Tonight was a special night. BK returned from his interview still glowing. He got a job as a chef at the CNN center. He'll be moving into a shelter tomorrow night and he starts his new job next week!
After hearing the wonderful news Anna and I walked down the street to the bank. On the way she had the opportunity to experience the random encounters that happen often to me. Because it was cold outside she was wearing her jacket that she bought at Catalyst. On the back it says ONE VOICE TO END SLAVERY. A man who introduced himself as Allen stopped us and said "End Slavery? Like me? Can you pray for me?" Anna said "Sure" as she kept walking. He said "No, I mean, can you pray for me right now?" So we stopped and prayed that the Lord would deliver him from the bondage he felt he was enslaved to. Afterwards, he smiled, said "Amen", thanked us and went on his way.
Next we ran into Cedric. He doesn't beg for money but instead spends his days digging through trash cans searching for cans. He turns the cans in to the recycling center in exchange for some change. I collect my cans and give them to him whenever I see him. He has started to recognize me now. I love that my habit/addiction to coke zero and effort to recycle can help someone else earn money.
Anna made a friend in the park a couple of months ago named Carmen. Carmen has a love for animals and a sweet tooth. We intended to make cupcakes to take to the park one night when she was staying with me but we were short some key ingredients. We went to the local CVS but they didn't supply what we need and there is not a grocery store close by. Anna felt bad that she wasn't able to take Carmen cupcakes like she'd promised. She went back to the park and explained the situation. Carmen was surprised that Anna even returned and admitted she didn't actually expect Anna to make the cupcakes anyway. (Carmen clearly does not know the Garner Girls) The next time Anna came she made sure to bring everything needed to make cupcakes as it was still bearing on her mind. We had a little mishap and again it was not possible to make them. Tonight when Anna saw Carmen she explained the effort that has gone into fulfilling her promise. We did however have chocolate chip cookies so we baked those and took some to her. It meant so much to Carmen that Anna hadn't forgot. She smiled so wide and said "You really went above and beyond. That makes me feel special. Thank you." I love how much Anna cares and how important it is to keep her word.
