Guest BLogger from Day 3
-Megan Seehusen
Day 3 check-in From Anders
We just got back from Brooklyn working at St. John's Bread & Life. This place was packed! They do some amazing ministry here. There was a large staff and many volunteers to meet the demands of those in need. I saw signs offering healthcare, finding affordable housing, and language classes.
Our group was was split between prepping for the meal and outside work. Between our groups we assembled a fork and napkin in a bag for the meal, served food in the meal line, stacked boxes, swept/mopped, and washed exterior windows. I felt bad taking pictures during our work so I only have 2. Hopefully I can get more from the kids when I write tonight.
The thing that struck me about this place was the sense of community. There was such a mutual respect between the staff, volunteers, and community members.
In talking with Kelly Davidson, he said that he served here in 2011 with BLC. He said the whole neighborhood was just dirty, with loose garbage blowing all over the streets. He was amazed at the transition that has taken place in 3 years. I feel a lot of it has to do with St. John's. The community members were so grateful and appreciative. It didn't take long for Kelly, Matt, and myself to joke around with the locals and feel apart of the group. We also made some friends on a church trip form North Carolina.
Below is the link for St. John's. I hope you check it out. Their name is perfect for what they do. They offer the physical bread to sustain the human body and the bread of life to nurture the human spirit.
The very first picture was taken at my service project on Day 1. They banner above the altar reads:
How good it is when Brothers and Sisters dwell together in harmony
-Psalm 133:1
I love this verse as a reflection of this trip. Our trip consists of kids and chaperones from different backgrounds, different ages, different schools. Yet here we are, living and working with people from all over the world, doing our best to bring harmony to our brothers and sisters.
And it is good.
I'll be back tonight.
Until then, no mountain too tall, and good luck to all
anders