Happy to Be Here

I sit at the PARC and I hear the stories. I hear the stories of multiple foster homes, abuse, abandonment, addiction, imprisonment, finding a place to shower or a toothbrush to just brush their teeth! I hear these stories and I often think, why me? Why do I get to be here and have the honor of knowing them and walking this journey of their life with them?

I have not experienced so many of these things. I had wonderful parents and an incredible childhood. My parents loved God and lived a life that exemplified that. They made family a priority and believed in me and all my dreams. (They even helped me to believe that one day I could be a dancer, even though the only place I could ever dance was in my head!) I have not lived the life of those who come to the PARC, but I get to be here. It amazes me that God lets me do this!

Why me? I don't know. I love people and I love watching their eyes light up and their countenance change when they share successes. I love watching the small steps of just remembering to say 'thank you', holding their temper and just being kinder. I love watching them start to find their value and not feel like a leftover or a mistake. I love to have the honor and privilege of watching God change lives over and over and over.

I think the thing I love the most is getting to know, really know people that I would not have known if it weren't for the PARC. Oh, my goodness. I have met the most amazing people! And you know what? So many of the amazing people I have met through the PARC are not all homeless. Some are church leaders, educators, students, moms, the list goes on and on. Many have become my friends. Why does God let me get to 'do' the PARC ? I don't really know. I am probably the least qualified to do this, but He does let me, and I am ever so grateful.

If you aren't a part of the PARC I encourage you to become so. All kinds of people come to the PARC and all kinds find their place here. All kinds of people BELONG. It really is such a wonderful place.

I sit at the PARC and I hear the stories. I hear the stories of multiple foster homes, abuse, abandonment, addiction, imprisonment, finding a place to shower or a toothbrush to just brush their teeth! I hear these stories and I often think, why me? Why do I get to be here and have the honor of knowing them and walking this journey of their life with them?

I have not experienced so many of these things. I had wonderful parents and an incredible childhood. My parents loved God and lived a life that exemplified that. They made family a priority and believed in me and all of my dreams. (They even helped me to believe that one day I could be a dancer, even though the only place I could ever dance was in my head!) I have not lived the life of those who come to the PARC, but I get to be here. It amazes me that God lets me do this!

Why me? I don't know. I love people and I love watching their eyes light up and their countenance change when they share successes. I love watching the small steps of just remembering to say 'thank you', holding their temper and just being kinder. I love watching them start to find their value and not feel like a leftover or a mistake. I love to have the honor and privilege of watching God change lives over and over and over.

I think the thing I love the most is getting to know, really know people that I would not have known if it weren't for the PARC. Oh, my goodness. I have met the most amazing people! And you know what? So many of the amazing people I have met through the PARC are not all homeless. Some are church leaders, educators, students, moms, the list goes on and on. Many have become my friends. Why does God let me get to 'do' the PARC ? I don't really know. I am probably the least qualified to do this, but He does let me, and I am ever so grateful.

If you aren't a part of the PARC I encourage you to become so. All kinds of people come to the PARC and all kinds find their place here. All kinds of people BELONG. It really is such a wonderful place.