It's been a while since my last post and things are going well! I have received more offers to buy the car which is exciting. So far having the car here has been great, but traveling and having to fly back to get it has been an annoyance so I am glad to get rid of it.

Today I finished my research on Kudzu vine and I am definitely excited to add it to my pharmacopeia. I collected a rather large sample of the root today which was quite the challenge! These roots get big and robust, grabbing onto and wrapping around rocks and other roots. So pulling them is impossible and they must be dug up. I'm drying it tonight so I can process it into a powder, then tincture it tomorrow. The application of this root is something I've never seen before in another plant; it negates the effects of alcohol and with it, it's allure. Historically it's been used to help alcoholics quit! Having something like this in my arsenal when approaching homeless communities will be awesome!

From my experience and the individuals I've met, homeless often want to quit drinking but rely on it to stave off boredom or loneliness. Honestly that's why most people drink, homeless or not.

In the mountains of North Carolina the situation is getting trickier as the seasons change. The deep soaking of the grounds coupled with dropping temperatures has made it difficult for those without shelter and power to stay warm. Efforts by civilian response groups have made it much more manageable however. I am excited to get up there and provide a warm environment on the bus for people to come and stay throughout the days and nights with my wood stove. It has proven to be highly effective this last winter in Colorado and I'm certain it will hold fast this time aswell.

I do have concerns with outbreaks of disease occurring in these communities still. I understand that this is not my area of expertise but I feel like it's being overlooked through the chaos. It's certainly a concern of mine and I hope others are seeing this as a potential issue aswell. The country is currently in an IV bag shortage due to the loss of a production facility in North Carolina aswell. There is also the possibility of a solar flare disrupting internet connection to select parts of the nation. I worry that the impact of this would be greater than most consider possible.

But of course the sun will always rise tomorrow. Worry certainly influences my decision making but I know in the end I'll be okay. I am still planning on leaving at the beginning of November if all goes smoothly. Remember to help thy neighbor folks, they're all we can truly rely on in times of need.

Ex pulvere venimus: We Come From Dust

Genesis 3:19