Project Advent II, Day 20: Saint Benedict's Chapel

My friend Courtney got in touch with me after I worked at the Sick Children's Clinic earlier this month.  It turns out that she is now the full-time financial administrator for Second Baptist Church, the church that sponsors the clinic.  She invited me last year to work an evening at Saint Benedict's, because Second Baptist also does that every Thursday night, and she was getting in touch to renew the invitation for this year.

They start serving the meal at 5, which is when I get off of work.  Fortunately, St. Ben's is only about a quarter mile from my office, so I hopped in the car and booked it over there as quickly as I could.  When I got there, the tables inside were already completely full, and most folks had already had a first serving of food.  However, there were still seconds to be served, and a crowd of people waiting outside for seats to open up so that they could come in and eat.

Last year, I waited tables, taking food out to people and picking up their plates when they were done, or bringing them more food if they wanted more.  This year, I stood in the assembly line and helped make plates.  The first two people put meatloaf and green beans on the plate, I added potatoes, Courtney topped them with gravy, and the last volunteer added bread.  It was fun!  We caught up on the last year, talked about what's been going on in our lives, and just enjoyed each other's company.

The hour passed quickly.  I thought about how many of these projects have involved feeding hungry people.  It makes me glad that there are places like this where people can get a meal.  It makes me glum to think that in 2012 in America there are still so many people who need a meal.  Tonight, though, I also thought of a scripture that I haven't thought of in a long time, Hebrews 13:1-2.

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

Affirmation Project: Mark, I'm really proud of you for the new job that you started this year, and for the way that you're always there for my kids.

Project Advent II, Day 19: All Saints Chess Club

Oops!

Here's what happened.  I sat down in my chair last night at about 9:00, ready to type this post.  I put my laptop on top of my lap, and promptly fell asleep before I even opened it.  I woke up six hours later with a crick in my neck and no blog entry written.  The blog elves did not come and cobble it together for me this time.

Anyway, yesterday was all about time spent with kids.  It was my final visit to the All Saints Chess Club for 2012.  I didn't get to see Blake this time.  Every Wednesday, a group of second graders from All Saints goes to the Ronald McDonald House to help out there and bake cookies for the guests, and yesterday was one of his days to go.  Still, there were about 10 kids who did come yesterday, so it was a pretty full house.

The children started coming in a few at a time.  Some set up boards while others just watched or visited.  A boy named Ryan asked if I would play with him.  A while back, I reached the decision that I wouldn't ever take it easy on these kids, mostly because I'm not good enough to take it easy on them.  Still, after a few opening moves, it seemed like Ryan may have been struggling, so I pulled back a little.  Kid hustled me.  I spent the rest of the game watching him mop my pieces off of the board.

But that's not the real story of yesterday.  The weathermen had all predicted severe winds yesterday, but it was still calm when I arrived at the school.  At about 12:30, though, one of the kids shouted "The storm is here!" and then you could literally hear the exact moment when the wall of wind and dust slammed into the side of the school.  I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say that it felt like the building actually moved a little bit.  Besides Ryan, the rest of the kids just entirely lost interest in chess at that point, and went into full-on Crazytown mode.  I'm thinking that maybe in addition to other safety-related talks they've probably received at school this week, their teachers may have taken the chance to review severe weather safety, too, because this crowd was ready to dive into the bunkers.  I am not making this up: a few of them just started running laps around the library.  One of them kept poking his head outside before coming back in to report, "It's still so windy!"  Two boys took every book about weather that they could find off of the shelves, and started looking for information about dust storms.  Sorry about that, Mrs. Gretzler.  So, between moves with Ryan, who was getting increasingly impatient with waiting to beat me, I was making the rounds of the room, trying to introduce a little bit of calmness to things, assuring the children that everything was going to be OK, and not to listen to the first grader who insisted that a tornado was just outside.

It was quite an hour.

But the child-related chaos was not over, for, you see, last night was the children's Christmas Pageant at our church, and if you guessed that maybe one of my children did something to draw attention to themselves, well I just don't know what would have given you that idea.

Here are all three of them pre-show.  Ava was a sheep, and Blake and Jack were both shepherds.  Also, look at the adorable little girl behind Jack!  That's our friends Marcy and Clay's daughter Addison.

The program began, and it was really cute.  Different children read parts of the story and acted it out, and then they'd all sing.

My friend Charlie played "Away in a Manger" on his trumpet, and sounded fantastic!

Here's Blake about to read his part, which he did wonderfully.

And here's Ava, paying close attention to the signals that the director was giving them.  She had come straight from dance class, which is why she's wearing stripey tights and a leotard beneath her costume.

And here's Jack, who was front and center.

