Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Volunteering is so good for the soul...and a deadline is fast approaching for a giveaway!

Okay, so I didn't exactly look like this but tonight was my first time being a waitress...well sort of! Tonight my soul was filled with such warmth and compassion when I volunteered, through my firm, to help serve food at The Blanchet House, a homeless shelter here in Portland. I've decided I'm going to volunteer every month when the firm asks for help. :) There are four stations that one can tend to while there. The kitchen, where you help dish the food. The serving....you serve each person who is directed to an empty seat. The beverage service, making sure each table has a filled coffee pot and water pitcher and last but not least, clearing the tables when they are done with their meals. I served the food at each table. I can now say I have experience in waitressing. :) My coworker worked with me serving tables and I think I got a little over zealous and would rush out serving food as she was heading for some of the tables. I just wanted to make sure no one was forgotten. Lol! She just laughed and said, have at it! Everyone that came in was very nice and so thankful. Some would thank us over and over...it just melted my heart. Some seemed very happy and content. I mean really, happier than me. It really opened my eyes. I have nothing to complain about. Some of these people had lost everything and can STILL see happiness through all of it. They certainly are teaching me a thing or two. It's all in how you see life, isn't it? It's also about choices. Despite their unfortunate circumstances they choose to be happy.

I highly recommend volunteering in some form, it's so good for your soul in every way. :)

Also! GIVEAWAY ALERT!! My wonderful talented friend, Jen over at Guinevere's Folly is having the sweetest giveaway!! You've only got 'til the 10th to enter. I believe that's when she's pulling names. She has the most adorable handmade mermaid up for grabs as well as some other sweet, sweet items (almost as sweet as her). She is so talented and you can see her talent here! I'm taking part and I hope I win! :) Swing on over and say hi. :)

I've also been tagged but I am saving that for tomorrow! :)

15 comments:

debra@dustjacket said...

You are so right, you get more than you give! Not that your looking for anything when you give!

Lola said...

Hi Michelle!
Wholeheartedly endorse Moonspinner's wise words above about charity work. Did collections for the Red Cross with very unexpected, memorable results and wrote about them in a recent post!

Hope you're having a fabulous week!

xx LOL LOLA & Nora:)

PS Don't know if you've heard about Moonspinner's kidnapping by Johnny Depp over at my place - all suggestions to rescue her gratefully received!! *wink*

Ronda said...

Volunteering IS good for the soul!
I do so hope you enjoyed your self.
I know that the one's you were serving were blessed by you and the gift of yourself to them.

Love & Prayers,
Ronda

Zaroga said...

So nice of you to volunteer! It does give one a good feeling.

The giveaway looks nice.

Patti said...

Hi Michelle~ Good for you- I go believe volunteering is heartfelt "work" and so good for the soul. Have a wonderful day!!!

blushing rose said...

It opens your heart ... one does feel good when they give without expectations, receiving far more personally. I love doing this kind of work ..... TTFN ~ Marydon

Anya said...

I love give away's :)
Great job Michelle !!

purss to all
Kareltje =^.^=

Anya said...

I love give away's :)
Great job Michelle !!

purss to all
Kareltje =^.^=

Maggi said...

What a great experience to have!

jen said...

So right!!
Sometimes it can be the smallest of gestures...or deeds. I bet your heart was so full!!
Your post is the kind of thing I'd love to see on the front page of newspapers everywhere!!
You did a very good thing my dear.

Hugs,
jen

theUngourmet said...

I think it's wonderful that you are doing this. I would love to take my kids with me to volunteer. I think it would be great for them also.

Randi Troxell said...

it really is true what you posted... giving does feel so good!

Creations by Marie Antoinette and Edie Marie said...

Hello Sweet Michelle,And you are very sweet,first let me tell you that you have the makings of a wonderful waitress.I was a bartender for 20 yrs and before that I did waitress work also.I do valenteer work by making dresses for little girls.The dresses I make go all over the world,but mainly to the Indian Res. and to Africa.I love it.
Now...Sadly to say yes I am 58 yrs young.And if you get close up to me outside ,you can start to tell it...LOL.My last little TIA help in that way.But thats ok,I'm trying to age gracefully.If you want to know my secret,let me know...LOL...XXOO Marie Antionette

Lisa said...

You are so sweet to volunteer! I know you were such a blessing to both the other workers and the people being served.

Seawashed said...

Hey sweetie, I'm packaging up your wee gift and will have it in the mail on its way to you by the weekend. So keep an eye on your postal box next week! Happy birthday and happy summer!!! 'cause its a summer gift. love, Fairmaiden