HELLO!

This morning began with the surprise. I arrived at one of the foodbanks I visit as a navigator early, I noted people knowing smiles from the volunteers. Let me pivot at this point to do something Kim does not approve of. She tells me “you are a good loser, always willing to admit when you are wrong, and a terrible winner, ready to say I told you so when you think you have been dismissed”. So…here goes.

When people tell me, “I see more people in church”, I respond “I am loud”. People look confused. “What does that have to do with anything?” I respond, “everything”. Most people are visually orientated and take for granted sound, volume. Even among the young, with background noise, those tasked with public roles are not heard. If you are looking at an audience, you can see it in the faces of listeners. At these foodbanks volunteers offer a brief introduction to the guests/clients, even with a microphone those sitting in front of them do not hear. I notice. When my turn comes, at the end, I summarize what has been said. Heads nod. When people attend a gathering, they want to hear what is being said.

Back to my story. The coordinator opened the foodbank with his usual remarks, what they were offering today, what they did not have. I was listening carefully so I could summarize, with a louder voice. As Sam introduced me, I began to walk to the microphone, but he continued. He told the gathering I had helped two clients dear to the volunteers, one a part-time staffer and the other a former refugee whom the church had sponsored. In the former case I had found someone to do his tax returns, despite him being late to file. I deserve no credit for this, the person who did all the work was our own Joan Mikkelsen. In case you are not aware, Joan is one of four volunteers who help countless persons who come to our church, every tax season, to fill out returns. In most cases, these persons receive refunds, money they desperately need. Joan is a saint. In the latter case, the person new to Canada had lost his job, he needed to support his family. I called on an employment caseworker, someone I knew in university (Halifax is a small world!). She worked with this client and he had a job in a few days. Again, I deserve no credit for this, my old friend did all the work. But these two stories do reveal, it helps to know people, and I do know a lot of people who have a variety of skills.

My friends, family, colleagues and parishioners, all make me look good. Sam mentioned this, the guests/clients applauded. It was a surprise.

You never know what the morning will bring…Peace, Kevin