This post has been in my mind for some time, the post where I tell the world I am done with this blog thing. It was nice while it lasted but it is no longer interesting to me and it takes more time and attention than I am willing to devote anymore. So I'm signing off, sorry to those who liked to read my random thoughts.
I'll come back to this if anything interesting happens.
Peace.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Andre House Mysteries
So there are a lot of things that I wonder on a daily basis. Most of them end up being humorous, but there can be some serious ones. Nearly all of them are in reference to something specific that has happened in my time so far. Here are a just a few.
-How can a person be that drunk at 9 in the morning?
-How does a person get crap on the underside of the toilet seat?
-Why would you leave your crackpipe in your pants and then give the pants to us to wash?
-How can a person smell so bad to the point that flies cover them and not want to take a free shower?
-Where does a person get the gall to complain about a free service?
-How can you be homeless and that overweight?
-Why would you come back to the place where someone doused you in liter fluid and set you on fire?
-Where do you get money for all that crack?
-Just how many years have you been wearing that shirt for?
-Why don’t the police care more?
-Do you know that urinating in public is a crime?
-Is peeing on the walls of the bathroom that much fun?
-Where does all that hair on the floor of the shower come from?
-Why would you use being homeless for most of your life as a point to get one up on other people?
-How can a person be that drunk at 9 in the morning?
-How does a person get crap on the underside of the toilet seat?
-Why would you leave your crackpipe in your pants and then give the pants to us to wash?
-How can a person smell so bad to the point that flies cover them and not want to take a free shower?
-Where does a person get the gall to complain about a free service?
-How can you be homeless and that overweight?
-Why would you come back to the place where someone doused you in liter fluid and set you on fire?
-Where do you get money for all that crack?
-Just how many years have you been wearing that shirt for?
-Why don’t the police care more?
-Do you know that urinating in public is a crime?
-Is peeing on the walls of the bathroom that much fun?
-Where does all that hair on the floor of the shower come from?
-Why would you use being homeless for most of your life as a point to get one up on other people?
So there are a lot of things that I wonder on a daily basis. Most of them end up being humorous, but there can be some serious ones. Nearly all of them are in reference to something specific that has happened in my time so far. Here are a just a few.
How can a person be that drunk at 9 in the morning?
How does a person get crap on the underside of the toilet seat?
Why would you leave your crackpipe in your pants and then give the pants to us to wash?
How can a person smell so bad to the point that flies cover them and not want to take a free shower?
Where does a person get the gall to complain about a free service?
How can you be homeless and that overweight?
Why would you come back to the place where someone doused you in liter fluid and set you on fire?
Where do you get money for all that crack?
Just how many years have you been wearing that shirt for?
Why don’t the police care more?
Do you know that urinating in public is a crime?
Is peeing on the walls of the bathroom that much fun?
Where does all that hair on the floor of the shower come from?
Why would you use being homeless for most of your life as a point to get one up on other people?
How can a person be that drunk at 9 in the morning?
How does a person get crap on the underside of the toilet seat?
Why would you leave your crackpipe in your pants and then give the pants to us to wash?
How can a person smell so bad to the point that flies cover them and not want to take a free shower?
Where does a person get the gall to complain about a free service?
How can you be homeless and that overweight?
Why would you come back to the place where someone doused you in liter fluid and set you on fire?
Where do you get money for all that crack?
Just how many years have you been wearing that shirt for?
Why don’t the police care more?
Do you know that urinating in public is a crime?
Is peeing on the walls of the bathroom that much fun?
Where does all that hair on the floor of the shower come from?
Why would you use being homeless for most of your life as a point to get one up on other people?
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Simple living (pt 2)
At a glance, living simply means we can't have nice stuff. While that isn't totally true, it is how I feel a lot of times. We only get 100 dollars per month, so buying expensive items just isn't an option. That is probably the toughest part of my day to day life since I took a big pay cut coming here and was used to being able to spend 300 dollars in a month or saving up for something. What do I spend my stipend on these days? I mostly buy food from the grocery store. It is nice to have food that isn't expired, didn't come from the foodbank, and hasn't sat in our pantry for years.
The bit about living a simple lifestyle and it bringing us closer to the people we serve is pretty true. While I don't think any one of us has experienced being homeless, living simply (which approaches living in poverty) give us some insight into our guests' lives. It also gives us a little more respect from them, I think. We make much less money than the average homeless person. We don't pull up in expensive cars wearing expensive clothing, etc. We roll in our donated cars (one of which is missing a window right now) wearing the same donated clothing that our guests have access to, eat the same food, etc.
This whole thing can be a challenge. There are some days that I just want to go out and buy something, but I can't. There are nights when I want to go to a nice restaurant and get a steak, but that would be spending a large portion of my stipend. I am learning a little more about being frugal, and that could very well serve me in the future.
The bit about living a simple lifestyle and it bringing us closer to the people we serve is pretty true. While I don't think any one of us has experienced being homeless, living simply (which approaches living in poverty) give us some insight into our guests' lives. It also gives us a little more respect from them, I think. We make much less money than the average homeless person. We don't pull up in expensive cars wearing expensive clothing, etc. We roll in our donated cars (one of which is missing a window right now) wearing the same donated clothing that our guests have access to, eat the same food, etc.
This whole thing can be a challenge. There are some days that I just want to go out and buy something, but I can't. There are nights when I want to go to a nice restaurant and get a steak, but that would be spending a large portion of my stipend. I am learning a little more about being frugal, and that could very well serve me in the future.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Simple Living (pt 1)
André House Core Community opts for a simple lifestyle because we believe simple living frees us from non-essential material concerns. It allows us to bracket out or suspend concerns and baggage from our personal histories so that we can focus on the essentials of the universal human condition.
Simple living brings us to a greater degree of solidarity with the poor whom we serve. In living simply we are more likely to be trusted by the poor and are reminded of the powerlessness specific to being poor. This solidarity helps us to make decisions from the perspective of those in need.
Our daily commitment to simplicity requires a lifestyle of direct, personalist labor of a humble and servile nature.
· We expect as a community that we subsist on common holdings.
· We expect major community expenses to be discussed by the community before community money is spent. In emergency situations, financial decisions should be checked with the appointed treasurer and, in the absence of that person, another community member should be consulted.
