As the title implies, I spent the weekend volunteering at the Gospel Mission in Kelowna. Saturday I worked in the Helping Hands Thrift Store, and today, Sunday, I worked in the kitchen next door. The kitchen is located under a men's hostel, and served dinner to about 100 homeless, and poverty stricken, men, woman and even children. It was an experience I will never, ever forget.
On Saturday I saw generosity in action when people dropped off bags of unwanted clothing, toys and even furniture so that it could be sold to those who cannot afford anything else. Nice clothing for about $2 and usually not more than $10. I helped sort cloths and clean the store, and it felt good.
But nothing could have prepared me for today when I went down to the kitchen after church. I went to the back and met Janelle, who is in charge of preparing dinner this week. She's a first arts student at UBCO, and she set me in charge of cutting and buttering buns so that we could make sloppy joes.
A small group joined us, three teenagers and two ladies, who all go to Trinity as well. Together we made up a plate of cookies, Cinnamon buns, and tarts for Patrick to take out to the people who were already arriving. Janice asked if all the people coming tonight were homeless, and we were given the following answer.
"Not everyone who comes here is homeless. Some just have to chose between rent and food. They choose to pay rent, and come here for food. And some live in the hostel up stairs."
Chose between rent and food. Between being homeless and starving. How do you make that choice? I guess because of places like the Gospel Mission, the choice is a little easier, and it's the choice most make. But can you imagine having to make that choice. Think about that next time you drop $5 on a latte. "I can either have this, or a home."
So we made 150 buns for sloppy joes, made three tubs of salads, three huge trays of mashed potatoes and the meat and vegetable mix for the sloppy joes. For two hours we worked around the kitchen. At one point we were ahead of schedule and I was asked to do some cleaning in the back so that the kitchen could run more efficiently other days as well.
At 4:30 we were asked to get ready, form an assembly line and be a little quieter. Jamie was leading devotionals and prayer. Then there was a knock at the big window, which we opened, and the people started lining up. Within half an hour we had served probably 70 people. I was fighting back tears. There were men my grandfather's age, women who reminded me of my mother, young men and women who were probably no older than me. They had come here in search of what? Better lives? Money? Homes? Education? The paradise the Okanagan is supposed to be? Now they were living in constant survival mode, many on the street layered under coats, toques, mittens and boots.
A lady walked past me and asked if she could have an extra bowl of potatoes for her granddaughter. A peak over the counter suggested the little girl was no older than my sister, meaning probably 9 or 10. Of course we gave it to her. A little while later the girl came back and held up a younger girl, probably 4 or 5, who smiled brightly at us.
"She would like to know if you have any candy."
We didn't. I didn't even have any stashed in my purse I could share.
But smiles started to greet us as some of the people left. They thanked us and told us it was good. We ran out of salad and still there were people coming. They lined up and enjoyed the food and coffee. The room smelt of cigarettes and dirt, but also of a home cooked meal. Something we all too often take for granted.
Food. Real food, that we can live off of.
I saw faces I recognized from the thrift store yesterday. They smiled at me and sat down around the big plastic tables.
An atheist would ask "so, where is your God for these people?" and I think for once I know the answer. God was right there, standing beside these people, saying to them that there was hope and there were people who cared about them. God was standing in the kitchen guiding the hands, and more importantly, the hearts of all the people who were cooking, cleaning and preparing and planning. He was smiling at those who have given a huge part of their lives to helping those who need it the most.
Where is my God? He is pouring out his love on the people who need him more than anything. So he doesn't snap his almighty fingers and give them the world. Instead he moves the hearts, minds, hands and feet of willing (and sometimes not so willing) Christians to go and do their part. We are on mission here, and all over the world, loving on those who need it more than we do.
I got in my nice warm car at the end of the night, and in my rear view mirror watched people I'd served only moments before walk into the cold night. Some live on these streets.
Doug, who sometimes does dishes for the Mission, lived on the streets for years, he now lives in the hostel. I've never heard someone so happy to have gained 80 pounds. Yes, gained 80 pounds. He told me he had stopped drinking, and he'd never done coke. He was proud if that, that he hadn't done the drugs. He admitted he was apparently a bad judge of character, but he loved the people at the church he went to.
He wanted a bible from Janelle, because everyone else at the church had one.
