Article

I thought that I would put up here some of the other articles that the other staff members wrote for our latest newsletter. Here is Kurt's-

I must begin by thanking God for giving me the opportunity to work here this year and what a privilege it has been to this point. The work here is very humbling and the abundance of
grace that surrounds the Andre House is inspiring. Whether it be serving the many people that use our services or interacting with our many volunteers day-in and day-out, the relationships that are beginning to emerge provide a comfortable and positive environment for my and our success and happiness here. It has really been a blessing to grow with my fellow staff members and come to fully understand the person that I am as well, which ultimately helps me grow. I have found that even though the work throughout a given week can be challenging due to our long hours, most always I am somehow reminded, through grace, that God is with
me and is taking care of me. One role I thoroughly enjoy here is coordinating a soupline.

I was given the chance to coordinate Tuesday’s soupline, which is spaghetti. With the help of our many regular volunteers I have truly found my niche here. No matter how many daily volunteers that come Tuesday, too few or too many, the meal always gets served. That is truly a testament to the dedication and hardworking mentality of our volunteers. The atmosphere I hope to provide on Tuesdays is one that is easy-going, welcoming, understanding, and hardworking. When you balance serious behavior with some humor, I have always found people to be relaxed and genuine. These people have become my extended family, and it’s been a blast so far. Learning their life stories and who they are allows me to learn each day. I might have already graduated college but the learning experience never ends, and for that I am very thankful. It is my constant effort to be aware of all that is present around me and how I may
benefit and learn from others. God has continued to bless me with this wonderful opportunity, and I hope that I am always appreciative of that and mindful of the chances I get. I hope to return all that I can from the abundance of grace that He has bestowed upon me.

I must extend a huge thank you to all of our volunteers and benefactors, because you continue to keep this place running like a well-oiled machine. Without your help, we would not be able to do what we do each and every day. I love what we are about and that is to love one another as God loves us, plain and simple. I continue to keep all of you in my prayers each day: in thanksgiving for your lives, your health and happiness, and that you may always be aware of God’s presence in your lives. I would like to share a prayer with you that I find to truly open my eyes and be thankful for all that it is that God has given me and us:

“My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.”
- Thomas Merton, “Thoughts in Solitude”