Food Bank - another step in my journey of being missional and poor.

Okay, so we are not "poor" in light of the world. But we are struggling. Today as I was walking through the forbidden world of Walmart, in disbelief of myself that I would stoop to shopping in a place that treats the world so poorly, I couldn't even bring myself to pay their prices -- I had the thought of the food bank. . (after all I really need a haircut - BAD) I am spending money on food that should be spent on bills or our house afterall, and my food stamp supplement did decrease.

So, me being the courageous person that I am. I strapped the two littles in their carseats and made my journey back onto the Russell street connecter and over to Bates str. (just for your information, if you are planning on being poor... which most of us don't... pick a city with good human services. It is a must. Lewiston is one of those cities)

As I entered Sisters of Charity I was greeted by a toothless man about 10-15 years my junior with his son that of whom he would like to get custody. He informed me of the procedures and furthered explained that the "somalians" are taking all of our benefits and get checks for $1500 twice a month. Not sure if this is true or not but nonetheless I engaged in the conversation with him. I was then ushered into a booth for my enrollment into this once a month free food program. At this time a Somali woman registered me. (ironic I thought) She looked rather surprised that I had 5 children and possibly still a husband. She seemed pleasant enough but in questioning me I could tell that she too has become jaded by all of us on welfare and trying to get a little extra. By the end of our interview I think I may have won her over. It is worth going again just see all these people and form relationships. After all, you never know who God is going to bring in your path and for what reason.

As for the man with his son, I have seen him around town and have talked to him in the past. Although, I don't think he recognized me. I hope that if he is a decent guy he does get custody, or at least more visitation with his son.

My banana box of food was so heavy. I carried it up two flights of stairs and thought my back was breaking. And, believe it or not the food bank had many gluten free options that I would never have bought in the grocery store. Thank-you God. I was in walmart thinking I should get some flour and prayed that their would be some free GF flour somewhere and the Lord heard my pitiful cry and gave me what I wanted even though it was not necessity.

I just saw this on my friends facebook and thought I 'd post it.  It goes along a little with the conversation I had today at the food bank.
http://jimbaumer.posterous.com/countering-somali-myths-with-facts-in-l-a