Mom's House

I've been so busy this past week, that I forgot to share a touching thing that happened. I volunteered to help a small group of people from our church to take donations to Mom's House, a place for free childcare for moms who are pursuing their education and are single. I admit that I really didn't know anything about this ministry, but was just looking forward to spending a couple hours with my friend Mary and lending a hand. I was pleasantly surprised when we saw the huge pile of groceries and cleaning supplies that filled 3 vans to the brim! Whoever doesn't think that Churches don't make a difference in communities has not paid attention to the generosity of the congregations when local charities ask for help. 

Our little group of about 10 of us was made up of younger folks to older retirees. We headed downtown and filled up every open space with tons and tons of food and supplies. This is such a good outreach-- their slogan says "Because choosing life should not mean choosing poverty". Someone grabbed a brochure for a young woman from our church who will probably use their services as she is a single mom who wants to go to college. 

The reason I wanted to share this is because it was really, really great for me to get out of my normal routine and help. We give so much to different charities and I'm always writing to the little girl that we sponsor in the Philippines, but this was a way to help where we could see and meet the actual people who are making a difference. After spending many years volunteering in the schools and then doing my own community offering of Hatch, I was a little burnt out on giving away most of my time. But it was time to be involved again. Diane has always been a huge inspiration to me because she gives some of her weekends to helping preserve the Land Trusts where she lives so that everyone can benefit from their history and beauty. My mom teaches underprivileged adults to read. These are things that are truly selfless but at the same time, you get more back in the way it feels to help where it's really making a difference in improving the lives of others. I truly believe that there is generosity in plentiful amounts when you look or ask for it and it's always worth the effort when you give it! It really made me feel good!