Today was my last day at the Ellice Cafe. It has been a full day. I also had a visit at City Hall. As I walked to City Hall just after noon I thought back to how I felt leaving Starbucks to go work there. I was so excited and hopeful and nervous. But I knew it was the right thing to do. It was the best place for me to go. It was the right job for me to take. I was going to love it. I would work hard and do the unexpected.
I believe I did. It was a LOT of hard work. Some days were almost unbearable. But most days were absolutely delightful. Some things broke my heart. I hate seeing people in poverty. I hate seeing people living with addictions. I hate seeing people in poverty or living with addictions ignored by society around them. Some times I was tough. Some times I was not. But I tried, all the time, to be loving.
There is no where else I know quite like the Ellice Cafe. The Board of New Life Ministries took a chance hiring me. I am glad they did. Now, clearly God has something else for me to do.
So this Friday was quite unlike any I have had for a while. My flat is mostly packed up. I wait now for movers tomorrow. I am feeling overwhelmed with emotion and a list of things to do. A few staff members signed a card for me that was very touching. I have had the privilege of working with some amazing people.
Soon the sadness will give way to new joys. I know there is something else great for me. I also know I will continue to pray for the Cafe, the staff there, the customers I care so much about as well as the Board of New Life.
I am blessed.
I believe I did. It was a LOT of hard work. Some days were almost unbearable. But most days were absolutely delightful. Some things broke my heart. I hate seeing people in poverty. I hate seeing people living with addictions. I hate seeing people in poverty or living with addictions ignored by society around them. Some times I was tough. Some times I was not. But I tried, all the time, to be loving.
There is no where else I know quite like the Ellice Cafe. The Board of New Life Ministries took a chance hiring me. I am glad they did. Now, clearly God has something else for me to do.
So this Friday was quite unlike any I have had for a while. My flat is mostly packed up. I wait now for movers tomorrow. I am feeling overwhelmed with emotion and a list of things to do. A few staff members signed a card for me that was very touching. I have had the privilege of working with some amazing people.
Soon the sadness will give way to new joys. I know there is something else great for me. I also know I will continue to pray for the Cafe, the staff there, the customers I care so much about as well as the Board of New Life.
I am blessed.
B, I am so grateful for the chance that I had to work at the Cafe, regardless of how brief that time was. Thank you for bringing me on staff. Thank you for caring for your staff. Thank you for caring for every single person who walked through the front door. Thank you for letting your heart bleed into your work. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you move to a different stage in your life.
ReplyDeleteYou helped make the Ellice Cafe a second home for me, Belinda, so I will sure miss seeing you there. However, I am happy to count you as a friend regardless of where life leads you next.
ReplyDeleteThank you both. Your words are a blessing.
ReplyDelete