Seeds and Signs of Growth

I'm not a gardener, but I love the happy feeling that comes with observing the sprouting of seeds and the promise of growth, change and maturity. Over the past few months I have enjoyed that sense of happiness every time I have been with some of our coffeemates (mentors and mentees) together.

When I pair our coffeemates, they begin by meeting weekly during the course of the CWJC program. I don't see their initial one-on-one interaction, which is a getting acquainted, sharing something of their stories with one another. It happens on Tuesday mornings for an hour and is followed by attending the Tuesday noon lunch and Bible study together. It is an obligatory time that must become much more than that if it is to last.

Recently one set of coffeemates has been a particular reminder to me of how each developing relationship is a living example of the uniqueness in relationships. Kim and Carolyn became coffeemates when Kim entered CWJC. I don't know now what was the basis for putting them together, but I know prayer was a part of it.

Last week when I was in the hospital following surgery, Carolyn and Kim came to see me. They brought a gift of a large cookie, some ice cream and toppings. It was obviously a "doing it together" ministry on their part to me. It reminded me of when I began seeing a lovely change in their relationship that bode well for the endurance of that relatioship.

Several months ago Kim had major surgery on her shoulder. Carolyn, who is a nurse, ministered to Kim with a pot of soup, changing the dressing after Kim was home from her surgery, offering encouragement and advice and more. A short time later Carolyn injured her elbow in a bicycle accident and Kim returned Carolyn's pot with some soup she had made.

Kim and Carolyn

In times since, they have taken their dogs together to the dog park, met for lunch, and done things not only for each other, but together for others. When Kim's friend, Jennifer, a young woman with special needs, moved into an apartment and needed absolutely everything, Kim and Carolyn together presented the need to our whole group of coffeemates. Everyone pitched in and soon Jennifer's apartment was furnished.

Carolyn and Kim have a relationship that is a growing friendship. With it comes a deepening communication -- real communication that is a result of content plus relationship.

  

Celebrating Milestones

I have to admit that I am not very good at celebrating anything. It is one of the things I need to learn to do better, since it's a very important piece of our program. We all need to stop from time to time and really look at what has been accomplished and enjoy the progress. My tendency is to see what is not finished and press on. But sometimes that gets discouraging and we all need encouragement.

Today I have decided it is time to celebrate a milestone. Last September we began the project of redecorating the space we have for the job corps at Buchanan Street Chapel. There were ceiling tiles falling in, tiles missing from the floor in places, locked closets full of things, etc.

With the leadership of Mary Stephens, the women in the fall session chose carpeting, paint for two classrooms and seven smaller rooms, and fabric for the valances. We started working for a couple of hours on Fridays - cleaning, emptying, mudding walls, and painting - and by the end of the fall session we were at a place where the ceilings could be lowered and new lighting fixtures installed. 

When we started up again in January some of the ladies were employed and our schedule didn't afford the same kind of time for consistently working on the redecorating. So, we built in a couple of Saturday workdays and added a few volunteers. Jozef and Jana were here to help. Elaine's husband came a couple of times and Jack Rhine helped out. Cindi Palmer has been a big help on a consistent basis. 

It has been a big task and we are not finished, but it is time to celebrate. The last large room was painted and the carpet has been installed. We moved furniture back into the office and some of the shelves in the supply room can be put back in place. For a moment we will pause to appreciate and enjoy was has been done.

A Servant's Heart and Hands

It is rather rare to see Marilyn O'Brien, our administrative assistant, on a platform. Usually she is moving and working quietly behind the scenes - taking phone calls and making them, formatting documents and forms, handling correspondence, snacks, transportation and doing many other generally thankless tasks.
The truth is that we would not function without her and I, especially, am most grateful for the tireless effort she puts in.

Marilyn reading Scripture at Graduation

Marilyn is the only volunteer, besides me, who is at the Christian Women's Job Corps every day that we meet. She is usually the first one there and the last one to leave. She also spends time at home working on her computer to make sure everything that we use from name tags, to notebooks, to thank you notes has the most professional look. Marilyn is a living example of Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."

When we are not in session, Marilyn is still working. At this time she is meeting weekly with Larry Mills and me to create a single set of application and interview forms that will be used by both the Christian Women's Job Corps and the Christian Men's Job Corps.

Although Marilyn will not have to be available in the evenings when CMJC begins, she will be serving as the administrative assistant for both CMJC and CWJC. But before the next session begins, you will find her helping with volunteer recruitment, volunteer training, and preparation of all those things that go into it.

When you thank the Lord for Christian Job Corps of Amarillo, thank Him for Marilyn O'Brien too.