As I sit here in my office on this
busy Friday afternoon, I hear the sounds of children playing, parents chatting,
and laughter and gentle teasing. It sounds like a living room full of family—which
it is! Our clients feel like this is a safe and warm place to come, to chat, and
to have a cup of coffee and share stories and resources. In the summer, it is extra
noisy because the kids are all out of school, hanging with their moms, looking
through books and coloring at our coloring table. We love it!
This has been a busy summer, and
this month has been particularly busy. We have had trouble keeping hygiene and
cleaning supplies in stock. Yesterday, our three favorite items, (toilet paper,
laundry detergent and dish soap) were completely depleted when we opened. As I did
intake, I cringed each time someone said they needed one of these items,
knowing they would have to settle for something else. Then, part way through
the morning, as I stopped back in the kitchen for a coffee refill, I realized
there was an odd assortment of all of these items on the shelf. The staff
member in the kitchen told me that people had been bringing them all morning, 2
and 3 at a time, and she hadn’t run out yet!
This may seem strange to some, but I just chuckled, because
this was just the most important member of our Hope House family at work,
taking care of us. I like to picture Him in his carpenter mode, carrying an
armful of supplies to us, while His Mother and Mother Theresa look on
approvingly! I have no doubt that our modest little ministry here in the far
corner of the Northwest is very much on their radar, because we have had too
many examples of direct divine intervention over the years—we call them “Godshots”.
On our wall you will find this saying “I
work on the assumption that if you are doing God’s work, it is God’s business
to take care of you”. At
Hope House, He certainly does!
We’re collecting school supplies…….hhmmmmm………Jesus?
