REFLECTING — ON SERVING WITH SOOP IN 2004 AND 2005
MYRON & PHYLLIS SCHULTZ, Greeley, CO (Carlsbad, NM — served one month mid-Jan to mid-Feb)
Myron: We built a cupboard divider; helped put new Formica on table (community kitchen facility) and made new back-yard gates for Vista Care (hospice center). Sharon shared with the other staff persons at Vista Care that this was the first time she had given her house key to a total stranger and felt at peace with doing that. My response is "praise the Lord" for the great reputation SOOP has with the people and the communities where we serve. Amzie Yoder, Ernie and Ellen Good did a good job of coordinating the service tasks and keeping everyone (the volunteers) informed and up-to-date. The fellowship with the other SOOPers and church members was very special.
Phyllis: In the bereavement counseling office (Vista Care) Elena Yoder and the other two counselors expressed gratitude for the new filing system I set up for them — and for the computer entries I did.
STORY: This is not a story (?) but at the request of the elders at Carlsbad Mennonite I updated the church directory from 1999. They provided new addresses, etc. The SOOP volunteers are also included in a separate section. I could do this out of our little traveling "home" since we take our computer and printer along. The church was very grateful — and I enjoyed doing it.
H. FRANCIS & ELOISE SCHROCK, Goshen, IN (served again at Tucson, Jan. 1 to end of March)
Francis: The home repair program in Tucson is very well organized with good leaders. This year I worked at 60 different homes. [A remark we heard]: "You have been angels to us." STORY: We took steps built in our shop — seven feet long with heavy handrails — 32 miles in the desert. The road was very rough for the last three miles and the last quarter mile we drove in between and around desert bushes to her trailer to deliver the steps. We also installed two new doors and six window panes. The lady had no water or electricity — she seemed to be happy living there by herself.
Eloise helped Liz (supervisor at the food bank) get caught up on "the 2004 food stats" and sewed weighted vests at the Adaptation Center. She also returned to again assist with office tasks at the children's center. STORY: First day — the new director said, "Oh, they need someone over at the youth center!" But the receptionist piped up: "No, she belongs here. She has worked here for many years." She then talked to the youth center supervisor and asked her to tell the director that since I didn't speak Spanish, she couldn't use me there! I had plenty of work at the Children's Center. The last day the director told me, "You make a difference right here and we do appreciate your work…."
Again I LEARNED: Enjoy what you do and put your heart into it! Do what is asked of you — cheerfully!
OSCAR & R. VERELDA ROTH, Goshen, IN (Tucson, AZ in February 9-23)
Verelda assisted again in the library at Corbett elementary School — shelving, processing, discarding books and even monitoring when both teachers had to leave the building temporarily. I LEARNED one day that two young boys had started a fire in the boys' restroom. One boy I knew came from a dysfunctional family, supplied the lighter and another set some paper on fire. The first was suspended for eight days to his grandmother since his mother was not home. The irony for me was that we were staying with the grandmother, a dear friend and lovely Christian. It was an inspiration to me to see how "Grandma" handled this situation — not putting the child down, but challenging him in a kind and loving, but firm, way. I EXPERIENCED anew God's loving and guiding power in difficult experiences. The grandmother kept "the joy of the Lord" showing in her life.
Oscar helped with home repairs with CHRPA — some roofing, furnace work, etc. [At the CHRPA center] I designed and built a filing cabinet to better organize and process daily materials they use.
OBSERVATION: The unit is a friendly group of people who support each other in their various adventures, work — and otherwise. They are strong committed Christians and provide a wholesome witness as they serve.
DALE & LINDA MILLER, Kalona, IA (served January 10 through March 9 in Brownsville, TX)
Linda: I was involved in a lot of teaching as we had a lot of women who hadn't quilted before. I was thanked for being "a patient teacher"! STORY: We went to hand out food and drink at "the [garbage] dump" — where people live at a poverty level we know nothing about. The smell is hard to forget. I LEARNED to be thankful. Always the gap between the wealth and the poor is disturbing….
Dale worked in home repair for the very needy. STORY: We had a job at a place where someone three years before had moved some walls and had not finished. We did rewiring; covered bare the "hot" wires; repaired the walls — made the home a lot safer to live in. Termites had caused a lot of the damage. I LEARNED that people that come from very poor countries have a different style of living and put up with and make do with things that people of the "North" couldn't.
OBSERVATION: The church in Brownsville is behind the SOOP program and welcomed us wholeheartedly. People who serve there should also get involved in the church.
