.We determined what our signature flower would be which identified us as a producer for the Habitat For Humanity Nursery. That nursery was established at my mentors’ facility. Our contribution, a perennial Hybrid Hibiscus. This plant would grow every year in our Northern climate. and would not have to be replanted. We had been growing them at our facility for over a three year experimental period. We learned much in the process and were able to decorate the level 1 and level 2 yards with them. They became the focal point of our landscape and donations. My mentor was happy to receive them for their nursery and he felt they were great landscape plants for Habitat For Humanity homes. My students were happy to grow them not always knowing what color they would be once propagated. I informed them that GOD was the artist and He would determine the colors. They smiled at that and quizzed me on my faith. I informed them that by His grace go I. The bad decisions I was making on a regular basis as a wild teenager could of landed me here. I was fortunate not to get caught. They laughed. I informed them that picking colors wasn’t all that He can do. They should try Him sometime. They may be surprised.
.The man we were growing these flowers for is a big proponent of His compassion, and understanding. I actually got to see our ex president Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn walk down 25th street and Martin Luther King boulevard passing out bibles to the new Habitat for Humanity home buyers. I was invited by my mentor to participate in the “Blitz Build.” We were coordinating the landscaping. The prison Horticulture programs had grown trees, bushes, and perennials which were purchased by the home owners. We coordinated their delivery and planting. It was a major undertaking as 35 homes were constructed in a two week period hence the term, “Blitz Build” was most appropriate. I has a great experience there. The vacant lot we were staging the landscaping in had a number of mature mulberry trees that were full of fruit. When the neighborhood children found out that they could be eaten, I had stiff competition to see who could pick and eat the most mulberries. It wasn’t fair as they climbed the trees and picked handfuls of mulberries tossing them to their waiting friends. Better than candy.
.The secret service was always present at this build. You could tell because they wore headsets and they made sure the area was safe before our former president and wife entered it. He was genuine as was his wife. They shook all our hands, thanked us for volunteering and wanted to know what we thought of this “Blitz Build.” I found them to be the real deal and he blessed us for helping upon leaving. The noon bell went off and we were ushered to a large tented area were dignitaries from all walks of life ate with the likes of me and my peasant friends a most discernable lunch menu consisting of hotdogs, potato chips and pop. Listening to the laughter, and conversation made me aware that this was both a spiritual and uplifting experience for the participants. I was glad for the invitation to share in this unique camaraderie. After lunch we finished delivering our plants to the individual houses for planting. It made me feel good knowing the Prison Build and Horticulture Programs were being represented here as well as all of our students efforts in the final product, a well built home fully landscaped. I took pictures to share with them when I returned to my classroom. To Be Continued…. <Matthew 6: 25-34>
MJ-Way 