I want to be like Ella.

One of my best friends, certainly the friend who has taken the most prank phone calls from me the last few years, writes a blog, Mike in Progess [sic]. Mike helps coordinate a cold-weather shelter in our hometown, which puts him in contact with some amazing people. Meet Ella.

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By Mike Ellis

Ella is 5 years old. She and her family come to the homeless cold weather shelter to serve. Ella can't wait to serve the homeless. Her enthusiasm to serve is contagious. Ella doesn't judge the men and women who come to the cold weather shelter. She doesn't know or care if they live under a bridge or sleep on a bench. Ella serves the homeless without hesitation. She doesn't care if they are dirty or that they smell. Ella has a mission. Her mission is to serve. After dinner Ella will sit down at the table with our homeless guests, talk a million miles a minute and eat a cupcake or cookie with them. Ella doesn't think of them as homeless, bums, addicts or losers. I really believe that she thinks they are her friends. I want to be like Ella.

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...Father, thank you for Ella. You teach us through children. Impress Ella's spirit of love and service on our hearts. In Jesus name...