GENEVA & JOE SAUDER, Columbia, MD (served September 7 through November, 2004 at Morris Fork Craft Center, Booneville, KY)
Geneva: We helped get ready for the annual craft fair held at the center each September. We also drove a vanload of crafts to fairs held at various churches that support the craft center [located in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Indiana]. We were there mainly to take shows on the road. When we were at the center, we helped do cleaning and odd jobs. A crafter told me she appreciated that we fit in so well and did not "turn up our noses" at their mountain culture.
Joe: We enjoyed a good working relationship with many of the crafters. One of the ladies said I belonged in those mountains! I would enjoy that. LOOKING BACK: We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Kentucky and would not hesitate to do this again. We worshipped with a local Mennonite congregation a few times we were not on trips and enjoyed making new friends. I would highly recommend older people getting involved in service projects like this. It sure beats a rocking chair!
STORY [Longer than most and the "most memorable event" during service]: Our first trip with the van was to McVeytown, PA — about a ten-hour drive. We needed to be there by 6 p.m. on Monday to set up for a show to run the following day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. We left Sunday afternoon intending to drive part way and stop for the night. About three hours later, we had a blow-out and had to partially unload the van and change the tire. We stopped for dinner and a good night's sleep.
We arrived safely and had a fairly good show there on Tuesday. Wednesday morning we packed up the van and left before lunch. We had not gone very far when the van started giving us trouble — it was not shifting properly. We stopped at the next service station, checked the transmission fluid — had to add three quarts!
Well, that did not help, so we decided to try to get to McConnelsburg where we had friends who we hoped could direct us to a reliable garage. We soon learned that the transmission was no good. There was no way we could get back to Kentucky — a nine-hour drive, much of it up and down the mountains.
We called Morris Fork and were told to have the transmission replaced. We learned this would take five working days. We were about two hours away from home so decided the least expensive thing to do was rent a car and come home.
The day of the show in McVeytown our son had called to tell us a friend's father had died. This friend lived across the street from us at one time and sort of adopted us as his surrogate parents because he did not have a very good relationship with his father. He remarked to someone that he wished we were home.
And we were — able to attend the funeral and he spent Sunday afternoon with us just talking. We marvel at God's timing! If the van was going to need repairing, it could not have happened at a better place. WE LEARNED — God is in control! What we thought was not a good thing for the craft center turned out to be a blessing for someone else.
DAVE & MARLENE SUTER, Markham, IL (served April 3-22 at Hopi Mission School, Kykotsmovi, AZ)
Dave: I worked on the new gymnasium. This included helping to hang door, insulating the building, etc. Several people came to see the progress of the gym and were very pleased. I spoke to a local individual that had attended the school — he wished they had such a gym when he was going to school!
Marlene assisted the first grade classroom teacher, helped with reading, etc. and assisted the office secretary with files. I also did some sewing projects i.e. computer and TV dust covers, new pillow covers, mending for the staff. It was a wonderful experience in a different culture. A missionary child (many years previous) shared many pictures of her family's experience working here. I LEARNED a lot about the history of the Hopi people and the area.
STORY: The children always had a 'prayer circle' to share their concerns and then to pray. On one occasion the child who was to lead the prayer said that she did not feel like praying. The teacher asked what they should do and one child quickly answered, "Tell her that God loves her." Then they all prayed for her that she would be happy again and that she would know that God loves her. I was deeply touched by the way the children cared for each other — also exemplified by the staff.
RICHARD & LOIS KROEKER, Levelland, TX (served one week in Brownsville, TX, assisting with record keeping/money handling during the Texas MCC Relief Sale)
Richard told this STORY: Enroute to Brownsville we stopped at Vleta's Candy in Abilene, a family-run shop where chocolate candy is handmade. We bought six packages of chocolate, kept one dark and one milk chocolate and gave the rest to Suzannah Zook (Sale Coordinator) who decided to sell her four packages during the auction. Three packages went for $65 each and the fourth for $35 — our gift helped raise $225 more for MCC. All of us were happy.
WE LEARNED how much we enjoyed working with the Canadian volunteers — we had a lot in common. We especially appreciated hearing that they share our beliefs about peace.
