Children amaze me. You raise them as best that you can, and hope that they learn
and treat others with kindness and respect. It is those "yea!!" moments that help affirm the
fact that you're doing a good job. I'm always hopeful (and thankful) for those moments.

In church today, our rector talked about ministries. Christ told his disciples to go
two by two, leave their baggage, take one pair of sandals and preach the word, heal the sick and cast out demons. Ministries happen within the framework of relationships, our rector said.

This sermon came on the heels of what follows next. This happened last night, as our parish hosted the homeless in our sheltering program. These folks spend the day, down at 63rd and Market St. in Philadelphia by day. By night, they are transported to our parish hall where they stay the night. We provide A/C, bathrooms, and a roof over their heads. Each evening, one (or a few) parishoners sign up to make lunches for our guests who will leave the next morning. Many times, they are families who sign up to "shelter" Last night was our night. I had taken my oldest (13) before, and at the first--she was a bit hesitant. My youngest, (9) followed with that same emotion last night, as this was her first time. What follows is the evening in the life of a nine year old sheltering the homeless.

Jennifer had quite an experience at the shelter tonight. She made friends with a woman named
Nancy. (Jen's so shy, you know.) Jen chatted with her for a bit. Nancy told her she had a job
interview on Monday. Jen told her she would say a prayer for her. Nancy asked her for a hug, and Jen of course, agreed. Unbeknownst to me, Nancy gave Jen her radio and earphones. Jennifer was so pleased with the gesture, until she realized that those items might be all that she had. Jennifer asked if she could give them back to Nancy.

She scooted into the parish hall, and crouched down next to Nancy, told her she had already had a radio and that while she appreciated the thought, she wanted Nancy to have it back. Nancy turned to me and said, "I wanted to give her something, and that was all that I had." I assured her that the hug that she gave Jen was all she needed. Jen wished her well on her interview Monday. Nancy said that she wanted to come to Holy Apostles for church. Jennifer assured her that there were many opportunities for her to help out, and that she would look forward to having her there. Nancy said she would take her to McDonalds.

Ministry--it comes in all shapes and sizes.

Now, I know nothing about Nancy, her background, her issues, her history. What I DO know is that my daughter was forever changed tonight. As I tucked her into bed tonight, her prayers went on a little longer than normal. Nancy told her earlier in the evening, "many people talk the talk...but we were walking the walk." Jennifer now gets it.

As for sheltering, Jen's a "lifer."

Jen told me she prayed for Nancy three times during church today. That's major prayer for a nine year old, and probably just the prayer that Nancy needed.