"I wasn't sure," he told me, "if it was like AA, where you had to earn stuff, or had to go for a certain amount of time first. I'm new at this, so I didn't know. But when the guy is talking, and everyone knows what he's saying, and I want to know it too."
He told me how the church people were great. They were nice. They took care of him. He chatted on happily about going from 90lbs when he first got here, to 170 now. He had a smile that filled the room.
And the room was full. Full of life, and laughter even. But more than that it was filled with stories. The guys counted the plates as they washed them. Last I heard was 104.
One hundred and four stories in that room. Stories of lives broken, dreams shattered and hope lost.
One hundred and four stories that are all the evidence you need of a broken world. All the ammo you need to make this bleeding heart cry.
So where was my God tonight? He was feeding 104 people in the Gospel Mission.
Every man in that room is somebody's son. Every woman was once a little girl. Every person there once was, and some still are, a child. All they need is to be treated with dignity and respect, to be loved on and cared for. They are God's children now, and they always will be. He loves them, and moves us to help them. God didn't create the homeless person, he created the Christian to help them.
For the first time I'll quote my favourite verse. Micah 6:8 "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Of count downs and snowy days
You learn some interesting things about people in several different ways. As a friend once said, "if you want to learn 23 interesting things with me, spend a day with me."
Look in their eyes, listen to their conversations (preferably with you), look at what they wear, what they eat, and what they post as their Facebook statuses.
In their eyes you will see their soul. When they say the eyes are the window to the soul, they don't lie. I look in people's eyes and see the compassion, or the stubbornness, or the joy, or the sadness that's there.
If we listen to them talk, and more importantly, we understand what they are saying, we learn so much about our friends.
What they wear and what they eat may show their morals, their upbringing, and their perspective on their self. Are they vegetarians that only wear natural fibers? Do they have a strict religious diet or clothing? Are they the kind of people who refuse to wear brand names, or wear them only? These things can speak to us.
But facebook? What could you possibly learn from facebook?
As the title of this suggests, a lot. I like reading my friend's status updates because it lets me know the current weather back in Calgary where my friends continuously complain (or rejoice) about the cold and the snow.
Then there are the countdowns too. My friends are not always considerate enough to put what they are counting down to, but just putting things like "3 days!" Usually a little research concludes that it is a trip or a birthday or something to that effect. If not, you just have to wait until the status that tells you that "the day has come! It's..." and fill in the blank.
Quite often it is exams or school that cause the most distress. I see a lot of my friends are in university now and are doing the "one down, three to go" with their exams. Although I do love the ones that talk of burning their text books now that the class is done. Might I suggest selling the text books back, and burning the homework instead? It's a little more economic that way.
So, of count downs and snowy days.
On facebook I have friends from several walks of life, and from several regions, include a few from California who would probably die of shock if they saw the temperature in Calgary right now. I have friends in New York and England who have radically different weather than we do. The couple in England tend to complain more about rain than the cold, and I often have to remind myself of the time difference when they state they are having a beer, and it's only noon here in BC.
These statuses though show a lot about a person. For example, I know some of my friends adore the snow, and some would rather it be beautiful and sunny all the time. Some don't mind the cold, and some avoid it at all costs. There is my Dad who prefers the cold to the snow because "you don't have to shovel cold".
The countdowns show what's important to people. Also, how well they can count. We all count down to monumental occasions, such as birthdays and holidays, but would everyone please stop counting down the days until Christmas? That's the one holiday we all know is coming, but are never ready for. Although I am done wrapping 50% of my presents, the other 50% are not yet purchased...
I like to think there is a purpose to this, but really it's just to make a casual observation about how much we base our knowledge of our friends off Facebook. I for one would never know when any one's birthday is if it weren't for the handy bar that tells me about up coming birthdays. Facebook sends me emails saying that in the next couple weeks these people are having birthdays and you should probably get them something.
Oh!
A quick check of facebook has granted me one more type of status I love, the quotes. I did one the other day, quoting a fictional character, but it was deep none the less. I have friends that probably 60% of their facebook status updates contain a quote or song lyrics. Want to know what TV shows your friends watch? Facebook will tell you. Their favourite movies/music/singers/songs?
What do you want people to know about you? What do you want to tell the world? Because that's what your facebook profile is, it's a window to you. It's a glimpse at who you are and what you like. So, what message do you want to send?
