blogblogblogging

Yesterday I called our engineer about some drawings and, to my surprise, he was working! He said he has to work weekends in order to go away for Christmas. I said, "I have you beat. I slept at the office last night!"

This morning I ambled into the men's dining room at 7:00 and Derrick (name has not been changed) said, "Can I talk to you?"

"I can't! I have to blog!" (Never mind that it's 7 in the morning and I haven't put my lips on yet--think Mrs. Potato Head.)

Well, of course, discussion ensued as to what blogging was.

"So, instead of 'blah blah blahing,' you are 'blogblogblogging.'"

"Do you blog about us?" another man asked, curiously.

"Yes, and sometimes I even remember to change your names. Last night I blogged about the screaming children."

No response. They're thinking, slightly panicked, "I've gotta figure out how to get on the internet and read Michelle's blog."

Last night Deborah and Derrick and I were making homemade wrapping paper. Deb did the drawings and Derrick and I got to colour them. I love colouring. If anyone would like to buy me 64 or more Crayola crayons and a decent colouring book for Christmas I'd be a happy camper.

Last night Larry, Grant, Charles and Len took all the men to George's concert at First Baptist Church. It was so nice and quiet in the Mission. I had all the lights off and the Christmas lights on. I was playing Handel's Messiah. It was trancelike. (I was also colouring in betwixt developing my strategic flowchart... however, that just spoils the mood, now, doesn't it.)

Then the guys came home and they were all singing! That was nice too. Everyone was happy and in the Christmas spirit. A huge change for some of our men, who haven't spent a sober God-fearing Christmas in their lives.

All this to say that although I have to work so much this time of year, there are immediate benefits and rewards. Friday night Joe and Nancy, who lead our Saturday Care Groups, planned a huge pizza party/movie night for the house. That was so nice! There was pizza left over. (Derrick if you are looking for it I hid it in the little staff fridge in my office.) And that meant it was quiet in the office and I got lots of work done.

But the greatest benefit is not the peace and quiet. It's not beating Len in crib every night. It isn't even the pizza supper! It is the joy of spending intimate quality time with our live-in front line staff. It is the joy of getting to know the guys and gals that live here on program. Not just in passing, but living and interacting with them. Playing games. Having chats. Yes, even colouring and dreaming about the future together!

The benefits of living in, while it is hard work and often exhausting, make it worthwhile and may just reap eternal reward.