· We expect personal spending to not exceed the monthly stipend.
· We encourage individuals to discuss and challenge each other towards growth regarding issues of simple lifestyle.
· Because we have access to donations, we encourage reflection on the acceptance of gifts and the use of other peoples’ generosity and economic power.
Simple living brings us to a greater degree of solidarity with the poor whom we serve. In living simply we are more likely to be trusted by the poor and are reminded of the powerlessness specific to being poor. This solidarity helps us to make decisions from the perspective of those in need.
Our daily commitment to simplicity requires a lifestyle of direct, personalist labor of a humble and servile nature.
· We expect as a community that we subsist on common holdings.
· We expect major community expenses to be discussed by the community before community money is spent. In emergency situations, financial decisions should be checked with the appointed treasurer and, in the absence of that person, another community member should be consulted.
· We expect personal spending to not exceed the monthly stipend.
· We encourage individuals to discuss and challenge each other towards growth regarding issues of simple lifestyle.
· Because we have access to donations, we encourage reflection on the acceptance of gifts and the use of other peoples’ generosity and economic power.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Community (pt 2)
I’m no etymologist, but I’m pretty sure that “community” and “communism” have something in common. And so I would stay that a community style of living is similar to something like communism. What does that mean? We share stuff. We share our house, our goods, our food, our whatever. What’s mine is yours, etc.
I was asked when I interviewed how I thought about living in close quarters with others in community. I replied that it couldn’t be much different from having a roommate in college. No one disagreed with me at the time but I now see that things are much different. I don’t think it’s anything that can be adequately described; community living must be experienced. Some examples- I share a bathroom with someone else. We share a kitchen and living room. Those don’t seem like a big deal but there can be conflict over the channel the TV is on, who should do the dishes, who should clean the bathroom, who spilled milk everywhere and didn’t clean it up, etc. Living in close quarters for a whole year without a break with five other people can get old. You learn everyone’s little quirks and they can easily start to be annoying.
All in all, community living is an interesting way to live and I like it a lot. You learn a lot about the people you live with and really start to care for them.
I was asked when I interviewed how I thought about living in close quarters with others in community. I replied that it couldn’t be much different from having a roommate in college. No one disagreed with me at the time but I now see that things are much different. I don’t think it’s anything that can be adequately described; community living must be experienced. Some examples- I share a bathroom with someone else. We share a kitchen and living room. Those don’t seem like a big deal but there can be conflict over the channel the TV is on, who should do the dishes, who should clean the bathroom, who spilled milk everywhere and didn’t clean it up, etc. Living in close quarters for a whole year without a break with five other people can get old. You learn everyone’s little quirks and they can easily start to be annoying.
All in all, community living is an interesting way to live and I like it a lot. You learn a lot about the people you live with and really start to care for them.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Community
So to continue my mini-series on the Core Covenant, here is the excerpt on Community.
André House is a Christian community gathered in service of the poor. We come as individuals with unique gifts, to build community reflective of the reign of God. We strive to work and live collaboratively, valuing the contribution of each individual, supporting and challenging each other in love.
Individuals in Community
· We encourage each other to develop our personal gifts and charisms in service to the community.
· We encourage people to be open to new experiences and to share in all aspects of the work, even that which is not immediately appealing.
Hospitality
We are a community of hospitality in the Christian tradition, welcoming a variety of people, recognizing that we all come together with gifts to be shared.
· We encourage each other to be welcoming, inviting others to share the life and the work.
· We encourage each other to get to know the extended André House community: guests, neighbors, volunteers, friends, benefactors, and others.
Core Community Common Life
We commit ourselves to the work of community, not just the ministry to the volunteers and poor, but to each other. This takes time and work, which brings moments of both struggle and joy.
· We encourage people to listen selflessly, attending to the needs and concerns of each other and to challenge with compassion.
· We encourage people to be honest about their needs, voicing them in appropriate ways.
· We expect that individuals share responsibility for our common life in the houses. Love in community is expressed through mutual respect in the simple acts of living together.
· We expect each other to use days off and free time in ways that allow us to return to the work and community refreshed.
· The holidays are special times of increased work and celebration of community. Therefore we expect that all members of the Core Community be present Thanksgiving through Christmas.
Outside Relationships and Commitments
Core Community members will sometimes have commitments and relationships outside of André House that may positively or negatively affect the work and life.
· We expect that André House be one’s primary community and commitment. We expect that the common good be considered in all outside relationships.
· We expect that outside school or work be discussed with the Core Community in advance at the beginning of the year.
· We expect openness to frank dialogue with community members if conflict arises over these issues.
· Romantic/exclusive relationships are especially challenging for community. We expect openness to frank discussion and sensitivity to the needs of the community. We expect that romantic interests not be overnight guests in our houses.
Community life will challenge us and call us to forget ourselves in the face of a greater need. In this process we will know the cross, but only through that journey we come to the joys that are beyond.
Apologies
Again, if anyone can't get through life without reading what I write, I apologize for my delinquency in getting stuff up here. Things have been busy with work lately, but I am currently entertaining my Mom and Nana, so I have even less time to waste online.
The highlight of their visit so far has been the dozens upon dozens of cookies we baked so far. In a close second place was our trip to the Grand Canyon last Thursday. That was the first time I was there and it is simply breathtaking. There are not words that would do the wonder that is the Grand Canyon any good. So I won't try, I'll just paste a picture up here.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Spirituality (pt 2)
The idea of spirituality was a very important point in my search for a full time volunteer opportunity. If I was going to take an entire year off from my college endeavors, I wanted it to mean something to me. I wanted to experience some sort of growth in my time away, something that would more fully justify quitting West Point with no guarantee of returning. The growth I wanted most was in my faith life. I wanted to learn more about and become more secure in my identity as a Catholic Christian.
So Andre House was a no brainer for me. I found that the Core Covenant excerpt wasn’t too specific about what we do on a daily basis, so here goes. We start each weekday with Mass in our parking lot. It is always a great privilege and pleasure to be able to celebrate Mass on a daily basis, but it is difficult to focus since there are lots of people going about their own business all around us. The person who reflects on the day’s readings at Mass also plans a prayer session for “noon prayer.” As the name might suggest, we gather around noon and pray together. We also have a prayer before every meal, both at the main building and at our transitional houses. Every first Friday of the month, we gather for Mass at our transitional house and invite our guests and volunteers to join us.
