A quick update since it has been almost a month since my last entry:
I just returned from a short but sweet trip to see Casey this past weekend. It was awesome to see him and spend some time with his family, and to see some other friends while I was there. It was also a welcome change of scenery from the Inn; I saw snow and trees, things that are in short supply here. I am back for the long haul and will be here until probably February when I go on a recruiting trip to Siena. The family is coming here for Christmas, which is so incredibly exciting. The boys will arrive tomorrow night and Mom and Dad get in Monday morning. I cannot wait to be "in the bosom of my family."
Donations have been pouring in throughout the month of December as people have been struck by Christmas spirit. I am in charge of sorting items in our toiletry room and I've never been busier. Pounds of soap and other necessities are flowing out of the tiny room in the basement. We have gotten everything from Barbies to deodorant (something we always need) to thermal underwear to leftovers from large Christmas gatherings. I've been handed numerous checks and cash donations, along with garbage bags full of blankets and, inevitably, turkeys in everyone's trunks just like Thanksgiving. Right after Thanksgiving we handed out whole desserts for close to a week straight. It will be a miracle if all of our guests aren't diabetic by the dawn of 2008.
Our guests are taking the cold weather in stride. There are fewer and fewer people hanging around outside after eating and no one likes standing in line before being seated. We compensate with hot tea and hearty soup as much as possible. The dining room is decorated for Christmas, complete with a tree and Santa flying along the walls with reindeer designed at the kids' Christmas party a few weeks ago (a smashing success followed immediately by naps on the parts of the volunteers).
My next project will be attempting to post some pictures so you can see what the Inn is like-your patience with this endeavor is appreciated. I will also be posting some more personal updates soon. I hope the Advent season has been a joyful one thus far and that the upcoming holiday fills your hearts with peace and joy.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
There but for the grace of God go I.
Today I worked at the Women's Center (the Inn runs a day center for women recovering from or struggling with their addictions to drugs and alcohol, it also serves as a residence for 3 women at a time who are attending rehab programs). It can be a very intense day, although this one was not too emotionally draining. However, I did talk to a woman who is in her mid-50s and is caring for her 5 year old grandson while his mother is serving a jail sentence. She had been clean for 9 years, that is, until October 5th of this year when she took up her crack pipe one more time. She is back at square one now, earning back her first 60 days clean. She couldn't explain to me why she did it and she was trying not to let herself get depressed about it, because that would only make it harder to stay clean.
What amazes me is that when you sit and talk with these women, eat lunch with them and watch Maury with them (that was my afternoon), they are shockingly normal. I had always had this image of the typical druggie in my head-someone, generally male-although I don't know why, hardened by life on the streets. But these women, when they are clean, are no different from me. They are funny and silly and loving. They love to go shoe shopping. They love arts and crafts. They don't like it when someone is disrespectful towards them.
I always try to imagine myself in the situations they describe themselves facing: physical and sexual abuse from men, sometimes male family members; toxic relationships with friends; depression. Would I have been able to say no if offered something that would help the pain go away? Would I have been able to stop the downward spiral my life would take after that first hit?
What amazes me is that when you sit and talk with these women, eat lunch with them and watch Maury with them (that was my afternoon), they are shockingly normal. I had always had this image of the typical druggie in my head-someone, generally male-although I don't know why, hardened by life on the streets. But these women, when they are clean, are no different from me. They are funny and silly and loving. They love to go shoe shopping. They love arts and crafts. They don't like it when someone is disrespectful towards them.
I always try to imagine myself in the situations they describe themselves facing: physical and sexual abuse from men, sometimes male family members; toxic relationships with friends; depression. Would I have been able to say no if offered something that would help the pain go away? Would I have been able to stop the downward spiral my life would take after that first hit?
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The Usual Suspects...literally.
I have recently been informed that my readership has grown, which is wonderful news! I would like to repeat my urging to you that if you know of someone who might be interested, feel free to pass on this link. My experiences here are practically worthless if not shared with others. I also welcome any questions or comments you may have and I believe my e-mail address is displayed on this page.
The post-Thanksgiving letdown has been very hard on the people of Kensington. On Sunday, about 460 people were served at the meal. Before that, I had never seen numbers higher than 410. I am hoping it is because all people had in their homes to eat was turkey and they were getting sick of it, but I fear that is not the real reason.
