It was finally Friday.
When I got to the House, I was asked to cook lunch so right away after morning prayer I started to get things together. It was going to be something simple- pizza, baked beans, vegetable soup, sandwich fixings (ps- British people find it hilarious that I call them that), and salad along with other bits and pieces.
As I was in my groove and started to get all things ready I had to go through the office for a second and there was one of our new residents finishing up using the phone. He looked at me and asked, "Are you cooking lunch today?" I told him that I was. He then asked," Do you need a hand?"
Now, immediately I thought, "Not really. There isn't much to do." but then I remembered when he and I sat at lunch the previous day that he had said how much he enjoyed working in the kitchen and how I told him that he can always come into the kitchen to help with lunch or even dinner sometimes. So, I told him that it would be great if he came in to help!
You see, in that moment I could have very easily told him that I didn't need help because I really didn't. I could have easily done it all myself. The issue is, though, that that would completely be opposite from what I had told him the previous day as well as my role at Bethany House. Part of my role is to get along side these guys and just get to know them and give them someone to talk to. So, when this resident came in to help, he made a lovely salad and we blethered about many things from his time at Teen Challenge to what kind of music we like to listen to and how I hope to be half as good of a cook as my mother is.
And to be honest with you, I was so incredibly thankful for his help. It was one less thing that I had to worry about and the company was nice. Even now, after almost 9 months of volunteering at Bethany House, I continue to learn from the people there. And it is often in ways I could never imagine. Something as simple as cooking and working together in the kitchen presents an amazing opportunity to build relationships. By giving someone something to do with their hands, you are often opening up a gateway to conversation because it isn't so "on the spot" and is just informal.
This particular resident told me just how much he was enjoying his stay at Bethany, how the food was fantastic, how he felt so peaceful even before his interview and how friendly everyone had been to him. He was full of gratitude. What a beautiful thing. I think, it was a reminder for me that person to person interaction is so wildly important and that it can have an incredible impact on someone. Not only were all these things great to hear, but he was honestly a joy to work with in the kitchen.
Simple joys make for beautiful memories.
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