Look in their eyes, listen to their conversations (preferably with you), look at what they wear, what they eat, and what they post as their Facebook statuses.
In their eyes you will see their soul. When they say the eyes are the window to the soul, they don't lie. I look in people's eyes and see the compassion, or the stubbornness, or the joy, or the sadness that's there.
If we listen to them talk, and more importantly, we understand what they are saying, we learn so much about our friends.
What they wear and what they eat may show their morals, their upbringing, and their perspective on their self. Are they vegetarians that only wear natural fibers? Do they have a strict religious diet or clothing? Are they the kind of people who refuse to wear brand names, or wear them only? These things can speak to us.
But facebook? What could you possibly learn from facebook?
As the title of this suggests, a lot. I like reading my friend's status updates because it lets me know the current weather back in Calgary where my friends continuously complain (or rejoice) about the cold and the snow.
Then there are the countdowns too. My friends are not always considerate enough to put what they are counting down to, but just putting things like "3 days!" Usually a little research concludes that it is a trip or a birthday or something to that effect. If not, you just have to wait until the status that tells you that "the day has come! It's..." and fill in the blank.
Quite often it is exams or school that cause the most distress. I see a lot of my friends are in university now and are doing the "one down, three to go" with their exams. Although I do love the ones that talk of burning their text books now that the class is done. Might I suggest selling the text books back, and burning the homework instead? It's a little more economic that way.
So, of count downs and snowy days.
On facebook I have friends from several walks of life, and from several regions, include a few from California who would probably die of shock if they saw the temperature in Calgary right now. I have friends in New York and England who have radically different weather than we do. The couple in England tend to complain more about rain than the cold, and I often have to remind myself of the time difference when they state they are having a beer, and it's only noon here in BC.
These statuses though show a lot about a person. For example, I know some of my friends adore the snow, and some would rather it be beautiful and sunny all the time. Some don't mind the cold, and some avoid it at all costs. There is my Dad who prefers the cold to the snow because "you don't have to shovel cold".
The countdowns show what's important to people. Also, how well they can count. We all count down to monumental occasions, such as birthdays and holidays, but would everyone please stop counting down the days until Christmas? That's the one holiday we all know is coming, but are never ready for. Although I am done wrapping 50% of my presents, the other 50% are not yet purchased...
I like to think there is a purpose to this, but really it's just to make a casual observation about how much we base our knowledge of our friends off Facebook. I for one would never know when any one's birthday is if it weren't for the handy bar that tells me about up coming birthdays. Facebook sends me emails saying that in the next couple weeks these people are having birthdays and you should probably get them something.
Oh!
A quick check of facebook has granted me one more type of status I love, the quotes. I did one the other day, quoting a fictional character, but it was deep none the less. I have friends that probably 60% of their facebook status updates contain a quote or song lyrics. Want to know what TV shows your friends watch? Facebook will tell you. Their favourite movies/music/singers/songs?
What do you want people to know about you? What do you want to tell the world? Because that's what your facebook profile is, it's a window to you. It's a glimpse at who you are and what you like. So, what message do you want to send?
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
A life to Live is a Life to Give
At the church I go to, Trinity Baptist, just finished a series called One Month To Live, based off a book by the same name. The book is written by a couple of pastors in Houston Texas, Chris and Kerry Shook. The idea is that when you find out you only have on month live, then you tend to change how you live. You make amends, patch up broken relationships, and go on those holidays you planned but never went on, and do things that you didn't do when you were waiting for life to happen to you.
So if you had one month to live what would you do?
I've spent the last 30 days with this question being the highlight of my life. Every night there was a chapter to read, questions to answer, and things to think about. Ways to change your life. From living your dreams, to spending time with those that you love. They talked about forgiving wrongs against you, asking for forgiveness for things you've done, and doing things that you love.
Live Passionately, Love Completely, Learn Humbly, and Leave Boldly.
Those were the four principles that we were to consider. And a lot changed.
I sent a facebook message after only proof reading it once. That's actually kind of a big deal for me. I never send a message without reading it until I'm pretty sure that I just shouldn't send it. If I do send it's because I really need an answer. But I had a thought, and even though it was random and not as articulate as it could have been, I sent it.
I started my application for an internship in Washington DC, to work with the International Justice Mission. It's something that seems a little unattainable, but I truly want to do this, and so I'm throwing myself into it to try and make it come true.
