Got my car back from the shop today. Let me know if you need a ride somewhere.

Geewon's and Chris's small group volunteered at the Men's Shelter in Berkeley today. It's a humble organization that helps needy individuals get back on their feet with available shelter, free meals, and good company. Although we didn't do much today (made and served a hurried dinner of bbq chicken, mashed potatoes and salad), the most rewarding part of the night was when we got to sit down and actually chat with them.

Me and Linda had the opportunity to talk to Penny, a surprisingly scholarly man who aspires to go back to college to get his doctorate in philosophy and science. I thought it was fascinating how he still hasn't gotten his drivers license, even though he's at least in his forties. It was good chatting with him about his life, goals, aspirations… he was a very polite and receptive guy to talk to. Thirty minutes is definitely not enough time to chat beginning to end.

During small group sharing time afterwards, one person reminded everyone of an important truth: sometimes, the helper gains more out of the situation than the person who is being helped. Not that our visit to the shelter was an urgent mission or anything; we were a bunch of college kids who wanted to show a little kindness. A lot of us, myself included, assumed that we would be the ones helping out the needy men by serving them food and sparking conversations with them. In actuality, we were the ones getting the better end of the bargain by enjoying the conversations, their presence, their authenticity. I’m gonna keep this short because I’m getting a little delirious, but I just like to add that God’s a genius when it comes to using irony. Contradictions do not exist.