There are two priests and one brother on the staff, so that aids our spirituality and keeps things focused. Two of our staff have degrees in religious subjects (theology and religious studies), so that is another source of knowledge.
I have experienced considerable spiritual growth in my four months at Andre House. I am more comfortable than I ever have been talking about religious and spiritual topics. With every reflection, I gain more knowledge of the Bible and its ins and outs. I have learned so much about myself in matters of religion and faith and hope to continue to grow.
So Andre House was a no brainer for me. I found that the Core Covenant excerpt wasn’t too specific about what we do on a daily basis, so here goes. We start each weekday with Mass in our parking lot. It is always a great privilege and pleasure to be able to celebrate Mass on a daily basis, but it is difficult to focus since there are lots of people going about their own business all around us. The person who reflects on the day’s readings at Mass also plans a prayer session for “noon prayer.” As the name might suggest, we gather around noon and pray together. We also have a prayer before every meal, both at the main building and at our transitional houses. Every first Friday of the month, we gather for Mass at our transitional house and invite our guests and volunteers to join us.
There are two priests and one brother on the staff, so that aids our spirituality and keeps things focused. Two of our staff have degrees in religious subjects (theology and religious studies), so that is another source of knowledge.
I have experienced considerable spiritual growth in my four months at Andre House. I am more comfortable than I ever have been talking about religious and spiritual topics. With every reflection, I gain more knowledge of the Bible and its ins and outs. I have learned so much about myself in matters of religion and faith and hope to continue to grow.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Spirituality (pt 1)
We come to André House community blessed with the Spirit and inspired by the Gospel of Jesus. Our community is formed in the Catholic traditions shaped by individuals, lay and religious, men and women, influenced by the customs of the Catholic Worker and religious life in Holy Cross. Our time together is part of an ongoing quest for relationship with God and communion with God’s people. As we live and serve together, we strive to assist each other in that quest, seeking, studying, praying and living the Good News. We strive for integrity so that the values we profess in faith become part of our entire community and individual lives.
Individual Spiritual Life
· We expect people to be responsible for nurturing their own spiritual life.
· We encourage and will support each person in making a personal retreat. The timing and nature of the retreat should be discussed with the Core Community.
· We encourage each person to seek spiritual direction with someone outside the house.
· We encourage each person to become involved in the life of a local church, especially on Sundays.
Communal Spiritual Life
As a community we gather daily for prayer and worship, attending to the spiritual life of the group. We break bread together, we pray before meals and at points throughout the day, seeking integrity in life and ministry. As a community of hospitality we invite others to join in our spiritual life, but never make it a condition of service. We open ourselves to discuss faith issues with other community members.
· We encourage that individual spiritual gifts and leadership be shared with the community.
· We expect that when people are asked to lead prayer, that it be planned with sensitivity. We are open to diverse forms of prayer.
· We expect that the community will periodically step away from normal activities for retreat time together. We expect all members to participate.
· We expect members to participate in the prayer life of the community whenever possible. We reach out to absent members.
· We expect members to participate in First Fridays and in all special community celebrations.
Individual Spiritual Life
· We expect people to be responsible for nurturing their own spiritual life.
· We encourage and will support each person in making a personal retreat. The timing and nature of the retreat should be discussed with the Core Community.
· We encourage each person to seek spiritual direction with someone outside the house.
· We encourage each person to become involved in the life of a local church, especially on Sundays.
Communal Spiritual Life
As a community we gather daily for prayer and worship, attending to the spiritual life of the group. We break bread together, we pray before meals and at points throughout the day, seeking integrity in life and ministry. As a community of hospitality we invite others to join in our spiritual life, but never make it a condition of service. We open ourselves to discuss faith issues with other community members.
· We encourage that individual spiritual gifts and leadership be shared with the community.
· We expect that when people are asked to lead prayer, that it be planned with sensitivity. We are open to diverse forms of prayer.
· We expect that the community will periodically step away from normal activities for retreat time together. We expect all members to participate.
· We expect members to participate in the prayer life of the community whenever possible. We reach out to absent members.
· We expect members to participate in First Fridays and in all special community celebrations.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Update
If there is anyone out there that hangs on these blog posts, who cannot go through a day without reading my ramblings, I apologize that I haven't been faithful to writing things here. But I'm pretty sure that there isn't a person out there who feels that way. Anyways, things have been super busy for me lately and writing blog posts seems to be my last priority. I'm really not sure what people want to hear from me, so I got nothing else to say right now.
I got to thinking the other day about my lifestyle here. I don't mean the ways in which I have changed as a person in my time here, but rather the expectations that are encompassed in being on the Andre House Core Community (aka "the staff"). So I thought I would write about those things that I am expected to live by. There are three big areas that we focus on- spirituality, community, and a simple lifestyle. I must confess that only the spiritual part of things really made sense in my pre-Andre House days. I have since come to see the value and pros/cons in each of these aspects. I have posted before a Core Community Mission Statement in which some general things are laid out about how we are expected to live and work. There are then portions on those three aforementioned areas.
What I want to do is copy and paste those sections here, one at a time over a few days or weeks. After each time I post one of those sections, I will devote another post about what it all means to me. It should be fun.
I got to thinking the other day about my lifestyle here. I don't mean the ways in which I have changed as a person in my time here, but rather the expectations that are encompassed in being on the Andre House Core Community (aka "the staff"). So I thought I would write about those things that I am expected to live by. There are three big areas that we focus on- spirituality, community, and a simple lifestyle. I must confess that only the spiritual part of things really made sense in my pre-Andre House days. I have since come to see the value and pros/cons in each of these aspects. I have posted before a Core Community Mission Statement in which some general things are laid out about how we are expected to live and work. There are then portions on those three aforementioned areas.
