Of Debris and Donations.....

Just to let you all know that life at Hope House is not always glamorous; recently, I opened the cupboard under the sink and out toppled a LOT of debris. I do mean a lot and it was almost all garbage or junk—quite unpleasant to deal with! However, I try to never expect my staff of volunteers to undertake tasks I am unwilling to perform, so I set the afternoon aside for some cleaning on my knees. See the results?

So you may ask what this has to do with anything. Beyond the obvious fact that I spent some “quality” time on my knees (get it?); the element of service was overwhelming. Many of the staff avoid that cupboard because it is so unpleasant and it is difficult to find anything in it. I have made their lives incrementally (very small increments) easier while working in the kitchen area. This was a small gift from me to them, in gratitude for all they do at Hope House for our clients. They deserve so much more!

So on to the donations. Just a couple of days after this cleaning spree, I had one of those wonderful days in which everywhere I turned, someone was giving me money and checks. It was almost like it was raining down from heaven. One cash donation from a volunteer enabled us to help pay the water bill of an elderly woman who had just been released from the hospital, and went home to find her water turned off. Her anxiety level was so high we were afraid she would end up back in the hospital. Between the client, the donor, the volunteer who made the arrangements and the administrator at the church who wrote the check, the circle was magical. We call these “Godshots” at Hope House—direct, divine intervention in the lives of those we serve.

So we are back to “serving”—I can’t help but hope that there was a connection—a reward, as you will---for the clean cupboard. Truly serving others in His name is what we are about at Hope House.

Next, the bathroom!