Tags
angels, Calgary, calling, Charity, Diana Schwenk, dreams, friends, God, grace, growing up, joy, living in the moment, love, memories, mission, Purpose, Relationships, The Mustard Seed, vision
When I moved to Calgary in March 1990, I’d been sure for a number of years that I had a calling to work with the homeless. When I arrived I discovered Teen Challenge in the phonebook and called them immediately, convinced I could get a job there. They told me they didn’t hire women because staff had to be physically strong enough to handle when their clients were going through withdrawal.
I was disappointed and was starting to wonder if I had just imagined my calling. My roommate Bonnie decided she would take me out for lunch to cheer me up. When we had ordered our meal, Bonnie said grace. And by saying grace, I mean she said a very loud prayer over our lunch. I was mortified and embarrassed!
It caught the attention of a woman sitting all by herself at the other end of the restaurant and she came over to our table. “Hi, my name is Grace. Pardon me for just barging in but I’m new in town,” she said. “And I’m looking for a church that I can attend.” We talked about the church we attended and invited her to join us. She then focused her attention on me, remarking that I seemed sad. I told her my whole story; the calling, the long waiting, the disappointment – all of it.
“Why don’t you go check out the Mustard Seed,” she said. “It’s only a block and half away from here.” I thanked her for the information and she wrote her phone number and address on a piece of paper for me so that I could call her and make arrangements for her to attend my church.
After lunch, Bonnie and I headed over to the Mustard Seed. That’s where I met Adele. I asked her if I could speak to the head pastor and she picked up the phone to inquire about it. She told me he’d be awhile and invited us to sit and wait. While we waited we chatted with Adele. I’m sure I told her that I would be a brilliant hire or something like that. A young good-looking man wearing acid-washed jeans and a purple tie-dyed T-shirt stopped in and we chatted with him for 30 or 40 minutes.
Not being the most patient person in the world, I finally turned to Adele and said, “So when is this head pastor gonna show so I can talk with him?” She laughed and gestured toward Mr. Acid-washed Tie-Dye and said you’ve been talking to him for half an hour!
After that day I began volunteering at the Mustard Seed and by the time this picture was taken for a magazine article, I was on staff as an Outreach Worker. In total I spent about 20 years at the Mustard Seed. When I left in 2010, I was the Chief Development Officer.
This past Saturday, I attended an informal ‘Old Mustard Seeders’ reunion. Now, 24 years after I first walked through the doors of The Mustard Seed, it was good to catch up with everyone. We shared about what we’re all up to now and talked about the good old days. Pat Nixon, who was the leader of the Mustard Seed for over 26 years told us we should be proud of what we were able to contribute in the time that we were there. And we are proud and grateful for everything we learned about life and what’s really important from our amazing street friends.

Trish Sonnenberg, Pat Nixon, Diana Schwenk, Chuck Harper, Adele Toews, Ty Ragan, Christie Halliday, Herb White
Photo taken March 29, 2014
We plan to get together again, perhaps for a picnic in the summer, with many others who couldn’t attend this past Saturday.
~
Oh yes, and what about Grace? I called her for weeks and weeks and her phone just rang and rang and rang. Finally, I got on a bus and went to the address she’d given me. It was a long-abandoned, empty lot.
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. ~ Hebrews 13:2
~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~
Hi its Mr. Acid-washed Tie-Dye. I love this story as this reminds me of the day I met a life long friend. God has been good to us Di.
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Yes He has Pat! ❤
Di xo
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Oh my gosh, Diana. This post and the story of Grace gave me goosebumps. Isn’t it wonderful how life and happenstance can work? I bet they were happy to bring you on board, and grateful to have you for all those years. Angels come in all sorts of packages. xxx
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The story of Grace always makes me cry when I tell it in person!
Diana xo
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Yep, you just never know. So many tiny moments change our lives in huge ways. Just think of it: having lunch in that place at that time resulted in a wonderful 20-year career. How cool is that?!
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When summarized like that, its impact is WAY cool Smitty – thanks!
Diana xo
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Diana, I read this last night right before turning off the computer to go to an appointment and could hardly wait to get back here and tell you how this sharing of yours stayed with me. Goosebumps. This is a truly amazing story and makes me believe (again, always) in the beautiful possibility of angels among us. Everything about this post is wonderful, and I laughed when you shared your (youthful) mortification at her saying grace. Yet that is what ended up directing you to your right and perfect destiny. Reminds me of one of my first posts ever, about a smile that felt like it changed everything and still makes me wonder if angels are helping us more than we know. Even if not, and she was a woman who mixed up some numbers (you know, logical explanations) it still feels miraculous how you were so close, and you went there, and it changed not only your life but undoubtedly countless others. You definitely make a difference in my world Diana. And here’s my huge comment for the day! LOL! hugs, Gina xo
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Gina your comment touches me deeply. Thank you so much for your support and encouragement, it means so much to me.
