Tuesday, August 3rd

Community...that's what we experienced today.  We served at Community Lunch on Capitol Hill, an organization that serves and average of 245 homeless and hungry people every Tuesday and Friday with a hot and nutritious meal (and DELICIOUS).  We arrived in the morning and immediately were set to work chopping vegetables, making sandwiches, preparing desserts, making salads, and assembling a variety of other dishes.  As the morning progressed, some of us found our way outside to visit with the people as they were lining up.  Oh the stories we heard... 

From people who had been homeless since their teens and were doing all they could to stay alive, to people who were choosing this lifestyle because they found it easier than the stressers of holding down a house payment and a regular job, we were amazed, once again, at just how much these people are impacting us this week.

Once the doors opened and we began the serving line, we were able to interact with these people as they came through to receive their food.  This organization allows for such generous portions, so it was so wonderful to give them a plate full of a hot meal, and even allow them to come back for more if they wanted.  They even offered a vegetarian option!

At the end of the day, we left feeling incredibly blessed to have served along side of these people, and we hope and pray that their ministry will continue to thrive in this city.

Next, we headed out to see the Ballard Locks and spent some time at a beach down by the Puget Sound before going back downtown Seattle for some dinner and returning to our host church for the night.

All in all, it was truly a wonderful day!  Tomorrow, we prepare a meal to serve for Tent City 3.  From what we understand, this will be a very eye-opening experience for us.  Stay tuned...