What I want to do is copy and paste those sections here, one at a time over a few days or weeks. After each time I post one of those sections, I will devote another post about what it all means to me. It should be fun.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Building smell
If you ever get the privilege of visiting Andre House, you will notice a distinct smell that permeates everything. We like to refer to it as “building smell.” It is a product of poor hygiene on the part of our guests, complicated by a poor living environment. We refer to our hospitality center as “the building,” so that is where we get “building smell.” Building smell is a unique combination of human urine, feces, sweat, and body odor, burning crack, tobacco, and marijuana, week-old beans and potatoes fermenting in the garbage bins, decomposing everything in the dumpster, the bleach we try and disinfect everything with, and basically anything and everything else that is disgusting. Every now and then you can get a whiff of what is cooking in the kitchen courtesy of the exhaust fan. All of this is made worse by the fact that it is so hot, so the smell just cooks and gets that much worse. Believe me, I make every effort to reduce the foulness of building smell, but there is only so much one (or nine) human beings can do to combat such odorificness (I know that’s not a word). Some people say that they can notice building smell in the food we eat, but I can’t say that I’ve experienced that. Nevertheless, it’s just another part of the privilege of working at Andre House.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Q&A again
It's time for everyone's favorite time, the time when I make up questions and answer them below!
Q: So what's the weather been like lately?
A: The forecast is for highs in the low to mid seventies all of this week.
Q: How was Thanksgiving?
A: The worst one I've experienced. I was pretty homesick and wanted to be with different people for a special day like that. Plus we celebrate any holiday, whether it's Labor Day or Thanksgiving, in the same manner- Mass and lunch. But I suppose if I couldn't be at home for Thanksgiving this year, this is an okay alternative.
Q: Since you weren't home for Thanksgiving does that mean you get to go home for Christmas?
A: Nope, I have to work on Christmas day. Homeless people don't stop being homeless so we can go home and have a jolly good time on the holidays. It really means a lot to them to see us here and to be open to them on days like that. We are almost their family here.
Q: Anything exciting coming up soon?
A: My Mom and Nana Coyle are coming for a visit next week, so that is what I am looking forward to.
Q: So what's the weather been like lately?
A: The forecast is for highs in the low to mid seventies all of this week.
Q: How was Thanksgiving?
A: The worst one I've experienced. I was pretty homesick and wanted to be with different people for a special day like that. Plus we celebrate any holiday, whether it's Labor Day or Thanksgiving, in the same manner- Mass and lunch. But I suppose if I couldn't be at home for Thanksgiving this year, this is an okay alternative.
Q: Since you weren't home for Thanksgiving does that mean you get to go home for Christmas?
A: Nope, I have to work on Christmas day. Homeless people don't stop being homeless so we can go home and have a jolly good time on the holidays. It really means a lot to them to see us here and to be open to them on days like that. We are almost their family here.
Q: Anything exciting coming up soon?
A: My Mom and Nana Coyle are coming for a visit next week, so that is what I am looking forward to.
Connecting the dots
I’ve spent a lot of time on this blog talking about each of the individual services that we provide to our guests, the poor and homeless of Phoenix. While each of the services we give can be powerful in its own individual way, it’s the combination of some or all of these things that is really what helps people. Combining the use of our phone, clean clothing, a shower, a storage locker, and a meal at the end of the day can be powerful. While it seems that most people that use our services on use them to sustain their lives, there are some who use our services to move up and out of homelessness.
As our director likes to say, “jobs cure homelessness.” All of our services can be focused on gaining and keeping employment, so combining all of our services is the most tangible way in which we help eliminate homelessness.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving!!
It is now past midnight on Thursday, so I can officially wish everyone a Happy Turkey Day. May your time with friends and family be blessed with fellowship and new memories. My plug is for you to remember those that are not as fortunate to spend time with their families today- whether it be our troops overseas, the homeless, or volunteers like me.
Yep, I don’t get to go home for Thanksgiving. This marks the first time that I have not been at home for this holiday. I’ve been too busy this week for it to take full effect, but I’m sure that I will notice tomorrow. Forgoing my reputation as an insensitive man, I will say that I really miss home and being with my family and friends. While I have grown nicely into my new family here, it just isn’t the same. Kurt, one of my coworkers, is experiencing the same feelings, so I’m not alone in this.
So once again, Happy Thanksgiving and God Bless.
Today's reflection
I have no problem admitting that I possess many shortcomings, that I have many weaknesses and downfalls, that I live a sinful life. But with any of my weaknesses, whether it be my poor personal skills or my flaws in faith, I try to find someone that I can look up to, someone that typifies the highest positive standard of that weakness; someone who sets an example that I can try to emulate. It is especially important to do this with matters of faith and spirituality. We can always strive to do better, no matter how well we think we live our lives. We must find people that are examples of great faith and piety. Scripture is a great place to start, and the readings today give us two great examples of faith.
First is Eleazar, who is described as a noble and foremost scribe of the community. Here is a man that is willing to undergo torture and death rather than defile his body by eating pork. It may seem silly or stupid to give up yourself rather than eat a piece of meat, but this attitude is the exact definition of a martyr. Eleazar would rather stay faithful to the laws of his religion and die than fold under the pressure of temptation. His reasoning where we can really begin to see Eleazar as a model of faith. While there is an element of pride because he won’t go back on the laws of God he said he would be loyal to, while he doesn’t want to bring dishonor to himself; his foremost reason is to “leave to the young a noble example of how to die willingly and generously for the revered and holy laws.” Eleazar knows that he will be rewarded for his faith, but he more wants to serve as a model of faith for those that look to him as an example. Eleazar has the respect of the people he serves and would not have their faith shaken in God because they saw his faith in God shaken when pressured. That is a truly selfless act and is a great model of faith. We need to be aware of this in our own lives. Realize that there may be people that look to you as a model of faith and keep that in mind when you make decisions.
The second model we hear about today is Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus seeks out God in his life, but in a very tangible and visible way. Jesus reaches out to this and brings Zacchaeus back into the fold. Zacchaeus recognizes his faults and shortcomings, his unfair dealing with people, and repents for those transgressions. This is another great model of faith. Seek out God in your life, recognize your shortcomings and sins, and repent to God
First is Eleazar, who is described as a noble and foremost scribe of the community. Here is a man that is willing to undergo torture and death rather than defile his body by eating pork. It may seem silly or stupid to give up yourself rather than eat a piece of meat, but this attitude is the exact definition of a martyr. Eleazar would rather stay faithful to the laws of his religion and die than fold under the pressure of temptation. His reasoning where we can really begin to see Eleazar as a model of faith. While there is an element of pride because he won’t go back on the laws of God he said he would be loyal to, while he doesn’t want to bring dishonor to himself; his foremost reason is to “leave to the young a noble example of how to die willingly and generously for the revered and holy laws.” Eleazar knows that he will be rewarded for his faith, but he more wants to serve as a model of faith for those that look to him as an example. Eleazar has the respect of the people he serves and would not have their faith shaken in God because they saw his faith in God shaken when pressured. That is a truly selfless act and is a great model of faith. We need to be aware of this in our own lives. Realize that there may be people that look to you as a model of faith and keep that in mind when you make decisions.
