>>>>> support me
> >>>>> or
> >>>>>> help me find those opportunities either as part of a church or
> >>>>>> even ministry and stuff like that.
> >>>>>> The answer I always get is just pray about it while we should do
> >>>>>> that
> >>>>> and i
> >>>>>> been doing that all along but faith should be followed up by
> >>>>>> action to
> >>>>> and
> >>>>>> stuff like that.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> While I don't know other area's speciffically my church is a
> >>>>>> very small church so it is limited but I want to find christian
> >>>>>> ministries who actually let blind people serve even if it is
> >>>>>> from home or some other way.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> The other area is that i have trouble making connections that
> >>>>>> really
> >>>>> foster
> >>>>>> into more then just sunday morning fellowship.
> >>>>>> I have tried to find hiking partners and finding other things.
> >>>>>> i reached out to couple of the other churches for walking
> >>>>>> buddies and
> >>>>> stuff
> >>>>>> like that and just other people whom perhaps i can really make
> >>>>>> connection with from a church to do coffee with or do other
> >>>>>> things with and I don't know they are afraid of the fact i am
> >>>>>> blind I don't
> >>>> know what it is.
> >>>>>> I just been really looking for answers as to what to do with
> >>>>>> myself like
> >>>>> i
> >>>>>> have few people in building i connect with but they have
> >>>>>> disabilities
> >>>>> that
> >>>>>> keep them from doing walks with me or  other adventures I would
> >>>>>> like to
> >>>>> be
> >>>>>> able to go on and stuff like that.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> I struggle making connection through or  church or community
> >>>>>> like I said even a buddy of mine has tried to talk to t others
> >>>>>> about others about walking with me or what not but there is
> >>>>>> great hazatation and never had
> >>>>> any
> >>>>>> luck weather it is walking or ki hiking and stuff like that.  or
> >>>>>> even people to really connect with.
> >>>>>> _______________________________________________
> >>>>>> Faith-Talk mailing list
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> >>>>>> Faith-Talk:
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> >>>>>>
> >>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/faith-talk_nfbnet.org/bookwormah
> >>>>> b%
> >>>>> 40
> >>>>> earthl
> >>>>>> ink.net
> >>>>>> <
> >>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/faith-talk_nfbnet.org/bookwormah
> >>>>> b%
> >>>>> 40
> >>>>> earthlink.net
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> --
> >>>>>> This email has been checked for viruses by AVG antivirus software.
> >>>>>> www.avg.com
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> _______________________________________________
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> >>>>> s%
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> >>>>> gmail.com
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> --
> >>>>> *Brian P. Hatgelakas | *
> >>>>> 318 Washington Road, #212, Pittsburg, PA 15216
> >>>>> C: 412.862.8644  *I* E: bhatgelakas at gmail.com
> >>>>> _______________________________________________
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> >>>>> te
> >>>>> rm
> >>>>> an86%40gmail.com
> >>>>>
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