To Catch a Dream

This past weekend during the Quest Day of Service, To the Streets did it's regular thing in preparing for the distribution with one slight difference-- we were able to partner with the children's ministries' VBS in putting resource bags and lunches together for our friends.  It was such a fun time of giving the children a platform to serve those who live on the streets in Ballard.  The parents and kids were great and jumped right in with preparing over 50 resource bags and 30 lunches!  The kids also made a welcome sign saying, "Welcome.  We're glad you're here".  Just a simple message being sent to others of their value, their significance in the world.  It was a great start to a busy and fruitful day.  

After we were all ready to go we met up with 40 of our friends on 15th & Market.  For some reason this was a particularly special time, because what I noticed was that people were really able to engage each other in friendship and support and it was such a great reminder in seeing how as a ministry we're being deepened.  What we do in passing out socks, blankets or other needed items is really so simple and in all honesty a drop in the bucket in comparison to the need.  Yet, what we're finding is that the venue in handing out a few things allows for space in which we get to know people, hear their stories and to share in celebrations and sorrows.  It's truly a beautiful thing.  

This weekend there were many stories being exchanged.  I sat down to chat with some friends I've known for a while to check in and found myself right in the middle of their stories of struggle and survival.  It humbled me that they trusted to share so deeply the different challenges they face.  One of the ways in which they engage their story and share it with those around is through the dream catchers they make.  It occurred to me that we all hope to have our dreams caught and realized-- that no matter the situation or circumstance we all have dreams.  It seems that when the dreams die-- we die.  The dreams are what keep us pressing forward.  How is it that we can dream alongside one another and work towards the end of making our heartfelt desires something of reality?

Thank you to all the volunteers this weekend!  If you'd like to get involved or hear more about To the Streets feel free to contact me at deanza@seattlequest.org.  Enjoy the picture story!