Things Are A Changing

     Just over 13 years ago, the doctor placed this slimy, wiggly little body in my arms and my life changed.

     Before Benjamin was born I had a job that I mostly loved.  It was exhausting and draining and heartbreaking at times, but I truly loved it.  I was a case manager at a county emergency shelter care facility.  We temporality housed children ages 5-17 who were taken from their homes due to neglect or abuse and also children who were arrested for runaway, battery, truancy, etc.  It was more than a job.  It was a place that I felt like I could sometimes make a difference.

     After having Ben I knew God was calling me to be a stay at home mom.  I fought it for a few months.  Finance wise it just didn't make any sense to quit my job.  But I was in such turmoil about it I couldn't even sit in church.  Week after week I walked out crying midway through service.  I knew I was being disobedient.

     About three months after returning to work, I sat with a very wise man in the sanctuary of our church when service was over.  It was a small back pew by the door.  We both sat straight looking ahead at the cross.  With tears running down my face I told him what I was feeling.  He held my hand and wisely told me that I already knew the answer to my dilemma.  He also told me that if I did what God was asking me to that I might sometimes have to sacrifice, but that I would never regret the decision.  He was right.

     The man passed away several years ago, but I know that now as my life changes again, he would smile, hold my hand and be proud of the new changes in my life.

     I have been filling in for the past six weeks as the cook at the food pantry.  I thought I was cooking this week too, but Tuesday the chef showed up and said he was released and that after that day I was free from cooking.  (Well, except for the week of Thanksgiving.  That week it's all hands on deck.)

     But instead of spending the last two days at home.  I started a new part-time job.  A job that I know is from God.  This job is also at the food pantry.  I am now officially the assistant to the director.  It's flexible so I can still be available for the boys in the case of sickness, field trips or school parties.  I mostly get to set my own hours.  And I get to make a difference to the people who come in to the pantry.  I get to help them get groceries, apply for help with their bills, pick out clothing for their children and generally just love on them and give them a smile.  Of course there is also paperwork and computer work, but even then it's all about helping people.  And already when I'm in the office, five minutes doesn't go by that someone doesn't stop by needing at least a kind word.

     I am sure there will be hard days.  And there are always a few people who are grouchy or who are taking advantage of the system, but I'm looking at it as a ministry.  It's a great way to share the love of Jesus with people who truly need to know that someone cares.  What an opportunity!

   So things are a changing.  But that wise man was right.  If I do what God is asking me to do, I might sometimes have to sacrifice, but I'll never regret the decision.

Veteran's Day

     I'm beginning week six of cooking at the Mishawaka Food Pantry.  My last few posts have explained that I've been filling in there for the chef who had hip replacement surgery.  I'm happy to report that he's doing really well.  He even came in and made most of the meal for our Veteran's Day dinner.  It was wonderful to have him back, but it made him realize he isn't ready to start back this week.

     So I'm cooking this week and then he will be back next week.  He will prepare the meals for the pantry and I will help with our Thanksgiving meal preparation.  Then I think I'm done cooking!  Two weeks.  I think I can.  I think I can.  Ha!

     I have enjoyed it and it's been a great experience, but I'll be happy to go back to just cooking and doing dishes for my guys here at home.

   
As I mentioned above, I was able to be a part of a Veteran's Day ceremony and dinner.  It was such a honor to play a small part and to serve those that have so humbly served our country.  The Veterans presented the colors, did a 21 gun salute and played Taps.  Students from the Mishawaka High School Band played and Denver started the ceremony with prayer and a short message about how Veteran's Day came into existence.

     He also shared about how we want to teach our boys that true heroes do not wear jersey's with names and numbers on the back, but instead wear dog tags and boots.  Most veterans don't call themselves heroes, but that makes them heroes all the more.  Afterwards, we served them a dinner of brisket, mashed potatoes, veggies, rolls, vegetable soup, and cheesecake.

     One veteran personally shared with four of us a small glimpse into his time in Vietnam.  He told us about these two young boys who saved his life by warning them that someone had placed bombs underneath their vehicle when they got out to help someone else.  He and his men knew these two young boys by name and spoke with them regularly.  Shortly after the boys saved the mens lives, he saw the two boys and their water buffalo blown up by a landmine.  He also shared that when the family was compensated for their loss, they were given 30 some dollars for each of the boys lives, but around $500 for the water buffalo.  The lack of value of the the boys lives is heartbreaking.  With tears in his eyes, this gentleman fondly remembered the two young men that saved his life.

     Being there for the ceremony and for the dinner and for the sharing of stories is something I hope to never forget.  I thank God for men like that man that shared a small part of his story with us.  They have sacrificed more than I will even be able to understand.