Fisks in DC

"Mom, you could write a journal entry. You know Bill and Randy wrote one when they served with us."

"Ok,..ok,.......I'll try...........here goes...."


I'll have to admit it,......Gary and I were pulled alittle out of our comfort zone at first. Big city life, 6 lanes of traffic, congestion everywhere, people rushing to and from their jobs on the metro, homeless on the walkways trying to keep warm, constant sirens and honking! It sure made our small town Milford life seem pretty stress-free compared to DC.

But as the week continued, we grew to appreciate the rhythm and style of DC and anxiously embraced it's differences.

Serving meals at S.O.M.E. ( So Others May Eat) was a highlight of my week. (Gary was suffering from a bad cold and couldn't serve with us early in the week) Over 500 men and women enjoyed hot meals that particular day. The wonderfully fun staff embraced our willing hearts and hands to help us crank out the full plates at an amazing pace! The smiles on mens' and womens' faces said it all!

Volunteering with Community Family Life Services was another new experience. Latreia would be cleaning and painting a subsidized apt., getting it ready for a new family. I wish I could see a photo of our expressions when we first walked into the place. Lots of elbow grease would definitely be needed here! But once again, many willing hearts and hands made the project possible. What a transformation! Leaving the clean and newly painted apt, I said a little prayer asking God to bless the family that would soon be moving in. How excited they must be!! And how good our hearts felt to be able to help prepare their home for them!

Our apprehension had given way to appreciation and excitement. We had a wonderful time working together with Kelly, Laura, Steph, Josh, Randy and Cindy, Gary and I, and Allen. Thanks Latreia!

We had mastered the Metrorail, toured the historical sites, fed the hungry and homeless, got paint in our hair and dirt under our fingernails.

But most importantly, we realized first-hand what an amazing journey Latreia is on, their commitment to serving others, and their deep faith and trust in God to lead them day to day.

Gary and I didn't want to go home,....neither did my brother or sister-in-law. But commitments at home prevented us from staying for now...............we will have to be our own Latreia at Milford and Sibley.

Let's see........Latreia Sr.,..... it COULD happen!!!!

Fondly, Kathy
(PS. a BIG thank-you to David and Emily and girls for hosting us with our own little cottage! It was perfect!)