A Beacon on a Hill

Finding light in the dark times

From October 2022 to July 2023, I found myself on a unique journey, diving into the world of hotshot trucking. The idea seemed promising: using a pickup with a flatbed trailer to deliver goods directly from point A to point B without the delays of consolidation. It promised efficiency and scalability, but the reality turned out differently.

The venture proved to be a huge bust for many reasons, not the least of which was the financial burden. I spent weeks at a time on the road, sleeping mostly in truck stops, as I crisscrossed the country from coast to coast. This lifestyle gave me plenty of time to think and write, and one thing that consistently provided a sense of hope and comfort was the sight of a red heart shining in the night: Love’s Truck Stops.

Day after day, month after month, I sought out these oases on the highway. Love’s was always clean, had WiFi, and offered reliable food options. That bright red heart became a symbol of hope for me. There were many times when payments for my services were delayed, and if I didn’t get paid by Friday, the wait until Monday felt endless. I learned to make do with $20-$50 over the weekend, while making sure all the needs were met for the family at home, getting my clothes washed, a hot shower, hanging out in the driver’s lounge if available, and settling in for the night with other truckers, my pup by my side, relying on my truck’s heater or air conditioning to stay comfortable.

This experience reminded me of the power of a beacon in times of need. Matthew 5:14-16 speaks to this:

“A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Just as Love’s was a beacon of hope for me during those long journeys, my hope is that Kids Cove can become a beacon of light for families now. Fostering is hard work filled with ups and downs, and respite care can be the beacon of hope that many families need to keep going. We are committed to making this a reality for those families, and we invite you to join us in this effort. Together, we can make a difference and provide the support that foster families need.