The second model we hear about today is Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus seeks out God in his life, but in a very tangible and visible way. Jesus reaches out to this and brings Zacchaeus back into the fold. Zacchaeus recognizes his faults and shortcomings, his unfair dealing with people, and repents for those transgressions. This is another great model of faith. Seek out God in your life, recognize your shortcomings and sins, and repent to God
Monday, November 19, 2007
One last article
Here is the final article from the current newsletter, this time from Hoa (pronounced "wa"). I just realized how much she wrote.
The two phrases that I would use to describe working at Andre House last year would be “challenge” and “best experience”. When I came back from Rocky Point, Mexico, I had no idea if I could do the kind of work that involved many mentally ill people or people who take drugs as their escape. I had never worked with them before nor knew how to handle their problems. During the retreat, we learned that everyone must be able to say, “No,” to the guests when needed. I thought to myself, “Me? Say ‘no’ to them?” I cannot even say “no” to my best friend when she asks to borrow my favorite shirt…and I do not let anyone wear it but me!” All my
friends said to me before I came to Phoenix, “Hoa, how will you be able to work with people who have so many problems? You cannot even say “no” to your friends. You expect to say “no” to people you do not know and think they will accept that answer?” My friends were right. I cannot say “no”. All my life, I have had trouble saying “no” to many people because I cared about their feelings, and I did not want to hurt them. I tried to deal with some issues on my own and tried not to cause any more problems for people, simply because I could not tell them “no.”
I remember when I worked in the Clothes Closet for the first time after returning from Rocky Point; I had to say “no” to this woman who asked for a shirt and pair of jeans. She said that she lost all of her clothes and all she had was what she was wearing. In my heart, I really wanted to give her the items because she seemed like she really needed them. I wanted to help this woman out, but I had already handed out 30 numbers for that day. I told her that she had to come back on Monday at 10:00 am, the next time we did clothes, and she started to yell at me.
She said, “And you call yourself a good Christian?” and left. That was the most discouraging retort that I had ever received from anyone. How am I not a good Christian? I came to Andre
House and gave up two years of my life to help others. After college I could have gone out and found a good job and gotten a nice place to live with a nice car to drive, but God called me to do this work for Him…to help His people because they need my help. After that woman said that to me, I was sad about it and was no longer motivated to be at Andre House. I had thought that I was doing a good thing by volunteering part of my life to the work at Andre House.
Then throughout the months, I learned and understood why we say no here. It is not because
we are being mean to people or do not want to give them clothes or food, but because we want to be consistent with everyone who comes through the door. It is not fair to say “no” to one person and then let a few others come through the door for clothes, showers or even dinner. At first, I did not understand why we have to say “no” and have rules at Andre House. We have much food in the refrigerator and sometimes have many clothes in the basement that are not being used. Why are we not taking advantage all of these items and helping all the guests who are in need? But one day I understood why we have to be consistent in all of the services we offer at Andre House. There was a man who just been released from prison, and he had nothing
but a dirty T-shirt and pants. I told him he had to come back the next day since we already passed out 30 numbers to our guests for Clothes Closet that day. However, I felt that this man really needed our help. I thought I was doing a good thing, the right thing, by giving him brand new shirt and pants. He shook my hands and said, “Thank you so much. You just made my day, and you helped helped me so much today.” It felt good to know that I did something right and made a difference in someone’s life. But the next day, another man arrived who also was just released from prison and had nothing…like the man that came in the previous day. I told him, like I told the first man, that he would have to come back the next time we did Clothes Closet. He said the first man was his friend and had told him he could get clothes at Andre House. We would help anyone who needed our help. He started to yell at me and told me that I was being
unfair with him, not giving him clothes like I had given his friend. I told him “no” because we have to be consistent with everything we do with all of our services, and I want to be fair with everyone. But how can I be fair when I give clothes to one person and not to the next? At that moment, I really understood why we have to say “no.” Not because we love to or, because we can, but because we want to be fair to all of the guests who come through the door, to treat everyone equal. After that day, I never say “no” to the guests without listening to their reasons or stories. If I have to say “no,” I want to explain to them why I cannot give them whatever they are asking for, and, hopefully, they will understand and accept it. We have rules for a reason, and that is to make it fair for everyone.
Andre House not only gives me many challenges, but it is also a great and memorable experience working here. Everyday I enjoy waking up and wondering what is going happen at the Hospitality Center. Some days will be wonderful. Other days will be stressful, and I just want to go home. I always look forward coming to work and saying, “Hi,” with a smile to all the guests. I will get the same greeting back from them. I like chatting with the guests and listening to their lives’ stories or even their days’ stories. I mostly enjoy seeing the volunteers who come every week and talking to them. Basically, they are my family here. I just love coming to the Center and giving hugs to all of them and catching up with their lives. The volunteers who come here to the Hospitality Center give their time to God and to help His children. They give up their social lives to come to Andre House to help those who are struggling and trying to get back on their feet. I have seen so much over the past years while working at Andre House. I have seen many smiles on the faces of guests who appreciate what Andre House provides, and on other days, I have seen the anger, the frustration and the lack of appreciation on the faces of the guests when they do not get what they want. Sometimes it hurts me to see so many guests who are not appreciative of Andre House. They don’t know how much time and energy we (the staff and volunteers) put into helping them, but I know why I am here… it is not for the appreciation of our guests, but because God sent me here, and He has faith in me to help them. Thank you so much to all the volunteers who come here and help us. Andre House has been the “best experience.” Working at Andre House has taught me to have patience with our guests, to have confidence in myself and in my faith in God, to have courage and say “no” when necessary,
to be a good listener to all the guests’ problems and stories, and most importantly, to see Jesus inside all of us (guests, volunteers and staff, alike.)
