Meet bonnie

Meet the beautiful Bonnie. Our friendship began when I spotted her walking with her dog—named Dog!—down the sidewalk near the interstate in our hometown. I happened to also be walking one of my loops around town and I stopped to chat for a while. 

Sadly, I did not have my Kindness Cards collection with me, so I called my wife Kodi and she drove over to meet us in a nearby parking lot.

Bonnie knows she would be considered homeless, but she’s not in the traditional sense. She’s living this life entirely by choice, and she’s not looking for a house, apartment, or shelter, she’s looking for a place to belong.

She’s looking for home.

Bonnie explained that she’s been traveling for nearly a decade seeking friends and fellowship along the way. She knows many people assume she’s a Mennonite, but she’s not. Bonnie is following her own spiritual path, and she loves elements of all Christian churches. 

Her goal? 

To draw closer to Jesus through a simple, refined life, and to find a community and home where she’s not judged for her past, for being different, and for not checking all the typical Christian boxes.

Kodi and I discovered that Bonnie was planning to walk to a small town in North Carolina where she once lived. She has a safe place to camp there off the beaten path, and she believes she might still know a few people in the area.

Bonnie did not ask for food, a ride, or money. All she sought was fellowship.

As she explained that she’s happy to walk long distances each day, depending on the weather, I was looking at my calendar and trying to determine if I could drive her a few miles closer.

But before I could even offer, Kodi suggested I take her 60 miles south to Staunton, and it immediately felt right. 

My son Kason tagged along, and we had so much fun getting to know her on the way. Bonnie’s laugh is absolutely contagious, and we probably did more laughing than talking.

When we arrived in Staunton, Kason and I took her to Walmart and with your funds, we purchased some much-needed food, meds, and even a small treat that made her smile. Like all other recipients, she was so thankful for your kindness.

Thanks to a dear friend in the area—thank you, Kris!—we got a discounted rate to check her into a Marriott that allows pets. I was so thankful to have excess funds from our Leadership Circle to get her out of the heat for a few days.

We said goodbye (pictured), gave her a hug, and made our way home.

Four days later I woke up thinking about Bonnie and wondering what would be next for her. I reached out to the hotel and learned she’d checked out that morning and was seen by an employee walking with Dog down the highway. (It was 250 East, for the curious locals.)

Off I went. Not for me, but for this movement. I did exactly what you would have done!

I drove back to Staunton, got off the interstate, and headed down the highway. It took a bit of hunting, but I spotted her walking along, her sweet face covered in smiles and sweat.

When I hopped out of my car, we just beamed at each other. “Want a ride to North Carolina?” I asked.

“Are you sure?” she pressed. “Please, yes, but only if you’re sure.”

I reminded her about the Kindness Card Movement and explained how it would fund the gas and whatever she needed when we arrived in North Carolina. 

Our day together was unforgettable!

She talked about a challenging childhood, years in an orphanage in the south, teen pregnancy with a much older man, and the eventual passing of her two sons. Their deaths, unrelated to one another, were startling and tragic. 

Think of it. Bonnie was an orphan as a child, and is once again alone in the world. No family, no network of support, no one to call.

When we arrived at her destination in North Carolina, she asked me to leave her in a part of town she was very familiar with. I offered some additional help, but she insisted she would lean on local resources and her sense of self-reliance for whatever comes next. She at least accepted some Walmart cards, but knowing Bonnie, I suspect she will pay those forward.

It was so surreal to stand next to my car and watch her and Dog walk away. They moved methodically, eyes up, everything they own on her back.

The truth? I didn’t see Bonnie walking away as much as I saw a poor disciple. But she’s not really looking for food or lodging. She’s looking for so much more.

That’s the magic and miracle of this movement!

Yes, people are fed. Sure, they often get a Visa gift card or trip to a drug store. Sometimes they even get a ride to North Carolina.

But as I made the long journey home, I knew it wasn’t about the ride. It was all about the fellowship. When Bonnie tells our story, I bet she won’t mention the food or nights in a hotel, 

instead she will probably share the joy we felt spending time together as equals. 

Just two Christians looking for friendship and fellowship on our way home.

And as always, it’s thanks to you.