Hugs
Diana xo
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I love this! The story, the photos, your spirit. 🙂
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Thanks Mrs. F! ❤
Diana xo
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What a great story, Diana! Thank you for sharing. I love the woman’s name and the last paragraph. WOW…
Russ
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It’s amazing right? I couldn’t make it up any better. I will never forget her!
Diana xo
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Thank you for the reminder to recognise Grace when it is given, even in unexpected places. Today’s was three, tough but good sessions with young people I’ve been working with that have helped me remember why I do what I do. Just have to work on believing I’m any good at it now! x
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I have no doubt that you are good at it. You have an understanding that brings a whole new level of empathy, along with your education, don’t you think? Good to see you again Laura, have missed you!
Diana xo
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What an amazing story and such a shame that you were not able to find your Grace again.
I LOVE the hair-do. I remember that phase when we all thought fuzzy hair looked great (and it did too 🙂 )
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I have my paternal grandmother’s wiry hair! I’m ok with not seeing Grace again, you know, some folks enter your life for a moment and affect your journey for a life-time!
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Have you noticed the world got smaller and people really connected here?…. love it. I’m so glad I found you Diana. Val x
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Yes I love it too! I’m so glad I met you too Val.
Diana xo
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Amazing – what an amazing turn of events. I love this story, Diana.
The world works in mysterious ways, and this proves it yet again.
The Mustard Seed is a great organization – It’s fantastic that you were part of it for so many wonderful years. They must miss you over there!
~Andrea<3
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(smiling) Glad you enjoyed my story. Just a handful of people left there that would even remember me Andrea. Life is mysterious and awesome and I’m in a whole new part of my life that I’m really enjoying. Well you know what I mean, you changed your life quite a bit…
Diana xo
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I’m sorry your friend wasn’t around to thank.
I had no idea you were part of Mustard Seed. Haven’t they started up a community garden on the roof? I would like to see it one day. I’m not a gardener, just like community gardens with a story.
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Yup. Spent 20 years at the Mustard Seed. I’m not there anymore but if you would like to see the garden, give them a call and ask for Kathleen. (She was my wonderful, amazing assistant when I was there.
Diana xo
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Diana, I really enjoyed your story and seeing the photos. Its a message about giving and sharing from the heart that all of us can find a way to keep paying forward.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed it and yes, I’m a big fan of paying it forward.
Diana xo
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Your ending gave me GOOSE BUMPS!!! Wow! That is an incredible story!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Glad you enjoyed Denise! It’s not a story I tell often because it always makes me cry.
Diana xo
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That’s a great story Diana – you have done great things in his name – and that’s some big hair – meant in the nicest of complements 🙂
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haha thanks Bill! There is no danger of me being bald any day soon!
Diana xo
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Loved this post. It’s really encouraging. The name of the ministry “mustard seed” is an inspirational message on it’s own. This was right on time for me and with what’s going on with my spiritual walk. Stay blessed.
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Hello and welcome Denise! It has been my experience that when I am at my lowest, when I struggle to hold on to my faith and dreams; that I am at that moment standing on the brink of something more amazing than I ever could have hoped for!
blessings to you,
Diana xo
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Yes, I believe that.
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I look forward to hearing your story one day Denise.
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Grace……and faith of a mustard seed. Love how you follow your heart! ♥
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Thanks my dear! I can’t not follow my heart – I’ve tried!
Diana xo
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♥
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That totally gave me shivers. Grace was an angel!!!
I love the hair in the 1990’s. The bigger the better. How cool that she helped you find the Mustard Seed. A lot of people benefited from your service!
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Yes, that is what I believe of Grace as well Susie! I always had a good hair day in the 90’s my her is so unruly!
Diana xo
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Me too!
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Ha! So you understand then! ❤
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Thanks Diana. It makes me wonder what I have to give so freely that I am not yet giving.
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What do you mean Ian?
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Sorry for lack of clarity. I am wondering what opportunities I have to show up for strangers like Grace did and help out in some way.
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Wow Ian, I love that thought! I bet you do all the time without knowing…
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I wonder what would happen if I was more conscious of it. My wife is and I love that n her.
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Now I want to meet your wife!
Over the years, I have had a few people tell me something I said or did in the past changed their life for the better forever. In most cases I don’t remember the situation and in some cases I don’t even remember the person. I’m oddly ok with that Ian.
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I’m okay with that too. I do want to remember those who gave something to me though.
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Yes. Yes. me too.
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Thought I would comment on this thread. I find it amazing that some of my major decisions have been due to an influence by a passing ship in the night, and not necessarily from someone close to me.
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Me too Elizabeth!
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love this story!
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Glad you enjoyed it!
Diana xo
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very much
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What a great story! You never know who you’ll meet that can lead to all sorts of opportunities!
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Thanks Lisa! I know. A chance meeting and I think of Grace often!
Diana xo
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