Service Day 1: Union Mission

I *kinda* cheated and started my New Year's Resolution before the new year. Evan and I went down the The Union Mission to help serve the homeless on New Year's Eve.

I found The Union Mission through a general google search of volunteer possibilities. After researching and reading about their mission and the design of the program, I knew I wanted to involve my family. The Union Mission has SO many ways you can volunteer: serving meals after chapel (which happens before every meal), making hygiene packs, babysitting for the women's bible study, Friday night family nights...this list keeps going. I called the volunteer coordinator and asked if I could bring my 7 year old to serve lunch and he said, "We'll see you tomorrow."

I have to admit...I was very nervous. I am not sure why I was nervous. I wasn't afraid. I was nervous. Would Evan say something that might be perceived as offensive? Because trust me, with the amount he talks, it was definitely a possibility. Would I know where to go? What to do? I had so many questions down to should I wear these boots or something not name brand? No earrings, right? Seriously guys....just keeping it real.

Like I mentioned, there is a chapel before every meal. We arrived a little before 11 and were guided to the front row. I don't even sit on the front row of my own church! But there we were. I texted John that I was the only female in the room, which made me even more nervous, but I was trying very hard not to show Evan. I found myself asking him multiple times, "you okay?" But in reality, I was probably trying to convince myself. At one point, he said, "Of course, mom. I'm fine. We're just sitting here." <gulp>

This chapel was lead by New Dimensions Church and was like nothing Evan has ever experienced, but he followed along and shouted 'Amen' when told and 'Hallelujah' when told. He clapped and swayed and listened intently. At one point he leaned over and asked me, 'what's a crack addict?' I told him I'd let him know in the car. <gulp again> When the chapel leader leaned in and snorted his bible to demonstrate how he gets high now, I had to laugh, but thankfully so did everyone else in the building. Again, I told Evan I would explain later. (like when he's thirty)

 

We lifted our hands one last time for the final prayer, and I finally breathed a sigh of relief. Because, again - keeping it REAL -  that was the hardest part for me. Now it was time to serve.

As the men who are in the program turned the room around from a chapel setting to a dining setting, Evan and I got ready. (Note to self, bring small gloves next time.)

Evan and I were on drink duty. We made about 400 cups of water that morning. Evan handed very single person that came to our table a cup of water and said, "Happy New Year!" At one point we got a little behind and he said, "Mom! Don't keep these people waiting!"

As we skipped walked out to the car, Evan held my hand and said, "That was so much fun! Can we come back tomorrow?" I promised him we would go back, but maybe not tomorrow.

When we got in the car this was our conversation:
Evan: Now, mom?
Me: Now what?
Evan: Now can you tell me what that thing was?
Me: What thing?
Evan: That word that I didn't know.
Me: Oh...um...well...uh...
Evan: Moooooom, just tell me.
Me: Okay, do you know what drugs are?
Evan: I know what drag racing is!
Me: Not quite the same.

So I just told him that the man was talking about a very bad choice he made. So bad that it could have put him in jail or even die. He knew that when he made the choice, but still made it. We talked about how most people know bad choices before they make them and how sometimes it is just hard to do the right thing. That, I think, he understood.

What I know he understood was on that day, he made a difference. Would the men and women have received their water had we not been there? Yes, of course, but Evan was there. He was able to look at each one of them and wish them Happy New Year. And maybe, just possibly, give them a tiny bit of hope to turn their situation around. I am sure we'll never know, but I like to think Evan's presence that last day of 2015 put a little joy in some else's heart. It sure put joy in mine.