Monday, August 2nd

Blessed day!  Today we served with Seattle's Union Gospel Mission, which is a large ministry that has been serving the hurting and homeless in the community through emergency and long-term services for over 78 years.  Seattle's Union Gospel Mission  We served at two of their locations, the men's shelter, where 20 of us were, and the women's and children's shelter, where the other 10 of us were.  Our day was incredible...

Those of us at the men's shelter helped to prepare lunch, assemble hygiene kits, assist with housekeeping tasks, and serve lunch to the residents.  However, the parts of our day that truly hit home for us were the stories we heard from the people we met while we ate with the residents and worked along side those who were going through the programs the mission has to offer.  These people have stories that penetrated our hearts and reached our souls...and tonight, during our devotional time, as we listened to each other reflect on our day, it was clear just how impacting the experiences we shared in were. 

Those of us at the women's and children's shelter (Hope Place) helped to serve lunch to the residents and play with the children.  The day flew by as the children continued to touch our hearts and we watched just how powerful the community bond this place shared was, and we realized that even though these people might not have had much, they had a wealth that was greater than we could see on the surface.  It was powerful for us to witness.

Seattle's Union Gospel Mission was a ministry that we felt blessed to share in ministry with.  The strong sense of community within both shelters was overwhelming, and it was a true example of what can happen when people come together to achieve a common good.  Even though we went there to serve, it's fair to say that we came away feeling like WE were served by them .

After our work was done, we headed to the Space Needle area.  What a perfect evening we had for this.  The skies were clear and it was calm and warm.  Looking out from the top, there was the majestic Mount Rainier, standing tall in the distance, reminding us of the fact that just as God created that mountain, God also created each and every one of us, bringing us together to reach out and serve these people in Jesus name.

Tomorrow...Community Lunch on Capitol Hill.  Can't wait!!!