As we all know, the pandemic has continued to reduce everyone’s ability to go out and visit friends and family. There has been a big change, however,
in that to more people are receiving vaccinations to prevent the spread of
COVID-19. As part of these increased efforts, the Illinois National Guard was
called out to undertake a major effort to organize many new vaccination sites. Because of Faith’s connection to the National Guard via Pastor/Chaplain Buckman, the Asher team was invited to participate by visiting a number of these vaccination sites.
During March, five handlers and I visited four vaccination sites, including:
- Tinley Park Convention Center
- Morton East High School, Cicero
- Triton College, River Grove
- Forest Park (at a former department store)
At these locations, I usually arrived between 11 to 11:30 AM and stayed until 2 PM. My handlers and I visited with two groups: National Guard personnel and people getting vaccinations. For the military, I would meet them in their break room during lunch hour. Due to the number of times I made these visits (seven in March), the military got to know me very well. I
would hear often hear “Asher’s here!”
After meeting the military personnel, I would then go to the area where
people were resting after getting their vaccination. My handlers and I would walk around to say hello to everyone and ask if they wanted to pet me. Of course, 95% of the time, people say yes. Many people would say “thank you” to us for visiting them.
I continued to visit a senior couple who live in Libertyville. We have visited these folks on a number of occasions. The husband is very happy to see and pet me. He is even able to speak a few words to me. During our visits, we have been able to take walks around the neighborhood.
We thank the Lord for providing all these opportunities to reach out to people with the Good News about Jesus.
Be in touch, Peace!
Asher