By By Mary Ellen Mitchell Can it be said enough that it’s been a strange year? At Lydia’s House we have nothing to bench mark this against, but we keep on keeping on. Through later summer and into fall we continued to operate our shelter in socially distanced “suites” with kitchenettes and private bathrooms. Meals were largely discontinued while we considered options and scoured the latest updates on the CDC website for where Covid spread was occurring and how to stop it. There were times we felt really low about the lack of community and engagement, and we kept returning to
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras, translated as: “Fat Tuesday”, is a celebration to enjoy all rich, fatty foods before the lent fasting season. So on Sunday February 23, Lydia’s House family and friends gathered together for this historic celebration. Food and drinks covered the tables, pizza, fresh veggies, and even green frosted brownies, a real feast. Everyone just milled around reconnecting with those they hadn’t seen in a while or those they had. Or danced to Will Smith’s “Getting Jiggy Wit’ It”. Others got in line at the photo booth to get their pictures taken. Still others raced around the room after children.
New Birthday, New Bethany
Growing up in my house, birthdays were huge celebrations. At 5:30 am, my entire family (all 6 siblings and of course my parents, too) would get up, light candles and come into my room singing happy birthday. Then the celebrations would begin. My mom would prepare us our favorite breakfast. “Honey Filberts,” “sticky buns” or croissants– whatever we wanted she would make (knowing that we wouldn’t eat it because of the excitement). Then we would open gifts and do everything else that comes with a birthday. But it didn’t end there. When we got to school celebrations continued with more
Wednesday Dinner Wizards
It’s no secret that all things at Lydia’s House are possible thanks to all of our dedicated volunteers who consistently show up and help us accomplish our every day tasks both big and small. Lydia’s House strives to be a relational ministry. Folks connected to the world of ministry may take this for granted, but to all of us on staff here, we know that the commitment it takes to be a part of a relational ministry is no small task. Relational ministry requires a few key things, consistency, intentional presence, and the desire to invest in relationship with the
Giving Thanks for Answered Prayers
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR: Healthy births for two first-time moms, L and D. S’s beautiful family, sweet new baby, and her new apartment. T’s healthy new baby, and her new apartment. L’s safe transition to the Shanklin’s house. A’s transition to her own apartment through the Welcome Project. The Affordable Housing Trust Fund, created this year in the city of Cincinnati. All the generous donors that allowed Lydia’s House to acquire a building & develop affordable apartments. The great success of the Women for Women event, and the ongoing friendship of the Krzeski Family. The enrichment provided by
