bake. pray. love.

Ever since Sunday, this idea for a blog post has been rolling around in my head, but I couldn't think of words to adequately describe how totally blessed I felt and how overwhelmed I was with God's awesomeness.

And actually, I still can't think of the perfect words, but I still want to share this story.

A few months ago, one of the chaplains mentioned that two soldiers committed suicide in the same week.  I can't even begin to imagine the pain their families felt--and still feel, I'm sure--and it made me want to do something.  Why did they (and other soldiers who commit suicide) feel that suicide was their only option?  That thought stuck with me for weeks.  How could I help?  What could the church do?

In my grad school classes, I learned that sometimes people seek suicide because they feel they have no other option--no resources, no support, no help, no way out.  What if we could give them support?

I asked the chaplain (there are multiple chaplains at Chapel Next, but I'm referring to the same one in this post) if it would be possible to gather a group of people together to go dorm-storming in the barracks (housing would also be an option, but I felt that soldiers living in the barracks are more apt to be/feel alone).  We could say hi and connect with the soldiers there.  It could be a regular thing.  We could let them know that someone cares about each and every one of them, individually.  And we could take cookies or brownies.

Because, seriously, who won't open their doors for cookies?

The Sunday before Alan and I left for Pennsylvania, the chaplain met with me to discuss the plan.  I designed two fliers over the holidays, which were meant to gauge interest in the chapel.  I was beyond excited, but at the same time, fearful that no one would want to help.  Not that that was going to stop me--I put it in my mind that I would go by myself, door to door, if it came down to that.

But that's a lot of baking for one person.
                 
On Sunday, the chaplain approached me before I gave my little blurb about the Sunday Morning Life Group that I'll be teaching this quarter (it's on spiritual gifts).  He said that he'd like to make an announcement and ask people who were interested to meet us after the service.

Um, sure.  Because I'm already so thrilled to have to stand up in front of a crowd and talk about my class.  I would love more attention.  Especially after another chaplain points me out in the service because my husband and I lead Home Life Group.

If you ever want an example of an introvert, I'm a pretty good candidate.

However!  It was all for a good cause.  Over 20 people signed up for more information!  We have access to at least three barracks and some really good bakers/cooks, and people who want to go and chat with the soldiers!  One of my friends--my closest friend down here--went up with me for emotional support, and I was just so overwhelmed to see so many people willing to help.

I emailed a spreadsheet with the contact info we collected to the chaplain, and we're planning to start this outreach toward the end of the month.  I'd like to call it "Bake. Pray. Love.," but we'll see what everyone else thinks.  I think the name appeals more to the late-teen and early twenty-something group we're trying to reach, but maybe it's too feminine.