I was telling someone not to long ago that some of the best meals I have made at the soup kitchen were accidents, or if you will "mistakes." That's right that "to die for" blueberry cake was a mistake, not really a mistake, but a change in the recipe. I read the recipe, but in the scurry of getting it together to put in the oven I made mistakes, or changes were made. Of course those mistakes/changes have translated into great tasting blueberry cake or Salisbury Steak, or whatever.
I felt that way this morning. I got up planned to go to the Mission to pitch in. I was feeling good after a day or so of feeling tired and worn. I had gone to Chef P's soup kitchen, which was an amazing experience. God gave me the day before off to rest.
Anyway, I got up feeling refreshed and planned to go to the Mission.
I got dressed and headed down the 2 flights of stairs and out the door of the convent. Per usual, I walked down 20th st to 9th avenue to 23rd and 8th ave. to pick up the subway to Canal St station. The train made the usual stops 14th and then 4th. I felt that prompting to get off at 4th St station. I didn't know why, but I listened and followed. Yes, I still had a plan, but the recipe changed. As I walked through the tunnel, that echoing tunnel where Kenny (from last trip) had belted out beautiful music from his baritone voice gifted by God. I didn't know why I was going that way. I just kept walking. I climbed the stairs and at the top was Raul. A very clean cut military looking man. He was a marine. He had a sign. He had a bucket. He had a message.
As I had before with the others, I said, "Hi my name is Sue. What's yours?" I stuck my hand to out to shake his hand. He grabbed it, and happily shook. I began asking the questions. His name is Raul. He is a Veteran who is in temporary housing, because he can't get what he needs from his government whom he selflessly volunteered to fight for our freedom. He is unable to find a job and therefore unable to get permanent housing. He said he is very humbled that he is asking citizens for help. I I asked him how many stop by to meet you and get your story? He lowered his head and said, "not many. "It's discouraging. But it's the only thing I can do right now, while I wait." I had a gift card to D&D. So I gave it to him. He was blown away by that simple act. ""Wow! I was just thinking how a good cup of coffee would taste right now." He asked to give me a hug. Of course, I accepted. I threw some money in the bucket as well. We talked about his relationship with the Lord. Yes, he too has faith in our God. I encouraged him to not give up and to continue his faith in God. I said I would pray for him, shook his hand and I walked on. As I walked away, I heard Raul's voice yelling, "Thank You Sue," from where I had come from. I smiled and continued to walk.
I felt that way this morning. I got up planned to go to the Mission to pitch in. I was feeling good after a day or so of feeling tired and worn. I had gone to Chef P's soup kitchen, which was an amazing experience. God gave me the day before off to rest.
Anyway, I got up feeling refreshed and planned to go to the Mission.
I got dressed and headed down the 2 flights of stairs and out the door of the convent. Per usual, I walked down 20th st to 9th avenue to 23rd and 8th ave. to pick up the subway to Canal St station. The train made the usual stops 14th and then 4th. I felt that prompting to get off at 4th St station. I didn't know why, but I listened and followed. Yes, I still had a plan, but the recipe changed. As I walked through the tunnel, that echoing tunnel where Kenny (from last trip) had belted out beautiful music from his baritone voice gifted by God. I didn't know why I was going that way. I just kept walking. I climbed the stairs and at the top was Raul. A very clean cut military looking man. He was a marine. He had a sign. He had a bucket. He had a message.
As I had before with the others, I said, "Hi my name is Sue. What's yours?" I stuck my hand to out to shake his hand. He grabbed it, and happily shook. I began asking the questions. His name is Raul. He is a Veteran who is in temporary housing, because he can't get what he needs from his government whom he selflessly volunteered to fight for our freedom. He is unable to find a job and therefore unable to get permanent housing. He said he is very humbled that he is asking citizens for help. I I asked him how many stop by to meet you and get your story? He lowered his head and said, "not many. "It's discouraging. But it's the only thing I can do right now, while I wait." I had a gift card to D&D. So I gave it to him. He was blown away by that simple act. ""Wow! I was just thinking how a good cup of coffee would taste right now." He asked to give me a hug. Of course, I accepted. I threw some money in the bucket as well. We talked about his relationship with the Lord. Yes, he too has faith in our God. I encouraged him to not give up and to continue his faith in God. I said I would pray for him, shook his hand and I walked on. As I walked away, I heard Raul's voice yelling, "Thank You Sue," from where I had come from. I smiled and continued to walk.
I walked down the street a bit and ran into Patrick who was sitting on the sidewalk against the building, with his sign. He didn't look like Raul, but had the same message, with the exception that he was homeless. Another Veteran on the streets, looking for help. I know some judge my methods, but I am not called to judge them. My calling is to give encouragement, to get their names and stories.
Of course, I gave Patrick a D&D card and went on my way. As I started up the street, I realized I was heading in the opposite direction from the Mission (I know, nothing new for me.).
The recipe for the day had been changed from it's origin to an "out of this world" gourmet treat.
I promised Raul that I would share his story. I thought Veteran's Day an appropriate time.