That look of concentration is him realizing that there is a microphone less than a foot away from his face.  Luckily, he hasn't reached the age yet where he'd think to commandeer that mike for himself and say things into it.  Instead, he decided to lean forward and rub the soft, spongy black microphone cover all up on his face, adding a nice rumble and screech of feedback to the program at random intervals.  I was laughing too hard to record it.  I only got this.

The very first words out of his mouth when we went to get him after the program: "Did you see me put my face on the thing, Daddy?"  He was so proud.  I was, too.  I mean, they're my kids.  Of course I'm proud.  But especially when one of them gets a laugh.

Affirmation Project: Heather Griffis, FUMC's children's minister, I really don't know how you do it.  I've watched you take control of a group of 30 kids, with nothing planned to do, and completely draw them into some game that you just made up on the spot.  You are so good at making something wonderful out of something disorderly, and you do a great job of making our children feel like a part of the church family.

Project Advent II, Day 18: Second Helpings

First things first.  My friend and loyal reader Ali requested that I put something shiny in a post for her, so here it is, personalized with a shiny letter "A" and everything!

 

OK, now on to today's service.   I had originally planned to return to the Sick Children's Clinic, because I had such a wonderful experience there last time, and because they had doctor's hours today.  Unfortunately, the doctor's hours started at 10 AM, and at the very end of the day yesterday, my manager scheduled a 10 AM meeting that I really needed to be at.  I texted the folks in charge to apologize and let them know I wouldn't be there.

Luckily, God provides!  Because it's Tuesday, I knew that Second Helpings was serving at my church, so I ran over there during my lunch break and helped serve food.  So many of the friends I made during my visits last December were there again, just as they probably have been all year long.  Today's menu included beans, green beans, carrots, fried chicken, baked chicken with a sour cream sauce, salad, and dessert.  My station was right beside the salad, where there were two large bowls of salsa, one red and one green, spooning it out to anybody who wanted some with their meal.  I got to stand beside Nell, one of my favorite ladies, and visit with her, and the hour passed quickly.

Affirmation Project:  I'm really grateful for the family I married into.  Over the last year, Courtney's cousin Chad has become a really treasured friend, and today he shared something with me, something very kind that he recently did for somebody in a position of need.  Thank you for letting me know about that, and for the part that you've agreed to play in Project Advent this weekend, Chad!

A Special Look What Danny Made! Note:  This is my 300th post!  It's a landmark I'm happy to have reached, and happy to have fall in the middle of Project Advent.

Project Advent II, Day 17: The Bridge of Lubbock

Today has been a kaleidoscope of emotions.

Hurt: Although I've made my email address available on my contact info page, I usually receive very few actual email messages from readers.  Folks either leave a comment, put something on Facebook, or tell me what they think in person.  This morning when I awoke and checked my email, I had a message from somebody whom I've never met, telling me that I'm a "commie faggot" for making a donation to the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence.  I haven't replied yet.  I should probably just delete it.

Friendship: I also had a comment left on that blog entry from the Development Director of CSGV, thanking me for my donation and attention!  It turns out that we actually have a mutual friend, too.

Joy: For my hour of service, I returned to The Bridge of Lubbock, where I sorted coats last week.  Ashley, the director, had told me that I should come back to help with their annual community Christmas meal, which was today.  I'm so glad that I did.  I'm always a bad judge of numbers of people, but there had to have been several hundred people who were fed today, and the food looked fantastic.  Christmas ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, salad, and rolls, with a choice of several pies for dessert!  As people came in, they took a seat, and we would bring plates out to them, along with more food if they wished.  It was a windy, dusty, unpleasant day outside, but as soon as people came in, you could just see the peace and camaraderie of the place overtake them.  Everybody who attended was also given a coat and a Bible, and a new toy if they had children with them.  There was a family who arrived later than most other folks; I showed them to seats and brought them food, and then came back a while later to ask if there was anything else they needed.  They had three boys, the oldest of whom must have been around five, and they asked if there were any toys left.  Up to this point, I hadn't really done anything with the toys, because I'd been busy bringing food and then busing tables, but I went to check.  There were exactly three toys left.  Putting them into those boys' hands felt as good as though I was handing them to my own three children.

Pride: This is me with my friend Charlie.  We go to the same church with his family, and he's about Blake's age.  When he saw something about boys and girls who are cold, he wanted to do something about it, and asked his school if he could start a coat drive.  They said he couldn't, so he did it through our church instead.  At The Bridge today, his coats made up a large part of what was given out.  In fact, he was able to collect so many coats that not only did everybody who attended Christmas Lunch at The Bridge today receive one, he and his mom went to CASA when they left and gave away another 150 coats.  I'm so proud of you, Charlie.  I'm so amazed at your heart.

