BY LAURA P.

My family and I served at Marian House on 11/11/23. The lead volunteer for the day, Jeff, asked if anyone would be willing to work the “Sugar Shack.” I thought, “That sounds fun; they must have a new way of doing desserts,” so I volunteered. Boy, was I surprised when I was led outside to the tiny shack by the front door! I was going to be front and center of the action.

I was shown how to scan our guests’ cards or enter them manually if necessary; being fairly computer-literate I wasn’t too worried. If anyone didn’t have a card, then just write their name down in the notebook…no one would be turned away. Easy, peasy…

As I was left alone in the little shack and the people started to gather, I became a little uneasy. I’m a fairly shy person and my thoughts got the better of me, “What if these folks wanted to have a conversation? What should I say, have a nice day doesn’t sound right?” No more time to think; here comes the rush…

All I have to say is that the Lord’s grace is sweet, and my experience was totally different than I expected! First impressions of those who have a meal at Marian House may be that only the most destitute come for a meal, but truly not so. I was able to meet the most wonderful, gracious, God-loving people and they came from all walks of life! Some had cars, one had a motorcycle, and many had bicycles. Yes, a lot of them carried everything they owned with them, but not one of them treated me rudely or was impolite and many told me to have a blessed day.

I had someone quote me, Shakespeare, another tell me their adventure in the park, and one just came from church. To be able to make someone feel valued just by giving them a smile and a few kind words was amazing. One young man, who was just passing through town and had never been here before asked how he got a hot meal. I told him I just needed his name and birthdate. The look of shock on his face that turned to joy as he asked, “Really,” was priceless! I feel I came away more blessed than those we were serving that day! 

If ever given the chance to work again at the “Sugar Shack” (I’m sure that is not the real name; blame that on Jeff!) I would say “yes” because it was beautiful to hear people’s stories.  ~Laura