Serving Up Soup

Today I had the great opportunity to serve lunch at the Poverello House. I spent some time in the kitchen cutting up pasilla peppers first, then served lunch, first to the volunteers/workers, then to the hungry people standing in line outside. I had an interesting group of volunteers to work with...a local motorcycle club came out, dressed in their leathers with their wives and children. Though their appearance was rough and their language colorful, it was a real pleasure to see their hearts were in the right place as they sought to make sure that each client received the best possible experience. I also worked with one gentleman who volunteers every Friday, and a young ladies' service group from a local church. There was so much help, in fact, that instead of the food being served cafeteria style, which is what I'm used to, we served all the clients at their seats, restaurant style.

Today's menu: Yummy-smelling turkey soup, canned diced peaches, salad, a roll, and a slice of pie. As the clients came in, they picked up a sack lunch for their evening meal, since today was treated like a weekend day. We served 340 lunches. I know that's only a fraction of the cold and hungry that could use nourishment. The director said that about 1200-1400 meals are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. They provide the food for Naomi's House as well. I also know that the Fresno Rescue Mission serves meals each day.

I love having the chance to do something really practical and beneficial for the homeless and hungry members of our communities. Something in my heart just breaks when I hear the security workers say they are letting the families in first, and I see mothers, fathers and children come in, or when I see elderly adults being escorted by middle aged adults. By far, most people who come in are "singles," meaning they are eating alone.  There's chatter in the dining room, and some people who are there obviously like one another, and some don't. Every ethnic group is there. They sit, they eat, they talk (and some sing!), and they get up and leave, carrying their little white bags full of nourishment for later. Some have seconds, most do not.

Today when we were done, a tall, lively African-American gentleman graced us with a song, beautifully sung to thank us for our help. The clients thank us too, with a "thanks" or a "God Bless." I looked around me today and saw brothers and sisters, children of my Father in Heaven, and realized again how much I take the plenty on my table and the blessing of a home for granted.

As I left today, I looked at this complex of tents, small sheds, the Poverello House and Naomi's House, and think, there but for the grace of God go I.