Sorrow: I had the chance to see some old friends under very sad circumstances today.  Dr. John Marx taught with my dad in Texas Tech's department of chemistry for many years.  I grew up alongside his son Sam and daughter Ruthie, and went to school with them.  I was in the same Boy Scout troop with Sam and Dr. Marx.  In many ways, he was a lot like my dad, a quiet, thoughtful, gentle, fiercely intelligent man who was never happier than when he could share his love of science and of the outdoors with the boys in the troop.  He had what surely must have been one of the world's largest private collections of science fiction, with over 80,000 volumes in his library.  Every now and then, I would buy some from him, and he'd throw in a few extra ones that I hadn't asked for but that he thought I'd like based on my purchases.  His picks were usually better than mine.  Last Thursday, Dr. Marx passed away.  Sam, Ruthie, and Mrs. Marx: I am so sorry for your loss.  I really thought the world of Dr. Marx.  It does put a smile on my face, though, to think of him and my dad hanging out again.

Excitement: Tonight was Blake's last Cub Scout meeting until after Christmas, and he was awarded his Bobcat patch, his first award in Scouting.  I'm a proud dad tonight.

What are you feeling tonight?  There's one week until Christmas Eve.  Don't let it be a frantic time, let it be a hopeful time.  I know, easier said than done.  I'm working on it, too.  Let's work on it together.

Affirmation Project: My friend Steve Moss posted a really encouraging video on my Facebook about service to others as the way to being a light in the darkness.  It was something very touching at a time when I needed to see something like that.  Steve, I've known you for 25 years, through so many changes in both of our lives, but a constant through all of that time is that you have always been a true, loving supporter not only to me, but to so many others who have been in your orbit.

Project Advent II, Day 16: Coalition to Stop Gun Violence

I can't believe I'm saying this on a Sunday night, but I'm actually glad that tomorrow is Monday.  Maybe when I go to the office tomorrow, I'll actually have the chance to sit still for a few minutes.

First, to follow up on yesterday's entry.  At the end of today, after the kids had their baths and were in pajamas, I got them to help me make our goodie bags for the Hope Lodge.  I told them what the stockings were for, and they didn't even ask for any of the candy we were putting inside them.  They were just so excited that they were getting to do something that would make people happy.  It really, really blessed me.

I'll be delivering the stockings tomorrow, and I hope that they'll be enjoyed by the guests at Hope Lodge.

Now, for today's project.  My original plan today was to take the kids out to lunch and pay for a stranger's meal.  That's something I've always wanted to do, and have always thought would be fun.  I'm just not in a fun place yet, though.  Every time I close my eyes, I see that little girl in the blue shirt, the one who was sobbing as the police led her class away from their school.  I called an audible, and changed where the donation for today went.  Today, I sent an hour of pay to the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence.  It's not a lot, but it's at least something.

We're in the final week of Advent.  I'm really looking forward to some of what's coming up this week.

Affirmation Project:  One of the things that I have to do on Sundays is lead a weekly Bible study.  This year I have a pretty small group, just myself and three people.  Today, two of them couldn't make it, so it was just me and Stephanie in class.  Stephanie, today I just want to thank you for being in class, not just today, but always.  You are so knowledgeable and passionate about the Bible, and having you in class has really made it a fun group to be with this year.

Project Advent II, Day 15: IOU Hope Lodge

One of the most amazing days I had during the first Project Advent was when I went and helped at the Hope Lodge.  To refresh your memory, the Hope Lodge is a place where cancer patients and their caregivers and loved ones can stay if they have to travel for medical treatment.  It is free of charge.  The one in Lubbock is the first, and so far only, one in Texas.  The rooms are comparable to what you would find in a really top-notch hotel, and there are lots of other amenities and conveniences that their guests have access to.


My plan today, since it was a Saturday, was to work with the kids on something special for the Hope Lodge.  There are about 20-25 guests there at any time, and we were going to make little care packages for them.  I had a bunch of little stockings, and the plan was to fill them with some treats to make the day a little nicer for the guests of the Lodge, things like chocolate kisses, puzzle books, and other little fun things.  I had all of the stuff ready to go, but then came The Event.  The Event Which Required Attention.


See, my job is in IT.  Most of the time that just means I have to keep stuff plugged in and working well together, but every so often something bigger comes up, and today was one of those days.  Anyway, I ended up spending about 12 hours at the office today working on The Event Which Required Attention.  By the time I was done up there, I needed to get home with the kids, get them bathed and put them to bed.


The stuff for the care packages is still here, and they'll still get made and taken, but I'm afraid that for today I have to break my streak.  I know there's still time that I could make them myself, but I've still got to work on some other things tonight and besides, I really wanted the kids to get to do this with me.


Affirmation Project:  Courtney worked last night, and again tonight, so I needed somebody to be with the kids while I was working, so that she could sleep.  My mom watched them this morning, but had something she needed to do this afternoon, so I called our favorite babysitter, Kerri.  We first met Kerri almost 6 years ago, which I can't even believe.  At the time she was a Tech student, and now she's a grad student; we met her because she also works in our church nursery.  All of our kids have been in her care at some point or other, and somewhere in there, she became our go-to gal when we needed somebody to babysit for us.  She came over today to spend the afternoon with the children, and do you know what she did?  At the end of the afternoon, she wouldn't let us pay her.  Kerri, you're so much more than a babysitter to us - you're like another member of our family.  Thank you.

