On the sidewalks of New York

[franktangredi]

I spent today in lower Manhattan doing this: http://www.hopeforthefuture.com/hungry.cfm.

The Youth Group at my church, which I help direct, volunteers to help with this work 2-3 times a year, but this is only the second time I've been able to go. We probably supplied hot meals and/or groceries to over 200 people. (I was stationed with the eggs and cheese.)

To me, the best part is seeing how enthusiastic our kids our about the work. There were three girls, new members of the Youth Group and first-timers with Hope for the Future. Before we left, they were nervous about the possibility of meeting homeless people. ("What if one of them wants to hug me?" one girl asked.) They were assured that most people would just be grateful, and that Pastor Diane has developed a tremendous eye for weeding out potential troublemakers.

By the end of the day, these three girls were dancing with one of the guys on the line. I love these kids!

[silvercamaro]

This is wonderful, Frank. Thank you for being part of it.

[kayrharris]

Yes, a great thing for kids and adults as well. Thanks for
being a part of something that has an impact on those giving and receiving.

[peacock2121]

Good for you and good for them and good for the people you all served.

[franktangredi]

This is wonderful, Frank. Thank you for being part of it.

I only wish there had been some way to post this without making it sound like I was saying how wonderful I was. Believe me, I would not be doing this if not for my wonderful, deeply committed friend who runs the Youth Group. It's easy enough to follow if somebody else does all the organizing. And some of those kids certainly put me to shame. It was my second time, but some of them were already on their seventh.

They are the ones who really deserve the thanks.

[peacock2121]

This is wonderful, Frank. Thank you for being part of it.

I only wish there had been some way to post this without making it sound like I was saying how wonderful I was. Believe me, I would not be doing this if not for my wonderful, deeply committed friend who runs the Youth Group. It's easy enough to follow if somebody else does all the organizing. And some of those kids certainly put me to shame. It was my second time, but some of them were already on their seventh.

They are the ones who really deserve the thanks.

How it is heard is in the ear of the hearer.

If someone thinks you are tooting your own horn, it's them, not you.

[kayrharris]

I agree, I didn't see it as a "look at me" post at all.