Timid, arms close to the chest, trash bags full of belongings, tall, short, white headed, blonde, dark, quiet, talkative, eyes darting, eyes looking down, and quiet thank yous to transportation providers. These words describe those arriving yesterday in the first wave from the Center of HOPE.
I joined them just as dinner was finishing up and began to see relaxation take hold. Smiles were replacing the look of timidity. I met a friend from last year -- she said she was sad to be back, but so pleased to be back at Providence and to see that many of us had returned. We hugged, she looks good and looks strong. Last year she was so quiet, and very passive to the stronger personalities of a year ago in attendance. This year, she walks confidently and smiles quickly and presents herself very lady-like. She asks if we will help with resumes again and I tell her we will. She says thanks, she wants help this year. (Last year, she was reluctant to be involved and kept to herself, and ironed and watched movies.)
I quickly learned that we had a pianist among the group of this year's guests, which one likes hot tea, and one that loves a long hot shower. Quickly, they revealed how pleased they were to be here. Helen tells me that word is out that Providence is a five-star top of the list place to be and that its people have big hearts. Hey, I know that!
A serious accident on Providence delayed our guests return this morning to the Center, but also gave each of our drivers an opportunity to talk and to learn more about our guests. Driving each day is such an important part of the sheltering we can provide our guests. Thank you to those who signed up to drive and to drive multiple times, some even morning and afternoon. You are the best!
I wished everyone could have joined in when we sang Fairest Lord Jesus, but alas, three chose to call it a night early. We couldn't blame them, what a day they had preparing their belongings and being part of an adventure that they didn't know how it would be. Can you imagine, carrying all that you own, all that you have in a plastic bag and getting in a car with people you don't know to spend the night in a place you have never been to and eat food prepared by the hands of people you don't know, and sleep where you have never been before. How unsettlingly. How important for us to ease their mind, and help them feel safe and secure as quickly as possible.
Because of a prior out of town commitment this afternoon, I will not rejoin the group until tomorrow, already I will miss them and seeing Annie's smile.
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