Who Are the Angels?

            My VIPs for this week are the helpers or angels, who are many. I am currently doing an internship at a center to help the homeless people in my community. The center has several departments including a shelter for abused women, a kitchen that prepares lunch for the homeless people in the neighborhood and dinner for the women in the shelter, and a shower house where homeless people can come to take showers and have their laundry done. In addition, there is a place where the homeless people can receive hot coffee and pastries as well as dry and warm clothing.

The center teaches two courses – culinary arts and a bakery. The students in the courses prepare lunch for the homeless and dinner for the ladies in the shelter, all under the direction of the chief chef. Each course has three levels, and students are required to be free of drugs to stay in the program and to graduate. Once they graduate, they are prepared to obtain employment.

The center is operated by several churches in the area. It does not rely on any government funds but operates solely on donations. There are some paid personnel, most of whom took cuts in pay to take the job. Many of the workers are volunteers. They are all angels because they have compassion for the hurting and tough love for those who feel entitled.

Other helpers include medical professional and all the supporting helpers. My husband had back surgery four weeks ago and has been in the hospital for nearly a month. I have spent many long hours in the hospital with my husband and have had a front row seat in watching the workers do their jobs. All of them are paid for doing their jobs, but money alone does not account for the care, compassion, and kindness that I have seen over and over again. To me, they are angels for the way that they have cared for my husband – and often asked me if I needed anything.

There are helpers all around us. Anchorage received its first snowfall of the season today. Before I could get outside to shovel my driveway, the neighbor boy was doing it out of the kindness of his heart. He and his family watch over us and often serve us. They are also angels.