Reason #9 why I'd make a good missionary

Today it was 98 degrees here in Chicago. Apparently weather.com was comparing our weather to El Paso. Do you know what I have to say about that? I love it. Hot, sticky, unbreathable is actually delightful to me. I'm from Wisconsin and this is not how I should feel about hot weather. However, this is yet another reason why being a missionary actually fits into how I like life, anyway. Other reasons including my tendency to sleep on the floor, and eating whatever is put in front of me.

Speaking of eating preproportioned plates of food - tonight I was at a church that hosts a free clinic and meal every Tuesday night - All Saints Church in Ravenswood. Now, I've been to a few of these. You go in, get your ticket and sign your name, and either wait to line up or your food is brought to you. I was expecting spaghetti, the other guys knew the secret to this place though... the food is incredible. Fajitas, salad, beans and rice and tortillas. And. Cherry cheesecake for dessert. Let me tell you, not once did I eat food that tasted this good in college, and it was better than a lot of restaurant food, too.

It was beautiful, really. That is the only way to describe it. Because how the people treated us there was like we were people. Like we were cared for, and it showed in what they cooked for us. As my friend Sher said, "This is Human." We were treated like humans, and it felt good.

Before we even received the meal I could feel a difference in the place, but I didn't know why. I just knew it felt right, it felt lighthearted and the room was a release instead of a prison. Rather than feeling trapped or like I had to be there because I was down on my luck, I felt accepted and welcomed; wanted and dare I say, loved? That food loved me.

Whoever runs this place, I commend them. You're doing a good thing. I was hungry, and you fed me. Fed me well.