And today was the biggest thing. I volunteered at the Esther House in Kelowna. It wasn't a big deal, but it's one of the first times I've gone and volunteered almost by myself. It was just me and another lady, and we went down and baked cookies with these ladies, giving them some Christmas cheer, and sharing the love. It was an amazing night, and I watched several women be moved to tears when we gave them gifts from the SheLife women. The gifts were small, but useful things like mittens, toiletries and chocolates. What really moved them seemed to be the cards, written by the women at Trinity and filled with kind words, love and prayers.
So I've learned in the last month to give second chances where I usually wouldn't, reaching out when I usually couldn't, and enjoying life to a fullness I didn't know existed. I've learned to live my one life, even though it will take a lot to keep living the way I want, and it's amazing.
But the thing I learned the most was not to live for myself, or the things I can accumulate. It's not about the temporary things.
If I had a month to live, would I stay in school or would I drop out because it doesn't matter? I would, because I want to. I want to learn and fill my life with knowledge. But my learning would not be hindered by a fear of failure, or the stress of homework. I would be doing this for the love of learning.
If I had a month to live would I keep working? Of course. Even though this is not what I want to do for the rest of my life, it's a job where I can be a smiling face in someone's day. I can be the cashier that isn't hating life and customers.
If I had a month to live, I would want to give that month to others. I would want to share my joy, pour out my love, and live in such a way that I made an impact in the world.
If you had a month to live, what would you do?
You have one life to live. You have one life to give. So what's stopping you from living everyday as if it is your last, or one of the last? If you can't think of today as your last day to live, think of it as the first of your last month. What do you want to say? What do you want to do? What don't you want to take to the grave? And what don't you want to regret?
What do you want your legacy to be?
Most importantly, what's stopping you?
So if you had one month to live what would you do?
I've spent the last 30 days with this question being the highlight of my life. Every night there was a chapter to read, questions to answer, and things to think about. Ways to change your life. From living your dreams, to spending time with those that you love. They talked about forgiving wrongs against you, asking for forgiveness for things you've done, and doing things that you love.
Live Passionately, Love Completely, Learn Humbly, and Leave Boldly.
Those were the four principles that we were to consider. And a lot changed.
I sent a facebook message after only proof reading it once. That's actually kind of a big deal for me. I never send a message without reading it until I'm pretty sure that I just shouldn't send it. If I do send it's because I really need an answer. But I had a thought, and even though it was random and not as articulate as it could have been, I sent it.
I started my application for an internship in Washington DC, to work with the International Justice Mission. It's something that seems a little unattainable, but I truly want to do this, and so I'm throwing myself into it to try and make it come true.
And today was the biggest thing. I volunteered at the Esther House in Kelowna. It wasn't a big deal, but it's one of the first times I've gone and volunteered almost by myself. It was just me and another lady, and we went down and baked cookies with these ladies, giving them some Christmas cheer, and sharing the love. It was an amazing night, and I watched several women be moved to tears when we gave them gifts from the SheLife women. The gifts were small, but useful things like mittens, toiletries and chocolates. What really moved them seemed to be the cards, written by the women at Trinity and filled with kind words, love and prayers.
So I've learned in the last month to give second chances where I usually wouldn't, reaching out when I usually couldn't, and enjoying life to a fullness I didn't know existed. I've learned to live my one life, even though it will take a lot to keep living the way I want, and it's amazing.
But the thing I learned the most was not to live for myself, or the things I can accumulate. It's not about the temporary things.
If I had a month to live, would I stay in school or would I drop out because it doesn't matter? I would, because I want to. I want to learn and fill my life with knowledge. But my learning would not be hindered by a fear of failure, or the stress of homework. I would be doing this for the love of learning.
If I had a month to live would I keep working? Of course. Even though this is not what I want to do for the rest of my life, it's a job where I can be a smiling face in someone's day. I can be the cashier that isn't hating life and customers.
If I had a month to live, I would want to give that month to others. I would want to share my joy, pour out my love, and live in such a way that I made an impact in the world.
If you had a month to live, what would you do?
You have one life to live. You have one life to give. So what's stopping you from living everyday as if it is your last, or one of the last? If you can't think of today as your last day to live, think of it as the first of your last month. What do you want to say? What do you want to do? What don't you want to take to the grave? And what don't you want to regret?
What do you want your legacy to be?
Most importantly, what's stopping you?
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