[Orlando]
Inspired by Master's appeal -- warm
up the winter globally -- fellow practitioners from the Orlando Center contacted
a Battered Women's Shelter and offer our time and some delicious vegetarian
food.
Everyone
met at a nearby public park. We arrived at the park before the appointed time,
cheerfully set up picnic tables, spread out the tremendous quantity and variety
of vegetarian food, and waited for the guests. Shortly thereafter, the guests,
women and children, arrived. After greeting them with warmth and compassion
and introducing ourselves, we ate together, talked, laughed, watched the children
play, and felt blessed to have this opportunity to share God's love and learn
and grow within ourselves.
Some
courageously shared their personal stories, heartaches, fears and hopes for
the future. We listened attentively and silently prayed for Master to guide
and bless us as we independently traverse this sometimes rocky road on the
journey called life. We spoke at length to the women about developing their
own inner strength and wisdom and not having to depend on anyone else for
what they think they're searching for.
As
the afternoon flowed into evening, our feast came to an end. We thanked our
guests for taking the time to come and join us in the park, and they in turn
thanked us for the delicious food and for putting a little joy into everyone's
life.
Thanks
to God, a warm and wonderful time was had by all. Having extended ourselves,
we had the opportunity to share our love and God's blessings and increase
our compassion and unconditional love towards our sisters and fellow human
beings in need. 
