Spokane Update 3

I have been in Spokane for about two months now. It feels a lot longer though (in a good way). Having worked at the House of Charity for awhile now, I have a much better feel for the people and how to interact with many of them. I have started to learn about the lives of some of the people as well. One person in particular, let's call him Joe, told me a little bit about his past. Like most patrons he struggled with addiction in the past. He got in trouble with the law, and he was offered a chance to work at a wilderness camp for several months or go to jail. Joe chose to work at the wilderness camp. He explained that the first few months were horrible because of the remoteness of the camp from "civilization." However, he broke his addiction, and now he is one of the kindest patrons I know. He even volunteers in our kitchen, and with cleaning the HoC.
That leads me to another point. I have been stunned by the actions of some patrons. I figured everyone would be selfish and try and keep to himself or herself. Some patrons are very self-centered, but I have seen some care for others. I have seen one person offer a pair of socks to another, or trade a cigarette for the use of a person's cell phone. However, I do not encounter such acts all that often. More often than not, I just see people enjoying a chance to sit inside out of the rain, and eat a hot meal or pick up a new pair of pants. A lot of time I feel like I am not doing nearly enough for the patrons. Most of my time is spent sitting behind a desk not doing all that much except handing out mail and other items. I have to remind myself that presence is an important ministry too, and sometimes that is all I can offer. On more than one occasion I have stood behind the desk and listened to a person ramble on about things I can barely follow. I simply smile and nod until the person walks away.
I have also had to learn to say no to people. For as much as I want to help the patrons with whatever they need, I have learned that it is just as important for me to say no. We have certain policies, such as gear storage, that are in place for a reason. Now, I certainly grant exceptions from time to time, but I have found that on days when I tend to grant too many exceptions I am left feeling drained and exhausted. On days when I am more balanced I tend to have more energy, and I can be more present to those around me.
As it has gotten colder, I have started to see more and more people coming into the shelter. As a result we have fewer open beds in the evenings. I have only worked a few night shifts, but it is not easy to tell ten people that we do not have room for them, and they have to leave. We can offer blankets and occasionally sleeping bags, but once it gets really cold I wonder will that be enough.
Overall, I am feeling much more comfortable at the shelter and in Spokane in general. My community and I have gone a few adventures during our time off. We recently went apple picking at an orchard outside of the city. It was so nice to get out away from buildings and into the country side. It was strange seeing wide fields, and in the distance, mountains. We have also explored the downtown area some and found some delightful restaurants and shops. My particular favorites are a Sushi restaurant called Sushi.com, and a comic shop called Merlyn's. It is interesting learning how to shop on a budget, but that is relatively easy here in Spokane.
Until my next update, I hope all is well with everyone!