What an interesting week we had, literally working in the middle of a construction site, although I have a feeling the worse is yet to come- the internal walls will be pulled down this coming week, but as always we will rise to the challenge.
I estimate about 100 people were buzzing around our buildings on Thursday morning- what a great little community we have happening. English classes crossing paths with Food Pantry customers, builders, donators, staff and volunteers- all working side by side. To see some great community in action come and join us on a Thursday and see what it really means to be ‘the church’.
Family relationship breakdown seemed to be a common theme coming through in conversations with people this week. Many are facing custody issues over their children and many new migrants are finding it hard to be “family” in such a different culture from their own. The freedoms of our country can be alluring and the responsibility to family can be pushed a side.
A couple that have been coming along for a while told me of how they have no income at the moment due to an injury in the work place. This man is a casual and not entitled to sick leave. They talked of doctor’s appointments, bills still coming in and financial pressures of providing for their children. I told them I was sorry that I wasn’t a miracle worker, as it would have been nice to fix their problems, but in the end the couples thanks was more than enough to let me know that they knew I had heard them and was along side them.
Not only do we have the support of some great community groups and individuals who come regularly to donate to the Food Pantry, but more and more our customers are becoming involved in donating as well. We have had a number, who over the past few weeks have been supplying us with vegetables that have come out of their own garden. Their generosity surprised me and reminded me again that there really is no helper or helpee or ‘us’ or ‘them’, but just ‘we’. It’s lovely to see people wanting to be apart of something bigger than themselves, and apart of a community that is making a difference.
Looking forward to the coming weeks.
Love Alison