Thank you, Andre House, for opening my eyes to God and His Faith.
- HN
The two phrases that I would use to describe working at Andre House last year would be “challenge” and “best experience”. When I came back from Rocky Point, Mexico, I had no idea if I could do the kind of work that involved many mentally ill people or people who take drugs as their escape. I had never worked with them before nor knew how to handle their problems. During the retreat, we learned that everyone must be able to say, “No,” to the guests when needed. I thought to myself, “Me? Say ‘no’ to them?” I cannot even say “no” to my best friend when she asks to borrow my favorite shirt…and I do not let anyone wear it but me!” All my
friends said to me before I came to Phoenix, “Hoa, how will you be able to work with people who have so many problems? You cannot even say “no” to your friends. You expect to say “no” to people you do not know and think they will accept that answer?” My friends were right. I cannot say “no”. All my life, I have had trouble saying “no” to many people because I cared about their feelings, and I did not want to hurt them. I tried to deal with some issues on my own and tried not to cause any more problems for people, simply because I could not tell them “no.”
I remember when I worked in the Clothes Closet for the first time after returning from Rocky Point; I had to say “no” to this woman who asked for a shirt and pair of jeans. She said that she lost all of her clothes and all she had was what she was wearing. In my heart, I really wanted to give her the items because she seemed like she really needed them. I wanted to help this woman out, but I had already handed out 30 numbers for that day. I told her that she had to come back on Monday at 10:00 am, the next time we did clothes, and she started to yell at me.
She said, “And you call yourself a good Christian?” and left. That was the most discouraging retort that I had ever received from anyone. How am I not a good Christian? I came to Andre
House and gave up two years of my life to help others. After college I could have gone out and found a good job and gotten a nice place to live with a nice car to drive, but God called me to do this work for Him…to help His people because they need my help. After that woman said that to me, I was sad about it and was no longer motivated to be at Andre House. I had thought that I was doing a good thing by volunteering part of my life to the work at Andre House.
Then throughout the months, I learned and understood why we say no here. It is not because
we are being mean to people or do not want to give them clothes or food, but because we want to be consistent with everyone who comes through the door. It is not fair to say “no” to one person and then let a few others come through the door for clothes, showers or even dinner. At first, I did not understand why we have to say “no” and have rules at Andre House. We have much food in the refrigerator and sometimes have many clothes in the basement that are not being used. Why are we not taking advantage all of these items and helping all the guests who are in need? But one day I understood why we have to be consistent in all of the services we offer at Andre House. There was a man who just been released from prison, and he had nothing
but a dirty T-shirt and pants. I told him he had to come back the next day since we already passed out 30 numbers to our guests for Clothes Closet that day. However, I felt that this man really needed our help. I thought I was doing a good thing, the right thing, by giving him brand new shirt and pants. He shook my hands and said, “Thank you so much. You just made my day, and you helped helped me so much today.” It felt good to know that I did something right and made a difference in someone’s life. But the next day, another man arrived who also was just released from prison and had nothing…like the man that came in the previous day. I told him, like I told the first man, that he would have to come back the next time we did Clothes Closet. He said the first man was his friend and had told him he could get clothes at Andre House. We would help anyone who needed our help. He started to yell at me and told me that I was being
unfair with him, not giving him clothes like I had given his friend. I told him “no” because we have to be consistent with everything we do with all of our services, and I want to be fair with everyone. But how can I be fair when I give clothes to one person and not to the next? At that moment, I really understood why we have to say “no.” Not because we love to or, because we can, but because we want to be fair to all of the guests who come through the door, to treat everyone equal. After that day, I never say “no” to the guests without listening to their reasons or stories. If I have to say “no,” I want to explain to them why I cannot give them whatever they are asking for, and, hopefully, they will understand and accept it. We have rules for a reason, and that is to make it fair for everyone.
Andre House not only gives me many challenges, but it is also a great and memorable experience working here. Everyday I enjoy waking up and wondering what is going happen at the Hospitality Center. Some days will be wonderful. Other days will be stressful, and I just want to go home. I always look forward coming to work and saying, “Hi,” with a smile to all the guests. I will get the same greeting back from them. I like chatting with the guests and listening to their lives’ stories or even their days’ stories. I mostly enjoy seeing the volunteers who come every week and talking to them. Basically, they are my family here. I just love coming to the Center and giving hugs to all of them and catching up with their lives. The volunteers who come here to the Hospitality Center give their time to God and to help His children. They give up their social lives to come to Andre House to help those who are struggling and trying to get back on their feet. I have seen so much over the past years while working at Andre House. I have seen many smiles on the faces of guests who appreciate what Andre House provides, and on other days, I have seen the anger, the frustration and the lack of appreciation on the faces of the guests when they do not get what they want. Sometimes it hurts me to see so many guests who are not appreciative of Andre House. They don’t know how much time and energy we (the staff and volunteers) put into helping them, but I know why I am here… it is not for the appreciation of our guests, but because God sent me here, and He has faith in me to help them. Thank you so much to all the volunteers who come here and help us. Andre House has been the “best experience.” Working at Andre House has taught me to have patience with our guests, to have confidence in myself and in my faith in God, to have courage and say “no” when necessary,
to be a good listener to all the guests’ problems and stories, and most importantly, to see Jesus inside all of us (guests, volunteers and staff, alike.)
Thank you, Andre House, for opening my eyes to God and His Faith.
- HN
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Another article
Here's the article that Kelly wrote. Kelly's real first name in Daniel, but he doesn't like it for whatever reason (just an interesting tidbit for you).
We like to give people, places and things nicknames at Andre House. The house where the staff lives is called “moms.” Our daily, morning meetings are called “plate” because the day’s responsibilities are written down on a paper plate and then posted in the office. One of our long-time employees, Joe, who opens the building each morning and is the go-to-guy for anything building-related – we appropriately call “Building Joe.” We call our men’s and women’s transitional houses “Polk” for short. Our transitional houses are an aspect of our ministry that many friends of Andre House don’t get to see. However, it’s a big part of what we do. We have two houses and invite 6 men and 5 women to stay with us. We stress community. All of our guests eat, pray and share with us in nightly chores. This transition into community life is, many times, the most difficult for our guests to make. Many guests come and go. We ask that they set personal goals for themselves upon entering our program and then conduct progress meetings
every three weeks. The length of a guest’s stay is irrelevant. Most of our guests achieve at least
some of the goals they set for themselves upon entering. If they achieve just one and are a step closer to their overall goal, we’ve done our job, even if they do so in a week or two.