RUTH GAHMAN, Pipersville, PA (Phoenix, AZ — January)
STORY: One day working at Glencroft Retirement Home, there was a lady bent over in a wheelchair. I had forgotten to ask if she wanted soup and when I came to ask she said, "If you had asked awhile ago I would have taken some." I thought she was honest with her words. I LEARNED that anyone can do volunteer service if they pray about and just try it. I am really glad that I went to Arizona. I would advise anyone to do it at least one time and then [they] would probably want to do it again.
LORENE NYCE, Lansdale, PA (Phoenix, AZ — January)
Lorene assisted at the Gary Tang school. STORY: I became especially friendly and close to a 75-year-old Korean woman who told me she is a Christian and wants to learn English. She tried so hard and appreciated my one-on-one help. She invited Jim, the teacher, and me to lunch one day with her husband. They took us to a Korean restaurant. I ate such for the first time and I liked it. We had a difficult time communicating, but we managed — another good memory for me. I LEARNED how hard it is to learn a new language.
MARI AN NYCE, Chambersburg, PA (Phoenix, AZ — January)
My working experience was excellent! I enjoyed having variety [in my assignment] — two different food banks, Love in Action, church office and ESL classes. The students were so warm, appreciative, and friendly. STORY: On my last day, seven of us drove to the top of South Mountain where you can have an overlook of the greater Phoenix area of four million. As we were preparing to leave I heard "Teacher, teacher!" to my surprise it was Daniel (an ESL student) and his pregnant wife greeting us from a passing vehicle. A most lovely ending/sending….
I LEARNED how to embrace life in a new way and that I can "thrive" in communal situations. This
was my very first group experience without Cleon — and I was not lonely. This has been important to me. I felt very comfortable being among couples in close proximity. I feel like I gained a family and could easily have remained for another month! You just may have another convinced SOOPer on your roster.
VERA & WALTER SCHMUCKER, Goshen, IN (Phoenix, AZ — served only a week of February assignment because of a death in the family)
Walter: The working experience left time for relating to others, relaxation, was not "worn out." Combining a service assignment with vacation is rewarding and gives a sense of accomplishment
GLADYS & RALPH BULLER, Goshen, IN (Served during January-February visit to daughter in Phoenix, AZ)
Ralph helped at the food bank and Gladys assisted a teacher in Gary Tang Language Institute — also quilted at Glencroft. Gladys: We all missed working at Love in Action. The Trinity Church was being renovated, so the school was closed several days. On the closing day we had a fiesta and everyone brought food. It was a nice farewell for me. I LEARNED to be willing to work where there is a need and where God puts me.
LESTER & MARGE KING, Wauseon, OH (Phoenix, AZ — the month of January)
Les: STORY: At the food bank we (Mary, 82; Linda, 78; & I, 72) were opening 50-lb bags of cake mix and putting it into 5-lb bags. When I asked the manager if he had more 50-lb bags for us, he couldn't believe we were done with all the bags he had given us. His words, "You aren't finished with those already? Three young women [worked on those] all day yesterday and they only finished three bags." Our reason for working may have had a different driving force than theirs — "sentenced to community service." Ours was love.
I LEARNED that living and working with "strangers" can be a lot of fun — you don't stay "strangers" very long. At the end of the month we were like family.
Marge: Volunteering shouldn't be that much fun! STORY: One day the water was shut off and they had to eat with paper plates and plastic silverware. One woman refused to eat. I asked her if she had electricity when she was growing up — and what about outside plumbing? She laughed and started eating. One day one of the men asked when he gets older and I get older would I marry him. [I agreed] sure he wouldn't remember it the next day — and he didn't!
JAMES & JOAN GINGERICH, Lancaster, PA (Phoenix, AZ February 22-March 22)
Joan: Because Love in Action [a Christian social service center] had closed, each day seemed to be different: preparing for auction at Glencroft Retirement Community; getting ready to open new MCC Thrift Shop at Sunnyslope; snack preparation for those doing renovations at Trinity Mennonite; cutting patches or assisting with tsunami bundles for MCC…. I LEARNED a bit about 'rolling with what is.'
Jim: Part of my assignment was tutoring students wanting to learn English; also worked at the Food Bank and helped with the renovation project at Trinity — assisting guys who had experience at dry walling. I LEARNED how to 'mud' drywall joints. It was fun. There is value in getting away from your home setting. You are free from those cares and you need to learn a whole new routine from dawn to dusk. Change can be trying but it is good for us "oldsters" to have to do it. The closing of Love in Action threw a curve — Roland and Dottie did a stellar job planning for all.
