To Be Understood As To Understand

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.  Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.
O, Divine Master, grant that I may not seek so much to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is dying that we are born into eternal life.

Approximately 9,000 people in King County are homeless, living in shelters, under freeways, in doorways and in cars. These 9,000 individuals are disabled veterans, families, and the working poor. Today we volunteered at St. Francis House serving coffee and donuts and sandwiches. We also assisted in their free clothing rooms along with other small tasks. Some of the clients we served today rode multiple buses to get to St. Francis House. Clients receive as much food and necessities such as bedding, diapers, toiletries etc. as they need no questions asked. The St. Francis House does not receive funding from the federal or church funding. Items are donated from community members, day old donuts are donated from bakeries and hotels donate unused soaps. Kathleen, the executive director, shared with us that providing the basics with smiles on our faces is not enough to fundamentally change lives but it is enough to make their days a little brighter.

A simple but satisfying spaghetti dinner was shared followed by a home made strawberry rhubarb pie. At reflection we shared moments today where we felt the presence of God. Tonight we are going to bed early as we are leaving the parish center at 6:20am to arrive in time to serve breakfast at United Gospel Mission. Sweet dreams PV blog readers!