Winter in Mahattan Odyssey Weekend Five: Saturday Morning

   "Everybody can be great because anybody can serve.  You don't have to have a college degree to serve.  You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve.  You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love."  Martin Luther King

Back on the 5:00 p.m. Megabus after work on Friday.  Pretty uneventful ride, except for bathroom stop as the bathroom on the bus was locked.  While stopped, the Woman Bus Driver managed to get the door unlocked, thank God for a multi-tasker!  Got “home” around 11, so visited with Roomie and had a bite to eat.  Off to bed as I had an early wake-up call for the a.m.

from their website

                It’s interesting how hard it can be to find a place to volunteer.  One of the things on my “to do bucket list” was and is to give back.  I know, a much tossed around, overused phrase today.  I finally found a soup kitchen that could use my help on one Saturday morning that I’d be in NYC.  It’s in the East Village, called Father’s Heart Ministry on East 11^th between Avenues A & B.  Took the bus down 2^nd Avenue, and took advantage of the generously offered coffee and muffins.  It seemed like there were an awful lot of volunteers. I quickly realized everyone was put to good use.  Each Saturday morning Father’s Heart Ministry gives a very nice hot breakfast (and send all guests home with goodie bags of food) to many in need. 

                Myself and a young married Lady and I were put in charge of beverages (keeping the tables supplied with water, soy milk, juice, and coffee.)   The wonderfully interesting people I meet in my adventurers!  At the quick orientation, the director gave a lengthy explanation that those attending would be guests, and treated with dignity and respect.  It was explained that many in the group would be elderly who truly had difficulty feeding themselves on their dwindling means in one of the most expensive cities in the world.  (I have often noted that, and am not alone, that to live in Manhattan, well, you have to be of substantial means…)   When the doors opened all the volunteers and workers clapped in rhythm to the musicians and singers who greeted the guests for that mornings’ brunch.  I lost it as the first person in line was a sweet little old man, stooped, and smiling as he made his way to the front of the room.  I don’t know why I was somewhat interestedly amazed that most guests were Asian.  I couldn’t even look at my partner when a young Man escorted his two children into the room as I would have started blubbering.  It was a quick, easy, wonderful, and special way to spend a Saturday morning of my Winter in Manhattan odyssey.  I am truly blessed.

Flea Market Cafe from Nick C.

                I left the Ministry at around noon, and found myself hungry.  It was raw, and I had  expected mild.  So, since I was in the neighborhood, I headed to my favorite, Flea Market.  Greeted warmly, as always by the Manager, we chatted and talked about her writing, etc.  Had a lovely grilled chicken salad which was a new addition to their brunch menu.  Delicious!