ARDEN & ANNA BELLE SCHMUCKER, Alliance, OH (January & February in Immokalee, FL)
The superintendent at Habitat told Arden how much all the Mennonite [volunteers] would be missed. We were given no reason to believe that Habitat would provide housing another year. In 2006, unless things change, SOOP volunteers will need to have RV's [to live in during service] at Immokalee.
ROGER & CHARLENE HAINES, Mishawaka, IN (mid-January through February in Tucson, AZ)
Roger: Excellent working experience — home repair — I enjoyed the work and the people.
Charlene: I worked at the Adaptation Center sewing weighted vests for sensory problems of both adults for children. I PROBABLY LEARNED the most from our leader at the center, Ronda whose caring and concern as well as dedication really speaks to me. She also treats her volunteers in much the same way — a true friend.
MILLARD SHOWALTER, Harrisonburg, VA (Sarasota, FL — two weeks in December 2004)
I served as a "storyteller" to ten different audiences. I suspect my "voluntary service" represents "one of a kind"! After sharing my presentation on the Apostle Paul one Sunday morning, someone told me that God had provided an answer to her prayers through the scriptures. I am convinced that storytelling is still a very effective means of communicating. People of all ages enjoy 'story.' Telling stories is something I love to do, so this was a very enjoyable experience for me. Charles and Arlene Mininger were very gracious hosts and were very helpful in scheduling my performances. They entertained the SOOP volunteers in their home one evening.
GRACE BRENNEMAN & SARAH ELLEN HISTAND, Souderton, PA (each served a week in Sarasota, FL (Jan) and a week with TTV warehouse work in Akron, PA (Feb))
In Florida, Grace and Sarah Ellen assisted with Christmas decorating at the Sunnyside Retirement Home, helped at the second-hand store and quilted at Bahia Vista Mennonite Church. Grace told this little STORY: A customer at MCC Attic told me she is just getting acquainted with the Mennonite church and the thrift store is her favorite store! Sarah Ellen added this: She told us that she enjoyed attending the Goshen College Mennonite Fellowship. She ask if Mennonites wear ornate crosses. I said mostly we would wear an empty cross as Jesus was risen. She replied, "I'm learning about the Mennonites more and more." I felt good that we could talk together like that. I LEARNED that a vacation is more meaningful when I can serve.
VELMA NIOSALKE, Loon Lake, Saskatchewan (Welcome Inn, Hamilton, Ontario — Feb 14-April 8)
STORY: Young people came to Welcome Inn to learn about poverty and I was a participant as well — a long walking tour of Hamilton's North End (Community Health Centre, Brewery, train tracks, dental health facility, detention centre, food agency, immigration, place to cash checks, coliseum) — so much information in a brief time. Later the group simulated situations of living in poverty — then shared "it was an educational weekend." I realize how my heritage has blessed me in so many ways. Smoking and drinking are ways used to deal with depression and hopelessness. This affects the entire family's health. So many issues impact the lives of the poor that they have no way to control.
Specific assignments:
- Helped children in after-school reading program.
- Helped sort and organize books in the library.
- Helped with Open House and Bake Sale.
- Cleaned laundry area & cupboards in large kitchen; cleaned and organized craft cupboards.
- Defrosted freezers; cleaned ovens.
- Washed windows in various areas of the building.
- Assisted Erma with a window display. (Velma's sister joined her for some of this service time.)
- Helped store food that came for the Food Pantry.
- Helped serve, clean tables and wash dishes on Tuesdays for the Seniors Dinner.
- Made a comforter and cases and covers for two throw pillows to be sold at the upcoming Craft Fair. (Erma and I offered to do this — we used recycled materials.)
PERSONAL STRETCHING: It was a challenge to get my projects done and work around the activities. I needed to remember I was in their space and respect that. [City bus travel commuting to Welcome Inn was also a stretch — all went well.] I made many new friends and my vision has been expanded.
LOIS & DENNIS ZIMMERLY, Sterling, OH (San Antonio, TX — March 1-25)
Lois: "My working experiences were at soup kitchens where they seemed to appreciate our help. DOOR Director, Hugo, is very good with the mission groups coming to La Casa in San Antonio and we enjoyed working with him. Reflection: It occurred to me that the four weeks we volunteered were the weeks Hugo had spring break groups coming. He was out of town at meetings before and after — it seems the timing was right. I LEARNED that homeless people include married couples and families — not just individuals. [There are so many] homeless in San Antonio and probably in other large cities. We really enjoyed our SOOP experience. We had times to work and times off to sightsee. We received many thank you's.
