This week has been an interesting week. I find myself experiencing a range of emotions from joy and hope to mourning and sorrow. Today I join others in grief and prayer for Gabrielle Gifford and 19 other victims in the shootings in Arizona.
This past week we started the renovation/refresh process of the ‘care center’ we’re starting through the Justice & Compassion ministries at Quest. Now let me just say it has been a whirlwind. A year ago, I proposed an idea to Quest in regards to starting a center where we could have office spaces to provide deeper friendship and support for those of our brothers and sisters who are homeless, low-income and in need in the Ballard area. We began the process of looking for office space in Ballard in October/November and then through some conversations and connections a company called Jubilee Fisheries extended an office space to us– rent FREE!
On January 1, we were given the keys and full access to the building and this past week we began our refresh process of cleaning, painting and rejuvenating the space. Here are some pics:
Before:
After with some paint:
You know, it’s very exciting to see the transformation unfold right before our eyes, but what truly excites me and motivates me is dreaming how the space will be used to love people who otherwise may go without the message that they are loved– valued–appreciated.
Through the small ways in which we’ve been able to serve through resource distribution or hosting a meal the feedback from folks has been a resounding feeling of gratefulness as they acknowledge that there are people in their community who cares.
I believe that the work of kindness can go a long way in transforming people’s lives and stories. Take for instance the story of Ted Williams. His story is a beautiful testament of hope, but if it hadn’t been for that person stopping to read his sign, say hello and record his voice– none of us would have ever even heard of Ted.
The work of compassion is recognition and acknowledgement. It is the call to look up– to see and acknowledge someone else’s existence and dignity and then engage.
AWESOME, DEE! Congrats on the space!
So excited for this….both for the lives that will be touched, and the act of generosity on the part of Jubilee Fisheries. It’s easy for some of the newer folks in Ballard to drive right by the cultural richness of the historic fishing community and never notice what’s here. Nice to see all the convergence factors on this one. Grateful for all ya’all are doing!
D this is so awesome- and I am so glad to see that this center idea is finally coming to fruition. Way to stick with the vision.
I hope to see you guys soon and to hear more about the miraculous ways that God is working his kingdom work through your passions and actions. Bravo to everyone else @ Quest who committed to this project, too!