Filled Up

In the end, our group decided to avoid the Pioneer Day parade and festivities downtown altogether and drove to Park City (about thirty minutes east) to shop for souvenirs and have a picnic lunch before coming back to Salt Lake to finish our work at the UMCOR depot.





The depot was closed this morning for the parade; after that Brian made his way through the traffic to the depot. We met him there about 1:00. At mid-afternoon we stopped for a "cake break" and ate the rest of Scott's birthday cake, which we had left in the staff fridge. We shared with Jaime, the volunteer coordinator, and Brian. Then we spent another hour assembling kits and finished the afternoon by hauling out the trash and recycling. Brian walked us out to our cars and led us in a prayer, and then we bid him good-bye. We were so blessed to work with Linda, from Crossroads, and Brian and Jaime, who kept us busy and taught us so much and made the work go smoothly. Also, it is inspiring to meet people who have devoted their whole work to mercy and social justice. Not everyone is called to the ministry or non-profit work, but I want to find ways in my own life to live out Jesus's call to mercy and justice. Then the kingdom of God will break through.


After leaving the UMCOR depot, we headed back to the church. Coincidentally, Jackie's brother and his family were traveling through Salt Lake City today, and they were able to come to the church and join us for dinner. We had hot dogs and brats and macaroni and a smorgasbord of leftovers. There was plenty for everyone.

Jackie, Lance, and Jessica were also able this week to reconnect with old friends from Louisville who moved to Salt Lake four years ago. Jordan, a friend Lance's age, joined us on our expedition to Park City this morning and helped us work in the depot. He is in our group photo.

Tonight we are doing laundry and packing our bags so that we can leave tomorrow after the food distribution. Jackie will pack up whatever food is left and feed it to us for lunch on the road tomorrow. We have been filled up--on Jackie's good food and on God's good food, kindness and goodness and generosity and love. As I prepare to head back to Boulder, I am listening carefully to hear what God is calling me to do next at and through and with St. Paul's. In that sense, the trip is not over, and our work is just beginning.


--Rebecca