Friday 15 December 2017

Shabbat Shalom,

We all agree: the first three weeks of Season Chai have not been 'normal.'  I'm not just talking about the warm weather.  I'm referring to a few things.

First, and so early on, we have a great number of volunteers and you are all great volunteers!!!!   Second, the number of our guests have never been this high so early in the season and, as many of our 'experienced' volunteers have said, there are many new faces (and appetites.)  Thirdly, and maybe this is my own perception of our environment, the newly renovated church. "Truly G-d is in this place, and I did not know it!"  (Referring also to this week's parsha, Vayetzei.)

Why do I think so?
A young woman approached and with genuine honesty remarked that it was her first time at an OOTC. She could not believe her luck. The food was excellent and the people so kind.  I asked her how she learned about us?  She was at her doctor's office, speaking with the nurse who was concerned about her weight and nutrition.  The nurse recommended that Jennifer start dining at OOTC.

Remember Johnny, our guest who was banned from the shelters last February and how we went on a shopping spree at Giant Tiger to outfit him with some items that would help keep him warm until he could return to the shelters. Well, he came for dinner this week looking SO well rested.  He has an apartment!  It has been 5 months now; the rent is slightly over half of his monthly income, but he's good.

Last week, upon arriving for dinner, a gentleman asked if there would be enough soup for seconds. We replied, "Yes, and maybe even thirds."  He replied, "Baruch HaShem."    In Hebrew, that means, "Thank G-d."

Let’s face it, friends. We're all ordinary folks doing something 'unordinary' for some other folks and for ourselves too. But we’re more. Our actions spurned by whatever mindful or unmindful observance we possess is creating a space significantly holier than the one we may inhabit at other times of our week.

We can all be proud of our beginning.

Shabbat Shalom, Cindy

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