The Oasis Café Community
Laara shares meals with the Oasis Café community on Monday evenings and Tuesday mornings. Meet: Laara.
When and how did you first come across Oasis Café? I love it when God surprises me; little did I know what God had in store for me when I started volunteering at Oasis in the summer of 2019. The first day was a little rough because there were rules which I unknowingly broke, but it was brought to my attention in a respectful manner. The learning curve was steep but I settled in, and after a couple of weeks, I was hooked.
What are some things that you do at Oasis Café? I have taken on different tasks such as plating, which I enjoy because we "eat" first with our eyes, so I like to make the plate of food look crave-worthy. Another task has been serving, which allows more interaction with the guests and an opportunity to connect directly with them. I have also been in charge of the beverage station, which gives me a chance to interact with the servers.
What keeps you coming back? The people whom I work alongside are gracious, they each have their own special qualities that they bring to Oasis. I marvel at the ability of some to connect meaningfully with guests and at others' ability to work tirelessly at dishwashing. Some of these volunteers bring fresh fruit for the guests (which the guests appreciate greatly), one brings flowers to brighten the tables and our hearts, and others bring their own baking to share. I find myself swept up by all the generous hearts that each volunteer and leader brings to Oasis. I’ve gotten to know some of the guests and many of them are kind, knowledgeable, talented, and funny. And admittedly some of them intimidated me at first. One guest, in particular, seemed to have a chip on her shoulder. She could be very critical but once I had a chance to hear her story I saw her in a different light. Now I look forward to seeing her. Then there are times when I have to check my own heart, like when I come across a guest who seems ungrateful and that makes me reluctant to serve them their meal. In those times I sense God reminding me that I am not always thankful for His blessings and yet He still gives me my daily “bread.” “Don’t be petty Laara, and don’t make it about you. They don’t owe you anything, and besides, you don’t know what hardships they’ve had to endure.”
How have you seen God at work in your own life through the ministry of Oasis Café? Some of our volunteers have been guests at one time and when their circumstances improved, they wanted to give back by serving. That says a lot about the sense of community that has been developed. The more I serve, the less I see the line between volunteer and guest, there is no “us” and no “them” because when Jesus is in the midst of Oasis, He only sees “us” and that imaginary line evaporates.
What do you want to say to someone who might be interested in serving at Oasis Café? Up until I started volunteering at Oasis, I felt somewhat anchorless. I wanted to find a place where I could belong, where I can be my true self. I didn’t realize I was looking for my tribe until Oasis entered my life and there I found my fellow tribe members. Oasis is aptly named not just for the people whom we serve but for those who come to serve.
For over 23 years, Oasis Cafe has been sharing a nourishing meal and a place of community. To learn more and to serve, visit www.tenth.ca/oasis. To support our mission, please give at www.tenth.ca/give and select "Benevolence."