With a daughter having congenital lymphedema and the New England winters contributing to colds and flu, they needed a drier and warmer climate. Carl said New Mexico fit the bill.

According to www.medterms.com, congenital lymphedema is a condition present at birth in which excess lymph fluid collects in tissues and causes swelling (or edema) in them. Congenital lymphedema is due to a (birth) defect of the lymphatic system.

However, when no work or affordable housing were quickly forthcoming, the family was forced to resort to a homeless shelter.

The two months or thereabouts from Dec. 2001 through Jan. 2002 are permanently etched in Carl's mind.

Carl told me by e-mail, "We stayed at Joy Junction ... with our four children. It was a hard time and we were embarrassed to be there, but we ultimately grew from that experience."

His wife and kids were understandably frightened. In addition, the embarrassment of being homeless led to withdrawal from family and friends.

I asked Carl what sort of help he got from the church in the days surrounding his family's homelessness.

He said while churches would offer food and prayer, they didn't realize you needed gas for cooking, electricity for refrigeration, and somewhere to sleep that was safe.

Carl's next comments were tragically sad. He said, "After they found out about the homelessness they acted like we did something sinful to be homeless- sort of like God punishing us. Homelessness is not God punishing for sin, but life events that when choices are incorrect, or resources are lost, causes a chain of events that eat away at the remaining resources or choices until the basic necessities are lost."

Carl said his extended family wasn't much more helpful to them. He said when they heard that he and his wife and children were in a homeless shelter they were "angry and confused, blameful, (even) harsh sometimes in their words."

Carl added, "We certainly didn't choose to be homeless. The cost of living and inadequate jobs available ate away our resources until we had no choice."

I asked Carl to tell me the family's experiences in the days immediately prior to him making the call to Joy Junction.

He said, "A few days before we decided this was what we would have to do, we argued and were very emotional. The kids were scared and confused. We called for directions, and when we got there it was unnerving since we had never visited a shelter before."

I wondered how they felt when they were for the first time coming up our driveway. He said, "Like we were going into a prison or institution. We were fearful that some agency might take our kids."

I was curious how Carl's wife felt during this difficult and tumultuous period during their lives. He said, "She felt ashamed and afraid all the time because of very little privacy. We worried about the children and their safety because sometimes bad people look to harm children. I think the family dorms helped but people still wander."

I asked Carl what he would like people to know about the experience of homelessness. He said, "That any one of us could be homeless at anytime. An accident, illness, or job loss could easily cause this to happen. When (or if) it does, don't be afraid to utilize the resources of good shelters like Joy Junction to get back on your feet. The (most scary) fact about homelessness ... is there are not enough good places nationwide to help."

I wondered what was the most difficult thing for Carl and his family during this time. He said, "The realization that we had no other safe choice other than a homeless shelter."

However, things began to turn around for Carl when in Jan. 2002 he landed a job at a telephone call center in Rio Rancho. After six months, Carl told me, he started a handyman business to allow him more flexible hours, as his daughter was in and out of hospital.

But the family's difficulties weren't over yet. In Oct 2002, Carl injured his back while rebuilding a home and was forced to rely on welfare. Determined not to lapse into depression and self-pity, Carl said he decided to help others.

He said, "I volunteered to compile all the phone number for NM Resources into a directory to provide contact information of all agencies helping people in New Mexico. This was named 'The Community Resource Guide.'"

In 2003, Carl enrolled in Central New Mexico Community College studying to be a paralegal. He said he earned a 3.6 GPA. In 2008, Carl transferred to the University of New Mexico where he hopes to earn a law degree. He would like to find a way to use his education to help protect the rights of low income families. Although he has a GPA of 3.88, he had to withdraw in spring 2010 due to a difficult-to-manage back injury.

Carl admitted that with his physical difficulties things haven't been easy, but said there's a payoff when he reaches out to others.

He said, "I am motivated when someone in need is helped; it brings me joy and more motivation."

Despite these difficulties, Carl said he is determined to complete his education and earn his degree.

Carl said, "What doesn't kill us only makes us stronger. Adversity is common to all men but what is uncommon is the response to adversity. Some choose drugs or alcohol to try and escape their circumstances. I chose to learn from the experience and push forward- and most importantly never quit!"

I appreciate Carl allowing me to tell his story. It was a great encouragement to hear from someone who stayed at Joy Junction so many years ago. I hope that it will be the encouragement to you it was to me.