Greetings and a fun-filled fall H.O.M.E. Family!

This year, while celebrating the remarkable completion of H.O.M.E.’s 7^th Anniversary, I was also blessed to experience the coming of fall in a way that I could’ve never imagined.  You see, just before the pandemic shutdown in March of 2020, my bestie invited me to join her for the live after show at the Oscar’s in Los Angeles.  She also secured tickets to the Kelly Clarkston Show and a few others.  Our finale was landing in the audience of a game show that many of us know and love.  But, never in a million years did I expect to hear this famous phrase, “Carolyn Watson Come on Down… You’re the Next Contestant on The Price Is Right!”  As if that wasn’t enough, playing and ultimately winning the showcase, which included a first class trip to Morocco, truly made our girl’s get-a-way worthwhile!

With yet another COVID surge calling the shots, I had no idea when this trip would ever be possible.  So I prayed, waited and trusted that in fall 2021, I’d shake-off the fear and travel to see a whole new world.  Sweet September finally rolled around, wheels up and off to Paris on this luxury aircraft and into North Africa.  Greeted by the locals was this breath-taking hotel, Raid Kniza, in the heart of the capital of Marrakech, Morocco.  Every day, as I walked through the passageway leading to open markets of meats, breads, gains, spices, hand-made shoes, carpets and beautiful crafts I couldn’t help but to shrink inwardly in humility.   

Amid Morocco’s many mosques, museums and stunning terrain, many of us will never know what it’s like to live among piles of trash, meager economic conditions, contaminated food and water, and lack the privilege of our children being educated in school.  It was these images that kept me awake at night and made me long to do something—anything!  Every night, I counted out my dirham to set aside currency for the needy.  To children playing in the alley I gave each what was equivalent to only two dollars in American money.  Contagious smiles of joy and gratitude washed over their innocent, grimy, lovable little faces that literally broke my heart.  Oh how I yearned to do more; beating myself up daily after running out of enough coins to spare.  My kindness was intentional and I waited for those golden moments that moved me to simply—give.

Acts of goodwill is H.O.M.E.’s way of remembering all those who made 7 years possible.  I am especially thankful for my amazing husband, Leotis, who’s been my inspiration for working on greatness for 36 years.  I’m also forever grateful to my awesome sister, Carolyn Tolbert, who’s been an “all-weather” friend serving tirelessly alongside me daily to fulfill the mission of H.O.M.E.  In closing, I implore each of you to be mindful that whether its right in your community, or thousands of miles outside the USA, the underprivileged are ever among us and essential kindness is—Golden.

As always… lovingly and graciously yours,

Carolyn A. Watson
 

 

Pearl of the Quarter

Ms. Amber Brown is a 27-year-old single mother born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.  In 2020, she transition to Atlanta with her sight set on starting life anew.  “I wasn’t happy and I needed a new atmosphere.” Amber expressed.  After suffering the loss of her dear mother, who gave birth to Amber at the tender age of seventeen, then passed away from blood pressure complications in the prime of her life at age thirty-two, Amber recalls how difficult this was.  “My dad was around, but I was raised by a single mother who was my best friend and confidant—we had an excellent relationship,” she spoke highly of her mom.  Subsequently, Amber and her three younger siblings moved in with their maternal grandmother.  However, she too, endured many health problems and passed away several years later at the age sixty-two.

After losing these two very important women in her life, Amber petitioned for custody of her sister and brother, Aniyah (age 16) and Jadiss (age 15), while raising a charming son of her own, Willie (age 6).  “I have high expectations for them because it all starts at home; the world is big and I want them to know they can talk to me about anything,” she stated.  Spending valuable time with her mother and grandmother produced an “old soul” in this caring and determined young woman who works as a licensed and registered Pharmacy Technician.  She is positive and wise beyond her years.  And it was refreshing to see, that in the midst of struggle, sacrifice and so much responsibility, she is still focused, strong and courageous.  Its mothers like Amber that reminds us here at H.O.M.E. that our work is not in vain.  Starting over from scratch with absolutely nothing has certainly made her journey one to be applauded.

“What inspires me every day is to rise above the stigmas we carry of racism, division, and lack of love.  I have a choice and a voice, and whatever my parents didn’t do, I can break the cycle…” she affirmed.  Amber’s story is truly a stepping-stone in the right direction for other young mothers who have also suffered loss and hardship.  “Without faith there’s nothing—somebody sees you—so don’t give up!”  Amber encouraged.  She also added, “Always praise God, give Him honor and seek knowledge from Him.”  We asked Ms. Brown how it feels to now have a furnished home.  Gratefully, she warmly smiled and offered three simple but meaningful words… “I Am Elated.”

On Behalf of
The H.O.M.E. Team
Congratulations 
Amber Brown
for Being Our Pearl of the Quarter