Birthday Bash

Two Wednesdays ago a very good friend of many that go down to Lancaster had a birthday to celebrate. This birthday was for Calandra, a mother of two and a loyal and loving friend to many. It was truly our privalege to honor a life so glorifying to God as hers. A month or so prior to this celebration she came to a few of us and mentioned a request that she had. She approached us in a serious manner and said, "I want to celebrate my birthday by having a party in Unity Park. I've never really celebrated my birthday before." We told her there would be a party without question. So as the days approached we brainstormed ideas of how we could make this a special day for such a special woman. We divided up tasks for ballons, a giant birthday card, a personalized cake, and an iPod loaded with music she would enjoy. The evening of the 16th came and a gathering showed up to attend. This was during the normal Freedom In Worship meeting time but post service we got to throw a bash right in the same area we congregated in week after week. She saw we had brought balloons and her reaction showed she was pleased with just that.

She was also in shock that somebody in the food line knew it was her birthday. I asked her how her day was and she said it was great. "Someone gave me two dollars and I also got a bracelet!" She was ecstatic at the simplest of gifts but I was filled with joy knowing how God was going to soon bless her even more.

We all gathered around the table she was sitting at and began singing happy birthday. We then presented her the giant card that many of us got to sign with our personal message about how special Calandra was to us. She soon had tears forming in her eyes and was filled with joy. That was followed by her removing the wrapping paper off the iPod and was in awe by the gift she had just received. 

We love you Calandra.

 

One of Calandra's favorite songs:

Brief Thoughts

So last Friday I went down to Lancaster and talked to several people, each of them making me laugh and putting a smile on my face. Then when it was time to leave a man whom I have never met before came up to us and said " Thank you so much for coming down here, please keep doing what you are doing; keep on talking to us, it has made a such a difference". He was smiling when he said this and I was sad that I had to leave, but it only made me look foward for next time I go to Lancaster. Just a short tid bit that I wanted to share.

Reflections

I went to Lancaster Ave. on Wednesday, November 2nd. I had a wonderful time and met so many wonderful people there. I went in a bit skeptical, but came out not wanting to leave. A little boy gave my friend a snickers bar, and a man gave my boyfriend some face wash! (They somehow got on the subject of acne, and the guy was like, "Here, try this!") We didn't bring in any money or anything, but we came out with stuff that they had given to us! It was so unlike what I expected. Who would've thought that they would be giving things to us?! I was also very impressed when I saw homeless people that appeared to have nothing but the clothes on their back, and they were tithing to the church by putting coins in the pastor's hat. They disproved the stereotype that homeless people are a bunch of drug addicts that just want to take your money. The wonderful people I met are very giving, and they love the Lord with all they have. Although their lives are tough, they still thank God every day for letting them breathe. I have had so many wonderful opportunities, and I often forget to thank God, while they thank God every day for the very little that they have. This reminded me to pray and appreciate all that I have been given. I had a great time. They were so easy to talk to, and I can't wait to go back.

-Natalie Caples