Truth be told, the houses got the nickname Polk because they are located on Polk Street. However, as a history major, I like to think James K., our eleventh president, is there with us in spirit – alongside Brother Andre and our many other patrons. “Manifest Destiny” was the catch phrase during Polk’s presidency. God had already set the stage for an America looking westward. They looked west for something new. This desire for a change is what still brings many people to Phoenix. For many of them, it was destiny – something far outside their reach. This desire for a change is what brought two of our former guests, Frank and Mike, from very different places. In their cases, our program’s success is still being measured.
Frank and Mike were guests at the Polk House when I first arrived this summer. We got along well and became friends. I often found myself struggling with the fact that they were homeless. It bothered me. They were smart, capable people. They were a lot like me. I had a stigma attached to homelessness that I was unaware of. The meaning of the word changed entirely. Many of us picture a Norman Rockwell type scene with a man, in tattered clothing and finger-less gloves, hovering over a burning oil drum trying to keep warm. Those who have no experiences with homelessness rely on what they see on television or in movies – that, or it’s just numbers or percentages. Either way, it remains an abstract, and our mind’s eye paints an inaccurate picture. My struggle wasn’t in understanding these two people. The trouble came in understanding these two men as homeless individuals and changing my preconceived notions of what this meant. Simply put, they were regular people, who didn’t have a place to call their
own.
Frank and Mike both lived at CASS, a homeless shelter across the street from our building, in The Zone. They each found out about our program while talking to staff members during dinner. Based on appearance alone, there aren’t two more different people. For sake of a long, physical description, the only two similarities are: they are both men and they are both in their mid-thirties. They came from different parts of the globe as well: Mike is from rural Illinois, and Frank is from Kenya. However, they were both in very similar situations in their lives. Both of them came to Phoenix for a fresh start. They both: have a child that they love and that drives them to succeed, had long-term relationships with bad break-ups, like to watch and talk about sports, have a good sense of humor, are smart, easy to talk to and are all-around good people. In both cases, their relationship trouble was a major source of their instability. They’re both caught up in similarly difficult and complicated situations. They both would like to be a bigger part of their child’s life, but because of their situation, this has proven to be very difficult. However, with our help they were able to get one step closer to their goal.
During their stay, they were both ideal guests. They took pride in the houses and truly appreciated our being there. Since then, they have both moved on in a very positive way. Mike moved into an apartment in Tempe and is working at a job that he described as “ideal.” Frank is still enjoying his work at a local business and has an apartment to himself in Phoenix. They both join us for dinner occasionally and remain in touch.
These two men helped me realize how lucky I was. They helped me realize that without a loving family and a good support system, everyone could be a setback or two from homelessness. As a new staff member, I was in a transition very similar to theirs. While helping me redefine what homelessness meant to me, they also helped me rediscover family. I realized that our role of support was not only in providing a place to stay. We were their family, and they were now ours. We look forward to coming home from work to eat, talk and laugh with everyone at the dinner table. We look forward to having our extended family there to greet us. Polk was Frank and Mike’s home; the same as mom’s was now mine. Most importantly for me, my thinking changed and I, like James K., was now thinking more laterally. All most people need is a positive change to counteract the negative ones that got them here – something to turn the tide in their favor. When they are most in need, we are there. And it never hurts to know someone genuinely cares.
- KK
We like to give people, places and things nicknames at Andre House. The house where the staff lives is called “moms.” Our daily, morning meetings are called “plate” because the day’s responsibilities are written down on a paper plate and then posted in the office. One of our long-time employees, Joe, who opens the building each morning and is the go-to-guy for anything building-related – we appropriately call “Building Joe.” We call our men’s and women’s transitional houses “Polk” for short. Our transitional houses are an aspect of our ministry that many friends of Andre House don’t get to see. However, it’s a big part of what we do. We have two houses and invite 6 men and 5 women to stay with us. We stress community. All of our guests eat, pray and share with us in nightly chores. This transition into community life is, many times, the most difficult for our guests to make. Many guests come and go. We ask that they set personal goals for themselves upon entering our program and then conduct progress meetings
every three weeks. The length of a guest’s stay is irrelevant. Most of our guests achieve at least
some of the goals they set for themselves upon entering. If they achieve just one and are a step closer to their overall goal, we’ve done our job, even if they do so in a week or two.
Truth be told, the houses got the nickname Polk because they are located on Polk Street. However, as a history major, I like to think James K., our eleventh president, is there with us in spirit – alongside Brother Andre and our many other patrons. “Manifest Destiny” was the catch phrase during Polk’s presidency. God had already set the stage for an America looking westward. They looked west for something new. This desire for a change is what still brings many people to Phoenix. For many of them, it was destiny – something far outside their reach. This desire for a change is what brought two of our former guests, Frank and Mike, from very different places. In their cases, our program’s success is still being measured.
Frank and Mike were guests at the Polk House when I first arrived this summer. We got along well and became friends. I often found myself struggling with the fact that they were homeless. It bothered me. They were smart, capable people. They were a lot like me. I had a stigma attached to homelessness that I was unaware of. The meaning of the word changed entirely. Many of us picture a Norman Rockwell type scene with a man, in tattered clothing and finger-less gloves, hovering over a burning oil drum trying to keep warm. Those who have no experiences with homelessness rely on what they see on television or in movies – that, or it’s just numbers or percentages. Either way, it remains an abstract, and our mind’s eye paints an inaccurate picture. My struggle wasn’t in understanding these two people. The trouble came in understanding these two men as homeless individuals and changing my preconceived notions of what this meant. Simply put, they were regular people, who didn’t have a place to call their
own.
