TacyPyles

Tacy Pyles

Dr. Campbell

TN Alternative Spring Break

Journal Entry 4

11 March 2009

Today was our last day of volunteering - a day of last-minute goodbyes, words of appreciation, hugs, laughter and pictures. We went back to the Nashville Rescue Mission and once again divided up, with some people working in the education department, some working in the basement and some (including me) working in the kitchen.

While in the kitchen, we were finally given the opportunity I had long awaited - the chance to be behind the counter serving as both the program participants and homeless men went through the line. Team work became essential as the line quickly grew and the people kept coming faster. But, what really hit me hard was watching the men from the program - standing in line before they got their food - watching them pray for us. We need to serve them. We need to love them. We came to be a blessing and I stood and watched them pour prayers over us.

We watched man after man walk by - beginning first with those that were disabled. Just to get a chance to smile at them and say, “Have a good day” or ask how they was a privilege I will not get. Many with downcast eyes and pained expressions of embarrassment walked by while others smiled at us with all the joy in the world painted on their faces. I just wanted them to know we were there because we loved them and we had hope for their futures.

At the end of our work day, Billy (one of the men who works there) had prepared, with the help of a few others working at the mission, a wonderful meal for all of us in the conference room - gumbo, salad, sweet potatoes, deserts, chicken, cheese sticks and other delicious foods. As soon as we walked in, I thought I was going to cry. I just don’t understand how these people who gives their lives to this service of helping people are so touched by us taking one short week to come down and help. I don’t understand the beauty of grace. I cannot fathom the depths of love.

All throughout the day, I had wonderful opportunities to talk with man of the men at the mission and multiple times I was humbled by their selfless generosity, their desire to serve us and their passion for life. I know I have many thoughts running through my mind, but this is one of those days where words don’t do justice to emotions. We came to serve and I’m walking away from this covered in blessings.

I have tears running down my face and a broken heart. I don’t know what its like to walk in their shoes everyday, but I have gotten the chance to give them my smile and listen to their voice. I have had the opportunity to hear their stories and wrap my arms around them. I’ve been blessed to join in laughter and meal times with the homeless and the hurting. Now where do I go from here? Where will this take my life?

What has to change…?

Give me your eyes for just one second,

Give me your eyes so I can see,

Everything that I keep missing.

Give me your love for humanity.

Give me your arms for the brokenhearted -

The ones who are far beyond my reach.

Give me your eyes for just one second,

Give me your eyes so I can see.