July 30, 2014
The first mission aspect of the trip was to pack care packages for the homeless. We made sandwiches and packed gallon ziplock bags with them, a bottle of water, pack of crackers, granola bar, pack of peanuts, etc - all items that might provide a little sustenance to a hungry person.
The large group was divided into four smaller ones, the eighty care packages distributed between us, and we drove into the city to hand them out. The idea was to watch for folks who might need a care package, approach them, show what we had and ask if they would like one.
We tentatively began. After distributing a few, it became easier to spot those to approach. Most were accepting, most were thankful, many said, “God bless you,” reminding us we receive more than they do in this process.
Perhaps the one who had the most impact on me was the man laying on a bench in front of a diner. He was only taking up about half of it, so a group of three (man, woman, child) sat down next to him with take out lunches. They began eating, ignoring the man right next to them. When we approached and asked if he would like a care package, he gratefully accepted it. The situation made me wonder what the other three thought; if they were embarrassed to have missed who was right beside them. And made me wonder, how often have I done the same - ignored the need right beside me; turned a blind eye to someone hurting?
What an experience today was. I am grateful - and humbled!
Blessings.
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