Frank and Mike both lived at CASS, a homeless shelter across the street from our building, in The Zone. They each found out about our program while talking to staff members during dinner. Based on appearance alone, there aren’t two more different people. For sake of a long, physical description, the only two similarities are: they are both men and they are both in their mid-thirties. They came from different parts of the globe as well: Mike is from rural Illinois, and Frank is from Kenya. However, they were both in very similar situations in their lives. Both of them came to Phoenix for a fresh start. They both: have a child that they love and that drives them to succeed, had long-term relationships with bad break-ups, like to watch and talk about sports, have a good sense of humor, are smart, easy to talk to and are all-around good people. In both cases, their relationship trouble was a major source of their instability. They’re both caught up in similarly difficult and complicated situations. They both would like to be a bigger part of their child’s life, but because of their situation, this has proven to be very difficult. However, with our help they were able to get one step closer to their goal.
During their stay, they were both ideal guests. They took pride in the houses and truly appreciated our being there. Since then, they have both moved on in a very positive way. Mike moved into an apartment in Tempe and is working at a job that he described as “ideal.” Frank is still enjoying his work at a local business and has an apartment to himself in Phoenix. They both join us for dinner occasionally and remain in touch.
These two men helped me realize how lucky I was. They helped me realize that without a loving family and a good support system, everyone could be a setback or two from homelessness. As a new staff member, I was in a transition very similar to theirs. While helping me redefine what homelessness meant to me, they also helped me rediscover family. I realized that our role of support was not only in providing a place to stay. We were their family, and they were now ours. We look forward to coming home from work to eat, talk and laugh with everyone at the dinner table. We look forward to having our extended family there to greet us. Polk was Frank and Mike’s home; the same as mom’s was now mine. Most importantly for me, my thinking changed and I, like James K., was now thinking more laterally. All most people need is a positive change to counteract the negative ones that got them here – something to turn the tide in their favor. When they are most in need, we are there. And it never hurts to know someone genuinely cares.
- KK
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Another article
This time from Margaret, or "Bouf" as she likes to be called.
Whatever you did for the least of My brothers and sisters, you did for Me.
Matthew 25:40
Each Wednesday night Andre House reopens its doors after dinner cleanup for Artist’s Attic. Kurt Zampier and I have the pleasure of running this activity every week which allows guests to express themselves artistically. We have guitars, a piano, and a variety of art supplies for guests to use. We also provide desserts, coffee, and lemonade. Most guests join us to relax and
draw or paint while a few provide entertainment on the guitar or piano. Being a piano player for many years, I was eager to facilitate Artist’s Attic. I planned on serving these guests by providing refreshments, listening to their stories, and helping them in any way that I can. The first week for Artist’s Attic arrived, and I was excited to live out the quote stated above by serving the Christ that exists in each guest, however I quickly learned that it was I who would be served.
One person, TJ, was playing the guitar and singing popular songs. He was very talented, and we all recognized and enjoyed listening to his songs. After chatting with him for a bit, I mentioned that I wanted to teach myself how to play the guitar during my year here. He offered to help in any way he could and immediately started teaching me chords and short melodies. I took detailed notes so I could practice the chords at home. I left that night anxious to begin learning the guitar. The following week TJ returned and led me through another lesson. He taught me simple songs from bands that I like such as Metallica.
Now that it has been a couple of months since I’ve been here, the day to day duties are beginning to lose their hype. I’ve become tired at the end of each day and sometimes on Wednesdays, I just want to go home after dinner instead of staying late for Artist’s Attic. But once TJ sits down with me and the guitar, I become reenergized and my mood improves. I volunteered for Artist’s Attic intending to help others, but it was TJ, and other guests, who recognized a need in me and reached out.
I think helping me with the guitar is also beneficial to TJ. I estimate TJ to be in his thirties. He has a ponytail and pretty much looks the part of a rocker guitarist. He said that he is
diagnosed as S.M.I., severely mentally ill, and stays in a shelter at night. Teaching me how to play guitar allows him to use his creative talents constructively. His mind stays focused on teaching me, and I can see how excited he gets when I play a melody correctly. Because of all that Andre House offers to others, sharing his knowledge is his way of giving back. TJ is just one example of the many guests who have helped me daily in a variety of ways. Both the staff and
the guests truly live out the message in the quote from the gospel of Matthew.
Whatever you did for the least of My brothers and sisters, you did for Me.
Matthew 25:40
Each Wednesday night Andre House reopens its doors after dinner cleanup for Artist’s Attic. Kurt Zampier and I have the pleasure of running this activity every week which allows guests to express themselves artistically. We have guitars, a piano, and a variety of art supplies for guests to use. We also provide desserts, coffee, and lemonade. Most guests join us to relax and
draw or paint while a few provide entertainment on the guitar or piano. Being a piano player for many years, I was eager to facilitate Artist’s Attic. I planned on serving these guests by providing refreshments, listening to their stories, and helping them in any way that I can. The first week for Artist’s Attic arrived, and I was excited to live out the quote stated above by serving the Christ that exists in each guest, however I quickly learned that it was I who would be served.
One person, TJ, was playing the guitar and singing popular songs. He was very talented, and we all recognized and enjoyed listening to his songs. After chatting with him for a bit, I mentioned that I wanted to teach myself how to play the guitar during my year here. He offered to help in any way he could and immediately started teaching me chords and short melodies. I took detailed notes so I could practice the chords at home. I left that night anxious to begin learning the guitar. The following week TJ returned and led me through another lesson. He taught me simple songs from bands that I like such as Metallica.
Now that it has been a couple of months since I’ve been here, the day to day duties are beginning to lose their hype. I’ve become tired at the end of each day and sometimes on Wednesdays, I just want to go home after dinner instead of staying late for Artist’s Attic. But once TJ sits down with me and the guitar, I become reenergized and my mood improves. I volunteered for Artist’s Attic intending to help others, but it was TJ, and other guests, who recognized a need in me and reached out.
I think helping me with the guitar is also beneficial to TJ. I estimate TJ to be in his thirties. He has a ponytail and pretty much looks the part of a rocker guitarist. He said that he is
diagnosed as S.M.I., severely mentally ill, and stays in a shelter at night. Teaching me how to play guitar allows him to use his creative talents constructively. His mind stays focused on teaching me, and I can see how excited he gets when I play a melody correctly. Because of all that Andre House offers to others, sharing his knowledge is his way of giving back. TJ is just one example of the many guests who have helped me daily in a variety of ways. Both the staff and
the guests truly live out the message in the quote from the gospel of Matthew.
Monday, November 12, 2007
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”
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”
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