i volunteer for the salvation army. i cook meals and go for midnight rides on what they call the Savior's Van. it's a van we filled up with blankets, coats, gloves, hats and we also bring home made chili, bread and milk cartons to be passed out when we find people in need around town.
last night was my first night. we drove to a spot in town where my 28 year old driver, Carrie told me she had been before, she knew of a place where they hide to keep warm and safe. it was 12 degrees in Bangor last night with a 10-15 mph wind that chilled it out to below zero...
the spot she knew was an underpass under the union street bridge. it was a 40 ft. hike straight up from the penobscot river, was slippery and freezing. about half way up i could see the faint glow of a fire. there, tucked back in the deepest recesses of the underpass stood an 8 year old girl, her mum and 4 men... all huddled around the fire that was built by pallets and tree limbs. the girl wore an old and very loose, large fitting winter coat with a dress and leggings only. they all looked very freaked by our presence but lit up suitably when we offered the food and blankets.
i walked over to the little girl, asked if i could wrap her in a blanket and mum was smiling ear to ear. i wrapped her up, scooped her up in my arms and sat her in my lap while sitting indian style. she was up off the concrete and wrapped in a blanket and actually squealed she was so happy. i held her while carrie got her a chili bread and milk. she ate in my lap and as she was eating began to sob. she went from sob to tears in no time and i looked at mom who was looking at her daughter and said to me, " we spoke earlier this evening and susan (little girl) wanted to know why they weren't home, in their beds." mum told me dad beat her so badly 3 nights before she ended up in the emergency room for stitches.
mum finished her story, we talked quite a bit more and i found the little girl had fallen to sleep in my arms, warm as a bug in a rug and a full tummy. I started crying and found it uncontrollable. I held that little darling like she was my own and would never let any harm come to her. i was told after my conduct was unprofessional, but it was my first time and she understood. don't let it happen again, we're the stalwarts, the rocks for these people in need and crying is a sign of weakness.
i had to put the little girl down, as we had to move on. she awoke and asked me if i knew God. please tell him thank you she said, i feel ever so much better. i kissed her forehead, handed he to mum and turned my back as soon as i could so they couldn't see my face. do i know God ... i just saw him, felt him, felt my love to them and theirs in return ... do i know God !
i go back out tonight. i love what i do. i pray God loves what i'm doing. i pray so much harder now,
i love so much better. 
