First of all, when we say that we're going to be the "hands and feet of Jesus", do we really mean it? Today, one of our volunteers gave his shoes to a homeless man in need. Right off of his feet and everything. I honestly cannot imagine taking something off of my back and giving it to someone else. It's really easy to give away things that aren't needed in your closet, but what about the things that we deem that are?
Secondly, today was a little bit different. Instead of having the people stand in a line and be served, today we brought the food to them (in the rain). They had to sit down and be waited on by us, which I thought was truly amazing. They don't go into a ton of restaurants, so doing this was our little way of showing them that they should be held to a high respect.
Furthermore, as I was walking around the facility, I saw women come in with several children and my heart immediately began to ache. I brought them food and then one of the mothers asked for a to-go box. I was confused at first, but then she explained that she didn't want her children dropping their food on the way back to the shelter. Personally, we weren't super rich when I was a child because my dad was in school to become a pastor; however, no part of my childhood was spent in a shelter. God provided for us, as did my parents.
Lastly, before we left today, a ton of us had to use the restroom. However, at an outside park, the "restrooms" were port-a-potties. When I walked in to use it, there were unknown substances on the toilet seat (eeekkkk) and no toilet paper. A girl's worst nightmare. Also, I didn't even mention the smell. Oh, goodness, the smell. However, I put on my "big-girl pants" and I braved the small, rectangular, death-trap.
When I got home, I took a nice shower. However, this is what these people have to deal with on the daily, or worse. I'd never put myself in their shoes until that moment when I used the same commode as they had been using all day. But let's think about it. When I got home, I showered. How many of these people get to say that they shower once a day? I actually showered twice today. Like how blessed are we? We have the OPTION to take as many showers as we want, yet they're deprived of that hygiene freedom.
Today's sermon was about having an "attitude of gratitude" and today I'm grateful for a few things. The first one is that I'm given this opportunity to serve others with a wonderful group of people, and the second is showers. I'm so grateful for every shower I get to take. We take too many things for granted, that being one of them. Also, lastly, I'm thankful for Jesus! Not only does he prepare my heart on these Sunday's, but he prepares my stomach. (we don't eat during this process so I had "lunch" around 6pm and "brunch" at 10:30am) The hands and feet of Jesus are clearly seen on these days, even if it was raining. I cannot wait to go back next month, hopefully with clothes to donate and homemade cookies to bring.
(Also, Carolyn Jimenez took/ edited this picture from today.)
Instagram: cmj_photography_
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