I’m not sure what the BBM food pantry is going to do when Karen, Lee and Hal go home, as they spent a third day helping clients shop for their monthly allotment and otherwise supporting the short-staffed operation. Lee observed that the amount of food folks are allowed is pitifully small.

Nagy and Lori spent the morning at the Micah Center, where, in addition to cleaning showers, Nagy was surprised to receive some chess tips from a master. He shared the happy story of a man who, with support from the Center, was able to secure a job in Florida. They provided further assistance by buying him a bus ticket and hotel room.

At the house on 26th & ½ Street, we framed out the master bath closets, prepped concrete floors for tile installation, and caulked around window and door frames and baseboards. Carpet was delivered, so John and Al began laying padding.  We built two decks, one in back and one in front (pictured are three-quarters of the proud front deck team, who completed their project in a single afternoon).

Following longstanding tradition, after dinner we trooped over to the Main Street Missionary Baptist Church for their Wednesday prayer meeting, and Newtown joined us.  As always, we received an extravagant welcome as we joined in singing their hymns. Earl shared a reflection on the parable of the Good Samaritan, asking the important question, “Who is our neighbor?” We entertained them with two hymns, Here I Am, Lord and Go Tell It On the Mountain, ably led by Karen and accompanied on guitar by Chase and Patrick. We’ve never sounded better.

It’s not as rowdy back at the mission house tonight, though there’s a card game that could go on for awhile. The wind has picked up, and some cold weather’s blowing in for morning. Luckily, we should be inside, and we’re not working the entire day. About a dozen are trekking off to New Orleans for the afternoon and evening. Time for me to call it a night.