Giving a stranger a place to stay
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (325854)
Rockingham, Australia
May 29, 2018 3:42am CST
My husband and I have so much to be thankful for. We are happy with each other and while not wealthy, we have a car and caravan and are able to do some travelling both in our own country, Australia, and overseas. Our sons are good to us and we have quite good health.
We are travelling at the moment and we’ve left the house empty with just the neighbour calling in from time to time to make sure all is well. We turned off the power and water before we left. Now they have emailed to say that the neighbour on the other side is being abused by her husband, though I don’t think physically, and is desperate for a place to stay. Our nearest neighbour has asked if the woman might be able to stay in our house till we return.
I am in two minds as if I’d known someone might move in while we’re away I would probably have left things a bit more spotless. I’ve met the lady who is looking for somewhere to stay but don’t know her well. Anyway we’ve agreed to her moving in. As I said we have so much to be thankful for, it would seem petty to say no.
The photo was taken near Fraser Range in outback Western Australia.
27 people like this
30 responses
@Jessabuma (31700)
• Baguio, Philippines
29 May 18
Ohh I am hoping that they will never abuse your kindness..
I will also let strangers stay to my home if I am also there otherwise I also think twice
4 people like this
@Jessabuma (31700)
• Baguio, Philippines
29 May 18
@JudyEv Ohh that's nice. I hope everything will be okay
2 people like this
@epiffanie (11326)
• Australia
29 May 18
I would be a bit anxious to let someone in house while we're away .. I hope this lady won't abuse your kindness and generosity .. I hope she respect your privacy by not entertaining guests in your house while you're away ...
..
3 people like this
@JudyEv (325854)
• Rockingham, Australia
29 May 18
We will be speaking to her on the phone within a day or two. We will make it clear that if her young adult son visits he is not to shoot our kangaroos. I know he likes to go shooting on their own property. They have 60 acres down the road from us.
3 people like this
@epiffanie (11326)
• Australia
30 May 18
@JudyEv That’s good .. Do people need permits to hunt or shoot kangaroos around there?..
Do they hunt for meat? It would be terrible to do it just for fun..
That’s a massive property.. She could build her own little house on the land away from the husband.. But I know it’s easier said than done...
..
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325854)
• Rockingham, Australia
30 May 18
@epiffanie There is already a second house on the property which is rented out. A house on her property would have to be 100 metres from the native bush which is on three sides of their 60 acres so as you say it is easier said than done. You don't need a licence to hunt - just permission from the land-owner. But actually I think it's illegal to shoot kangaroos.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325854)
• Rockingham, Australia
29 May 18
It was clean and tidy but I can't really remember just how clean and tidy! 
But I'm sure she'll be thankful just to get out of her present circumstances. She has no money and is having a hard time getting social security payments. Once that is sorted she will have an income of sorts.
But I'm sure she'll be thankful just to get out of her present circumstances. She has no money and is having a hard time getting social security payments. Once that is sorted she will have an income of sorts.1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325854)
• Rockingham, Australia
29 May 18
I feel sure it will be okay. Our neighbours have said they will take responsibility for the lady.
@snowy22315 (170019)
• United States
30 May 18
Hmmm, I hope it all works out..I might be a little leery of that..but hopefully the friend that requested she stay there can vouch for her.
1 person likes this
@Orson_Kart (6114)
• United Kingdom
29 May 18
That's very kind of you. I always knew you were a good sort. Don't think I could do that, unless she was a foxy chick. 
1 person likes this
@Orson_Kart (6114)
• United Kingdom
30 May 18
@JudyEv Shame I don't live a bit closer. I could have offered to keep an eye on her for you. I mean it (your house)
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325854)
• Rockingham, Australia
29 May 18
Our other neighbours are watching as you say so we are happy that nothing unfortunate will happen.
@JamesHxstatic (29242)
• Eugene, Oregon
30 May 18
You are so considerate, @JudyEv! The thing that would worry me is the abusive husband coming to look for her and vandalizing or breaking in to your house. I hope all remains well.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (325854)
• Rockingham, Australia
30 May 18
She seemed to have such a good life. She is attractive and outgoing. I don't know her well but I always feel a bit inferior around her but here she is, very unhappy and stressed and it just made me realise how lucky I am. Things aren't always what they seem, are they?
1 person likes this
@maximax8 (31053)
• United Kingdom
30 May 18
I know exactly how you feel because if you had known this would occur your house would have looked spotless. It is lovely that you do know the lady. She will probably take very good care of your house until you return. I wonder where she will go when you go back home. Don't let this situation bother you. You deserve to continue to enjoy your trip.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325854)
• Rockingham, Australia
30 May 18
Thanks. Yes, I'm sure she'll take care of the place. We won't be home till at least the middle of July so hopefully she'll be sorted by then.
@DeborahDiane (40056)
• Laguna Woods, California
29 May 18
@JudyEv - That is so kind of you. Even though she is not being abused physically, without someplace to go, that could change and the man could accelerate his behavior. I'm glad you can provide her with a safe place to stay. Enjoy your travels!
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
29 May 18
Wow. Bless your kind soul. Giving that lady a place to live while you're away. I would have a hard time trusting someone.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
30 May 18
@JudyEv Bless you both for being so kind. Nah, I'm afraid I'm just paranoid at times
1 person likes this
