The Bridge Kitchen and Day Shelter

Jamie was our official greeter, counter and silverware passer outer!

This past Saturday we were asked to get a group together and help out at "The Bridge" - it is a homeless day shelter and kitchen for those in need in the St. Louis area. On Saturday's they provide breakfast and lunch to anyone who comes in and also a place to rest between meals with water, bathrooms, a/c and a free phone for their use.

Jamie, Deacon Wanda and Myself looking cute in our hairnets and aprons!

This is an amazing place to witness God's grace and mercy in action. You are so humbled by each second of time there...  you realize how ungrateful we really are each and every minute of everyday and for everything we have- we are so blessed to have a home, clean clothes, to not have to worry about where we are sleeping and if  we can get a drink of water or use a restroom. As I got up that morning before we left, I thought about how I would normally say, if I had slept well or not? now-MEANINGLESS! I get up in the morning to my own bathroom, hot shower, fresh towels, AIR CONDITIONING or HEAT... to my comfort level, toothpaste, my medicine and vitamins, my skin care routine and make-up, pick out what I want to wear.... and get my day started in my own car. REALLY? I hardly ever even stop to think about these things. I may thank God for all He has given me...but, to really understand being grateful for everything God has given... you have to see what it is like to NOT have those things or anything. We were all blessed to be there.

Jamie and Deacon Wanda passing out smiles after wrapping silverware!

 We got there in time to help serve breakfast, help prepare and serve lunch. They served grits and toast, plus an orange or apple or banana for breakfast. Fr. Dan and Fr. Greg helped slice up and cook some beef and gravy. We cut up peppers, onions, tomatoes and cucumbers for a salad for lunch, along with mac and cheese and greens, and a dessert and bread. It made a good looking and smelling meal- thanks to Chef Felicia!

Chef Felicia- pray for her and the other staff of "The Bridge"!

Fr's Greg and Dan helping serve!

There was a special older lady in a wheelchair that Fr. Dan had seen there before... She was one of the last people "guests" to come in for lunch. Her smile and countenance touched my heart. You could tell she knew Jesus.  She said thank you to each of us and greeted Miss Felicia (the Chef) with a big grin and a hug. As she got her tray of food, she rolled over and filled her water bottle and went to a table by herself. Fr.Dan went to see if he could help in anyway... she declined. As she got herself settled, she opened a plastic bag filled with plastic containers with lids. She would take a bite or two and then fill each item into a small tub... seal it up and move to the next item. She was taking with her... either for herself for dinner or for someone else who couldn't make it to the day shelter to eat. It was Jesus in action.

Jaydon 4 y.o. that we got to take our break with loved to make things out of blocks!

We will be doing this again.... Jamie enjoyed the day and felt grateful for his friends and family!
It is such a blessing to serve the basic needs of people and the people and services at The Bridge are Jesus's hands reaching out to everyone!