Project Advent II, Day 14: Dinner for Fire Station 6

I'm having a really hard time finding the motivation to type this today.  You know why.  I had today off, and I had the TV on while I was in the kitchen, getting some things ready for tonight's project.  I was cooking when the news came on.  You know which news.

Like every American, I am heartsick today.  I'm sure that in the weeks ahead, we'll be finding out more about the reasons that today unfolded like it did.  Right now, though... God.  Oh God.  My chest and stomach have been in a vise grip all day long, and I'm just barely holding back the tears.  And part of me thinks that maybe I'll feel better for still writing this up and sharing it, but the bigger part just wonders what's the point.  What's the point?!?  Here's something I wrote at the conclusion of last year's Project Advent:

There was this moment last night, as we held our candles, and Pastor Craig read from the first chapter of the Gospel of John, where this last month clicked into perspective for me.

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

Only when we stop caring about each other and taking care of each other will the darkness overcome us.  Light a candle against the darkness.

On days when I'm not feeling as driven towards service, this is something I've thought about to help stir me: these actions are like lighting a candle.  But a day like today happens, and... what?  What does it matter if I spend an hour putting something good into the world when some maniac can put SO MUCH evil into the world in even less time?  And when it's happened SO MANY times this year that I can't even keep track of them all anymore?

And morons on Facebook ranting about how the answer to this epidemic is for even more of us to be armed, for teachers to carry guns to school, for you and I to carry guns to the movies or to work - for all of us to be prepared to kill our fellow man at a moment's notice.  Are you prepared to live like that?  To see every day as a potential opportunity to cowboy up and put a bullet into somebody?  I'm not, and I never will be.

But again, what does it matter?  If I sit here and type 100,000 words about this, I won't have changed anything.  Tonight, all of us are anguished.  All of those precious children...

I did do my service today, though, because I've made that commitment.  Today I wanted to do something special for my friend Brett.  I've known him for literally my entire life.  Brett is about five years older than me, and we grew up down the street from each other.  We used to play baseball in the cul de sac I lived on with all of the other kids from the neighborhood.  Now he's a fireman, and I asked him if I could bring dinner for the men at his station tonight.  He happily said yes, and gave me details about how many guys would be on shift, and what time I should bring the food by.

I made a big crockpot of chili (which I also took some fixings along for: cheese, Fritos, sour cream, and jalapenos), a pan of cornbread, and a peach pie (which was compliments of my mom.  Thanks, Mom!).  When we got to the station, we were greeted by Brett's sons, who were there spending the night with him.  Brett and his crew were just getting back from a call, and they seemed really pleased to have something hot to come back to.  Brett was really kind to my kids, and showed them around the whole station.

Blake got comfy in the living area, and commandeered the remote to change the TV to Cartoon Network.  "Want to come and see the fire truck, Blake?"  "Nah, I'm good."

Ava was intrigued with all of the gear.

She was making me laugh - as much fun as she was having, she was still certain that Brett was going to blast her with the sirens every time he reached for something.

A quick photo with an old friend.  I'm thankful for you, Brett.

My boys with one of Brett's boys; this is the most still Jack was all night, and he was still a little blur.  Kid was HYPED to be at the fire station.

During the day today, I had lunch with my mom and then took her to see Argo.  In the opening scenes, when it showed the Iranian Revolution, my mom said, "I remember this.  You were too young, though.  You were only four."  And she was right: I was alive when that happened, but I have absolutely no memory of it.  I learned about it years later in history class.  I picked up my children from school today, and they had no idea what had happened in Newtown, Connecticut today.  I'm glad of that.  But I think they still sensed the sadness in me.  So, you know, I did what I could.  I took them to dinner at one of our favorite places, the Holly Hop, where we had hot dogs and ice cream, and even sat at the counter while songs played on the jukebox.

Jack had a little accident while we were there, and I was about to lose my temper with him, and that's when a sweet grandma came in with her friends, smoothed Jack's hair with one hand, and told me I had beautiful children.  "Treasure them, because they just grow so fast, and you just never know..."  She squeezed my hand and went to place her order.  You just never know.  But you can buy them some ice cream, and tuck them in at night, and then cry about things that you pray they'll never know.

And you can see a rainbow when you're driving them home from school and remember Genesis 9:16: "Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth."

Affirmation Project:  Another longtime friend, Geoff Hearn, completed nursing school today!  He and I used to be in Boy Scouts together, and his dad was like my second dad.  I'm really proud of you, Geoff.  Congratulations.