Birthday Party for the Homeless

This story has 2 parts...

It begins about 2 weeks ago when an envelope appeared in my mailbox at work. Inside the envelope was a $100 bill with a note saying, "This is for you to use to bless the homeless people who come to your Wednesday night dinners." No name. $100 to "bless" the homeless. Thoughts ran through my mind that all fell into the "practical" category. Fortunately, I work with a Sr. Pastor who has a huge heart and great imagination. When I began wondering aloud in the office, right away he said, "Throw them a party!" A party...of course! Why didn't I think about that? How long has it been since any of them have been invited to a party, much less a party in their honor?

So, the birthday party idea was birthed. Party decorations (balloons, etc.) were purchased, our cooks for the evening prepared a great meal (complete with 2 Costco cakes!), and helpers agreed to come early to set up. At the appointed time, the doors were opened and our friends entered the Bethany Friendship Center expecting to have the regular meal that they come for each week. Instead they were greeted with "Surprise! Happy Birthday!" As they looked around the room at the decorations, cake, music playing and people greeting them, they were at first confused. "It's not my birthday today...?" "Is this for us? Or is this for the kids who come here after us for youth group?" When they realized that it was for them, they began to smile...they wandered through the room taking it all in. And then, at the appointed time, they sang "Happy Birthday" to each other with gusto.

Quite a night!