Thanks ... Such Radical Hospitality

Princess and Chiwimbo enjoy a new warm coat.

Two happy young women...They had just been given a coat ... both found in the dumpster outside Karen's apartment.   She liked the nice container they were in and was retrieving it for her use and noticed inside the container were two coats.   As a regular Shop worker, they for sure were destined for good use.   Karen took them home, washed them, and then had another thought.   With the weather turning colder again, she wondered about Chiwimbo and Princess and what they had to wear this winter in Michigan. 

Karen connected with the girls, they tried them on and both are enjoying a new warm coat for the season.

This is just another example of our radical hospitality that our church has shown these two young women.  The gathering at the Albert home was their first introduction to Valparaiso 1st UMC.  Chiwimbo was so excited to receive Christmas cards and when they also contained "notes" she was breathless.   

On Sunday after 2nd service, Princess received a Christmas card as well plus they were both greeted warmly by all those who came up to them and introduced themselves.   Immediately upon entering the house after church, Princess slipped quietly to her room to open her first Christmas card.   She came hustling out of the room with a big smile as she had received a "note" too.  
The newspaper was spread all over the kitchen table so Gene gave the girls all the sale advertisements.   For the next 30 minutes these girls shopped the newspaper.    Lots of giggling and dreaming.   And much of their dreams was not for themselves but for their family (quite extended).  

So thanks again Valparaiso 1st for extending that hand of hospitality... they loved being a visitor and their new tumbler.  I suspect these are visitors that will return.