Dennis: I helped with San Antonio's ramp building program; directed groups of volunteers to worksites; and helped serve meals to volunteers. It was very rewarding — seeing the gratitude of handicapped persons who were able to leave their houses (ramp).
An eye opener was observing the dedicated staff at the soup kitchen that care deeply about the people they serve. The 80-year director, Winnie, commmented, "Homeless people have to eat too."
We assisted with six different groups of DOOR volunteers. I didn't hear or see anyone complain about their service in the city — rather they expressed thankfulness for the experiences and broadening of their horizons while at the same time meeting need.
I LEARNED: Cities have many more opportunities for service than rural areas. Christ's followers come in many sizes, ages, nationalities, life styles, denominations. Thank you at SOOP for giving Lois and me the opportunity to expand our outlook and our faith."
JAMES & RUTH STAUFFER, Harrisonburg, VA (Hickory, NC — April)
Their task was to "cover" the gift shop there while the manager was home with a newborn baby. Unique World Gifts includes many Ten Thousand Villages craft items. During slower sale times James did "fix it" jobs to the building and Ruth added repair and clean-up "projects." Part of the enjoyment was meeting with friends (old and new) living and serving in the Hickory area.
James: On Saturday, April 23, we made our largest sale. STORY: A lady came in with a two-year-old child asking if we had any other 'pots' (ceramic — made in Vietnam). We had six on the floor — Ruth let her look at the catalog. She took a few glances, but then said, "I'll just take all six of the ones here." I helped carry the pots to her van — the back was filled with other gifts. She had been shopping all morning. [Then] she decided she wanted more baskets so Ruth helped her while I watched her little son who was "into everything" — he allowed me to carry him around in the store. The mother bought over $300 worth of merchandise. She thanked us for providing child care!
Ruth described two women who came to "choose a Mother's Day gift. STORY: The honored lady obviously recognized materials and skill, and with a little squeal, promptly chose the 'Mother and Child' of kisi stone (Kenya). Holding her prize, she enjoyed roaming through the store, lingering long before a beautiful tall crèche from Africa — price: $195." The next day the first woman returned and bought that crèche — planning to send her friend two pieces at a time for each special day in the coming year (birthday, anniversary, etc. [and finally, Christmas?] Ruth liked this gift plan: "What joy to watch for the next ones! I'm not a 'shopper,'" observed Ruth, "but I LEARNED an appreciation for how just looking around and admiring beautiful things can cheer up or encourage people."
EDNA B. MILLER, Mogadore, OH (Edna served as a SOOP volunteer twice this past year from July through early December. She assisted with food service and other tasks first at Williamsburg Christian Retreat Center (Toano, VA) and then at Laurelville Mennonite Church Center (Mt. Pleasant, PA).
Edna shared a remarkable addendum to her evaluation comments: "While I was in VS, I sewed school bags, knitted and crocheted and embroidered pillowcases — on my time off. At Christmas I asked my extended family if, instead of a white elephant gift exchange, they would be willing to bring items to fill the school bags. I also put out the pillowcases, knitted dish clothes and doilies and said for a donation to MCC they could have the items I had completed. With the additional $152, I was able to contribute 85 filled school kits to our MCC Center at Kidron. So that was part of my SOOP experience!"
PETER & LAURA SHAIDA, Lancaster, PA (Hickory, NC — April 2005)
Both Peter and Laura spent their time helping at Unique World Gifts, a TTV-like store, in Hickory. Laura helped with sales, etc. and Peter built and installed display cabinets and shelves.
Peter: We attended the local Mennonite church — were invited to a couple of homes for dinner, attended a number of Bible studies — felt like brothers and sisters in Christ. Our experience was topnotch and we've talked about a repeat performance. WE LEARNED we are all connected in ways hard to guess … the warmth and friendship within the body of Christ is a living reality no matter where you go.
Laura: I loved working in the store, surrounded by beautiful things to sell, working with Anita Barnhardt, the new manager (who got teary when we said good-bye), and the wonderful volunteers. Rosemary King, who shared her home with us, is a remarkably giving person. We really enjoyed our interaction with her and her son Sidney — and the donkeys that live in the meadow!
STORY: A mom came in looking for teacher gifts and said she loved to shop at UWG. The next day a teacher came in looking for gifts for mothers who had helped her during the year and said she always bought such gifts at the shop because we had beautiful and unusual things.
