Have you ever felt that you were absolutely, positively meant to do something?

Maybe it was a university degree, a job or career, a marriage, a calling, a commitment to a cause or group of people. Then a little way down the road on this absolute, positive “yes” you have said…the road gets rough? The wind and waves whip up, and almost overnight you doubt you were ever meant to be on this path, because let’s face it…it has simply become too hard. It no longer looks like it was meant to be, it looks bleak and difficult and stormy and sometimes the obstacles look insurmountable.

There is not a single high calling that does not require some grit to stay the course. I believe it says somewhere that trials will develop perseverance and maturity (translated as grit) in us, and to count them as a joy when we encounter them. Tough times develop our character, meaning our faithfulness, our ability to commit, our peace and love in the face of suffering, our patience and kindness, our empathy for others, as well as knocking off the rough edges that require some refining in all of us.

A word of warning though, if we aren’t careful, tough times can also develop in us anger, bitterness, resentment and negative mindsets that are difficult to shake.

These too can become part of our character. I think the key lies in “counting it all joy” as we embrace (rather than run from) the opportunity to grow. When we grow, we are then equipped to cope when the next storm blows up (because it will) and we find ourselves continuing the path we were called to, achieving the things we were called to, remaining faithful to the things and people we knew within our bones we were committing to, and becoming wise and strong people in the process.

We become part of the strength of a community when we become the kind of people that others know will stay the course. People that can be relied upon, trusted with precious things. We grow into elders that carry wisdom etched within the deep lines on our faces. Our community needs elders like this to teach the younger ones the beauty of perseverance and commitment and to model a life filled with all the things that matter most, that have been hard won through gritty steadfastness.

Meg

Hi Salt Family,

Salt hosted another Wild Hearts youth program on the 3rd and 4th of October. We had such a blast with the kids at Sassafras Nuts. The two days were organised for youth at risk in the Shoalhaven with the aim of providing a rich experience where young people can grow personally, connect with a safe community, and learn new skills. It’s a wonderful initiative and we’re so thankful to God for all the ways that he’s blessed the program.

The theme for this event was ‘treasure!’ and there were many treasures that the kids were able to take home. Eli Fajardo taught everyone how to sharpen stones to make bush spears and axes, Brittany Hedrick facilitated flower pressing and key ring knotting, Meg led the kids in flower arranging, and Steve Winter ran a Bonsai making workshop. There were lots to keep us busy and the animals are always a big hit as well. Richie Butler ran horse engagement sessions where the kids were able to learn about these beautiful animals and enjoy patting, feeding, leading and brushing them. Boss Hog is a huge pig and it was also great to see him, Snout, and the piglets!

On the final day we informed the kids about local bush rangers that once lived at the property many years ago (the mythical Reddell Raiders). We told the story (not a true one) of their buried treasure that had never been found in all those years. We gave the kids a map that provided enough orienteering clues for the teams to navigate their way around the property, find the location where the treasure was buried, and then dig it up with spades.

It was all a lot of fun, but even more valuable than the treasure were the times that we sat around the fire, talking, getting to know each other better and eating delicious food (thank you Chloe Dover). Every Wild Hearts we are privileged to meet and enjoy time with new friends who become a part of the Wild Hearts community.

We are so happy with how it all went, and we really appreciate everyone that was involved. The kids, the leaders, and all the support workers that made the day possible. A big thank you to everyone and to God who provides all we need in reaching out to the community and journeying with others.

Peace and Love from Meg, Steve and the Wild Hearts team.

Safe Shelter

With Christmas just around the corner it's hard not to think of the people we provide food and shelter to. To not feel grateful for the little things in our life which we may take for granted sometimes.

Our amazing volunteers have touched the lives of hundreds, if not thousands of people in the life of Safe Shelter. Whether it be providing a hot meal for someone who would otherwise not eat, or giving shelter to someone who might not have a warm bed, or even just providing a pair of ears to listen to the troubles weighing on our guests. These things which could mean so little to us, but could mean the world to the one receiving these gifts.

I would like to say a huge thank you to the staff and students from Nowra Anglican College who came and revamped our vegetable gardens. They were in a sorry state and now, thanks to the hard-working kids of NAC, we have 3 gardens well on the way to be used for the meals provided at the shelter.

Assisted Housing

With now over 40 properties in our portfolio, Salt is working harder than ever to provide support to the most vulnerable in our community. In addition to providing a house to the clients on our program we also provide ongoing support with medical appointments, mental health support, financial counselling, and assistance with moving forward to independent living (plus much more!).

As we begin to wrap the year up it warms my heart to see the progress and determination of the people being supported throughout our program. The sheer resilience of each and every one of them is a blessing to be a part of.

As you can imagine with over 40 properties, there is some cleanup to be expected. If anyone would like to donate some waste vouchers, please contact Daniel on 0413 054 226.

Temporary Accommodation

Salt is now operating 3 temporary accommodation properties, providing up to 16 people with food and Shelter every night of the year.

We have a dedicated Men's house, Womens house and our ex-BNB which is able to provide a room for men/women/families.

This accommodation is paid for by the government and allows up to assist clients with trying to find somewhere longer term.

Daniel

We hosted our annual Volunteer Thank you Lunch on Saturday 26th October with approx. 90 of our wonderful volunteers in attendance at the Worrigee Sports Centre where they were celebrated with great gusto. The volunteers of Salt stretch across so many areas including the Shelter, the Salt Store, The Warehouse, Sundays at Salt with cooking teams, worship teams, kids church teams, bus driving teams. We have volunteer teams who pick up and rescue food, pack shelves, unpack trucks, pack hampers, deliver hampers, sort and distribute clothing, clean, cook, take care of vulnerable people, play music, care for children and on and on. The volunteers are literally the backbone of Salt and we are incredibly grateful to each and every one of them.

Thank you!

Meg and Pete Dover

If you would like to partner with Salt by setting up a regular direct debit so that Salt can continue to do all the amazing work in our community that would be amazing.

Salt Care
BSB: 062 585
ACC: 10949687
* All donations to Salt Care are tax deductible 

Or you can donate directly using the button below.