introductions

On Sunday morning I was picked up at the airport a little bit after 11. I made it to Rising Hope's church service probably around noon - so it was near the end. Walking in I looked around the congregation of diversity, made up primarily of the poor and homeless, the mentally disabled, the addicted, the unstable, the marginalized of society and I did not feel uncomfortable or out of my element.
I sat down and listened to them during a time of "Joys and Concerns" as they praised and asked for prayer. I saw deep caring in the faces of church members as they listened to bits of others' lives. Then, my supervisor stood up and introduced me as the church's intern for the summer and I was overwhelmed by the feeling of warmth and acceptance as their faces returned looks wide smiles and bright eyes.
We entered into Communion followed by song, and my eyes were tearing within a few minutes as I - one who has home, functional family, job, healthy mind, no addiction, many friends, high school education, college enrollment, and a paycheck coming in - took the Body and Bread alongside of these people. It is one thing to recognize that the Lord's Table is open to all, and an entirely new experience to live it.

After the service I had the opportunity to meet many of the church members, the Pastor and his family, some board members, etc. I ate lunch with the church family, as the church serves a meal after the service. I ate with the Pastor's daughter Kaitlyn, she's 16, and 5 young girls ages 6-11 surrounded us, clung to us, fought over our attention.

I am already welcomed, accepted, and loved and am excited to begin working tomorrow. Keep me in your prayers!