Every night at about 4:30, the doors of a local shelter open for about 2 hours. Meals have been prepared during the day in mass quantities. The rooms smells of chicken noodle soup as volunteers put varieties of sandwiches into ziplock bags. As the homeless people flood in, so does their immense gratitude for a warm meal and a kind smile. President Deiter Uchtdorf, leader in the LDS church, is present, greeting and hugging those who come close. This shelter is named St. Vincent De Paul and is run by a loving man named Joey. I had the privilege of going there and serving the homeless. It was wonderful. I had the opportunity to smack the food trays over the garbage before they went through for washing. This shelter serves anywhere from about 500-700 people every night so, naturally, they have a good system to make sure things run smoothly and properly. I loved seeing the looks of gratitude. I loved conversing with those who have traveled a path more difficult than my own. I loved being with those who have given so much of theirselves to serve their brothers and sisters. There is something special about them. Service creates a special bond between human beings. I recommend going to this place and helping out. I left with a warmth in my heart and a smile on my face that won't easily be removed.
