Today we set out to our service site and were surprised when
we did not see too many people in the reception area. When we entered the
clothing area, we realized that everyone was just in the inner area. We immediately got to work, preparing
breakfast, distributing clothing and whatever else needed to be done. Upon entering the clothing area, we realized
that everything was totally mixed up and we needed to shut the station down for
a few minutes to reorganize the clothing which was everywhere. In less than 15 minutes we were all set to
begin the work of welcoming our guest with a change of clothes and shoes if
needed. The kitchen crew did an amazing
job feeding the many hungry guest and had the experience of not being sure if
the promised lunch donation was really going to arrive.
What is amazing to see is the number of guests who
volunteer their services to help cook, clean and distribute clothing. One of our guests today was cleaning and
tidying and when asked where her shoes were, she humbly responded, “No tengo
zapatos.” In a manner of minutes, she
had shoes as one of our volunteers made sure that she had what she needed especially
after she had been so helpful during the day.
Such simple actions cause one to be humbled by all that is happening.
After our group left for the day, we returned to our Basilica
Hotel for a quick shower and change of clothes and we went out to a Mexican restaurant
for dinner. It was a nice way to end the
day. After dinner we came back and had
our reflection and sharing session. During
this time, we focused on where we saw/met Jesus today. The responses were often in the faces of the
men, women and children that we had encountered during our day. Each one shared how they saw Jesus in the
faces of those we served today and in the faces of many of the other
volunteers. Even though we are not able
to take photos the faces I believe will forever be imprinted in our hearts and
minds.
Pat Schifini, OSU
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment