Yesterday evening I had office duty during the meal. It can be a relaxing job, with time to read or check email. On the other hand, it can be quite hectic, with the phone ringing, the doorbell ringing, guests wanting to use the phone and guests needing their mail checked. I like the job because it allows me to speak to guests one-on-one, and at the same time gives me something a little more challenging to do than chop onions.
The first guest of the evening was K., who was using our phone to subscribe to telephone service for himself. He was having the same problems many of us have experienced--an extensive menu, then "for____ push 1, for ___push 2, etc." When he finally reached a living, breathing representative, he was having trouble understanding the directions and could not write down the information quickly enough. I could tell he was getting increasingly frustrated. To add to his stress, there were 3 other people waiting to use the phone. I could relate to his situation, having tried to do something similar, but to compound the issue, K has been diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic. Consequently, he became very agitated during the call in a way others might not be.
K. was followed by a young man who had resolved to leave town and get away from the life on the street that was wearing him down. He said he was going to Maine, but he desired to call a few people that had helped him during the past 3 years. He wanted to call his church and tell someone his decision, but was unable to find the phone number. I tried to help him with the phone directory, but the listing was not available. He left, resolving to go by in person the next day.
The next person I met was Felicia. She is very ill with liver disease, and recently was released from a rehab facility. I noticed when she came in that she was not wearing any gloves. I offered her a choice of pink, white or red gloves, and she giggled like a young girl when she selected the pink gloves. She stayed at the Inn to have a hot dinner.
I did not know the name of the next guest, but I have seen him several times at our morning service. He was calling his daughter. He obviously cared about her a great deal, and spent some time inquiring about her day and how things were going at school. At the end of the call he told her he loved her, and reminded her to pray, not just for things she wanted, but for all the needy people of the world. His daughter stays with her grandmother, and the guest spent some time talking with his mother as well. It was obvious that he wanted the best for his daughter, and that he was moving to a healthier stage in his life. He seemed to have spiritual strength that I have observed in many of the recovering addicts and alcoholics that come to the Inn.
There were other guests that evening that came for mail, aspirin, gloves and food. Some were curt and rude, but most were appreciative and left saying "God bless you." I think He did.
The first guest of the evening was K., who was using our phone to subscribe to telephone service for himself. He was having the same problems many of us have experienced--an extensive menu, then "for____ push 1, for ___push 2, etc." When he finally reached a living, breathing representative, he was having trouble understanding the directions and could not write down the information quickly enough. I could tell he was getting increasingly frustrated. To add to his stress, there were 3 other people waiting to use the phone. I could relate to his situation, having tried to do something similar, but to compound the issue, K has been diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic. Consequently, he became very agitated during the call in a way others might not be.
K. was followed by a young man who had resolved to leave town and get away from the life on the street that was wearing him down. He said he was going to Maine, but he desired to call a few people that had helped him during the past 3 years. He wanted to call his church and tell someone his decision, but was unable to find the phone number. I tried to help him with the phone directory, but the listing was not available. He left, resolving to go by in person the next day.
The next person I met was Felicia. She is very ill with liver disease, and recently was released from a rehab facility. I noticed when she came in that she was not wearing any gloves. I offered her a choice of pink, white or red gloves, and she giggled like a young girl when she selected the pink gloves. She stayed at the Inn to have a hot dinner.
I did not know the name of the next guest, but I have seen him several times at our morning service. He was calling his daughter. He obviously cared about her a great deal, and spent some time inquiring about her day and how things were going at school. At the end of the call he told her he loved her, and reminded her to pray, not just for things she wanted, but for all the needy people of the world. His daughter stays with her grandmother, and the guest spent some time talking with his mother as well. It was obvious that he wanted the best for his daughter, and that he was moving to a healthier stage in his life. He seemed to have spiritual strength that I have observed in many of the recovering addicts and alcoholics that come to the Inn.
There were other guests that evening that came for mail, aspirin, gloves and food. Some were curt and rude, but most were appreciative and left saying "God bless you." I think He did.
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