Serving at the Shelter

A couple of weeks ago, the night before our end of the summer beach week, our family served at the homeless shelter. It has been on my heart for some time and I thought that now the kids were a little older it would be a great time to serve Him together. We did get a sitter for Gavin and Holden so that we could give all of our attention to the work. Blake and Landon were a little apprehensive about it and did not want to participate. However, it was very much on Russ and I's heart that we should serve alongside one another WITH them.

The day had come, and I too started to become a little concerned. We explained that these people were homeless and may not have a means to shower and take care of themselves. The boys asked if they would cuss at them... where they got that from, I am unsure, but we told them honestly that we did not know. We told them not to be concerned with what they said to them, just love them anyway. After all, God loves them the same as He does us, and so we should love them as well!

We got to the shelter and started preparing the food that we had taken. There was another family with kids Blake and Landon's age, they were new to Charleston this summer. It was so great to get to talk with them and the kids worked together rolling utensils.

The food was ready to be served and the window panel was raised for the food line to begin. The boys stood in the serving line and greeted the men and listened as most all of them thanked us for the wonderful meal. They were so gracious and appreciative and once everyone was served some came back for 2nds, 3rds, 4ths... ;-)

Once everyone was filled, we shut the kitchen window, and began cleanup. As we left the boys asked how soon we could come back and serve again. Blake said it was not what he expected... (when is anything ever what you expect). I asked him to first tell me about his experience, and then he could tell me how it was different than his expectations. Landon said he was just so in awe of all of the men saying thank you as they came through the line. They both said that they loved serving and they could not wait until we could go back... which is not until October (with our church). I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve alongside of my boys, and I know there are more opportunities out there just waiting for us!