Day 175

I heart adventures.

I'm always up for a challenge; I love making memories; I love serving God outside the box. So...when I was asked to chaperone a "Shack-a-Thon" event, at the college I work at, I jumped in without fully knowing what I was committing to.

The premise? Live in a hand-built shack for 3 [very cold] nights with minimal food, the clothes on your back, minus all luxuries of home. Sound Crazy? It was! All the money raised went to a local organization that helps heat low-income family homes.

I have yet to process all that I experienced, but here are the highlights...

The Hilton of all Shacks

My Shack Mate, Kara (talk about co-worker bonding....)

I endorsed the back of the shack with one of my favorite life mantras. Jesus did it, I strive to.

There's a reason so many can be found sleeping on park benches. The nights are so cold, sleep is minimal, but enjoyed in the day's warmth. (BTW "warm" becomes relative. It was 51 degrees here).

I had the privilege of spending time with our students. I love them! My life goal is to live love out-poured and multiply the Jesus in me into the next team of Elishas.

We served at a local organization, sorting hundreds [and I mean hundreds!] of winter coats. We arrived at 10:30, in the morning and the coat line was already forming (they weren't being handed out until 2:30pm). Sadly, families were turned away when the coats ran out...

We went to a down-town, Detroit park and served over 200 meals to homeless and low-income families. My job? Love on the people. I didn't preach, I didn't pray, I just loved.

About halfway through the day I found myself surrounded by a group of black women. I held one of their newborn babies, while the mama ate her meal. I told her that I, too, was going to be a mom and asked for advice. It was amazing how one small question opened the door to the hearts of an entire group of women. Women who had lived harder lives than I could ever imagine. We laughed and shared for over an hour, teasing one another over childhood nicknames and encouraging each other's future dreams. I couldn't help but thank God in my heart. There I was, whitey-McGee, holding a precious black newborn, encircled by black women, in a grafitti-filled community, surrounded by dilapidated and forgotten buildings. I couldn't have been more out of my element, yet I felt home. I dropped every ounce of love I had into that baby and smothered her little face with kisses. Her mother's story was difficult, her little life would probably be hard. I wasn't chosen to be her mom, but I was sent to whisper hope, love, and future. Her name was Nyla and I pray God continues to intercept her path with his people.


I touched and hugged as many people as I could. I went looking to make a difference and I left changed.

I could go on and on, but I'll leave you with a few more pictures and a powerful song by Casting Crowns...

It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in
Trying to fade into the faces
The girls' teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know

But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way

A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat And quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgmental glances tells him that his chances
Are better out on the road

But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way

Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come

If we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way

Jesus is the way

I am signing off, tonight, with a thankful heart. Thankful for my hot shower, my warm bed, my Savior's love, and an enlarged world-view.

I pray that as I search my heart, asking the Lord, what more I can do, that you'll do the same.