A blessing in the form of excessive donations of meat from the company who gives us weekly leftovers allowed us to hand out frozen meat during the meal yesterday. Of course, yours truly was stationed with the 168 packages of corned beef, roast beef, and uncooked prime rib explaining to people that the corned beef was not, in fact, ham and that the prime rib must be cooked before consumption and you are only allowed to take one frozen meat chunk. Some guests were puzzled, some excited, some wishing they could have cakes instead.
As I start to get to know the guests better, I thought it might be interesting to describe some of them to you so that you might get to know them, too. They amaze me every single day-they have so many struggles and challenges to face. It is amazing that some of them are even alive. I have changed their names, not because I think they would mind me writing about them, but to protect their anonymity.
Chuckie is a frequent resident of the loading dock of the warehouse next door to our house. He has been living on the street for more years than you could count on your fingers and toes. He is roughly 50 years old, and daily tries to sneak into the senior citizens' line at the meal. He usually has a vacant expression on his face, resembling a lost puppy. There is a rumor that he may have Alzheimer's, but won't see a doctor or take care of himself in any way. The team has tried countless times to check him into a shelter, sometimes at his own request, but he hardly ever stays the night. He will nearly always be seen the next morning, sitting at the foot of the steps up to the Inn, bidding everyone a good morning. A couple weeks ago, he was in our bathroom for an excessive amount of time and when I went to check on him he explained to me that he had gotten very sick and needed to wash his clothes. I found him a clean change of clothes and he begged me to call a shelter for him. Knowing his history and having to be somewhere else myself, I was reluctant to help but knew I wouldn't be able to clear my conscience if I didn't. I called a couple of shelters, but no one would pick him up (this is not a service most shelters typically provide, but I thought I would give it a shot). After calling my site supervisor for advice, Chuckie and I decided he should probably just go to the hospital where there would be medical attention for his illness and a social worker to find him a place for the night. The next morning on the way to Mass, I saw him standing on the corner of Kensington holding a new blanket.
Clyde & Jolene are a young couple who just recently appeared at the Inn in the last couple months. I haven't seen them lately, so I am hoping they had a change of fortune. Katelyn spent a lot of time talking to them and related their story to me. They were married about 8 months ago, both with jobs and sharing an apartment. They went to Las Vegas on their honeymoon, where they tried hard drugs for the first time. They returned to Philly, burned through their money and ended up in an abandoned house nearby. They weren't born into this lifestyle as many of our guests were, they came to it as a result of their own decisions. The last we knew Jolene was trying to get into a rehab program, but couldn't because she didn't have any identification.
Rocky is one of the most recognizable guests at the Inn. He will talk to anyone (for hours if you let him) and usually does. He is almost like our mascot. He used to be a truck driver, or something in a similar vein, but was in an accident which caused some damage to his brain. He also suffers from a seizure disorder, which causes him a lot of stress. He is always cheerful and has a heart of gold (as long as you don't insult his mother). He does whatever he can to help out at the Inn, arriving near the beginning of the meal, and staying as long as he is allowed after everyone else has gone. He claims he is "security" and without him none of us would be safe. The idea, though, of Rocky standing up to some of the guys who come through our gate is laughable. If you met him, you'd understand why. He's not exactly an intimidating character. He calls everyone Brother and Sister So-and-so and my site supervisor is called his father because Rocky (like all of us) looks up to him so much.
There's just a brief sampling of stories of our guests. I will try to write about some more next chance I get. Have a wonderful day!
The post-Thanksgiving letdown has been very hard on the people of Kensington. On Sunday, about 460 people were served at the meal. Before that, I had never seen numbers higher than 410. I am hoping it is because all people had in their homes to eat was turkey and they were getting sick of it, but I fear that is not the real reason.
A blessing in the form of excessive donations of meat from the company who gives us weekly leftovers allowed us to hand out frozen meat during the meal yesterday. Of course, yours truly was stationed with the 168 packages of corned beef, roast beef, and uncooked prime rib explaining to people that the corned beef was not, in fact, ham and that the prime rib must be cooked before consumption and you are only allowed to take one frozen meat chunk. Some guests were puzzled, some excited, some wishing they could have cakes instead.
As I start to get to know the guests better, I thought it might be interesting to describe some of them to you so that you might get to know them, too. They amaze me every single day-they have so many struggles and challenges to face. It is amazing that some of them are even alive. I have changed their names, not because I think they would mind me writing about them, but to protect their anonymity.
Chuckie is a frequent resident of the loading dock of the warehouse next door to our house. He has been living on the street for more years than you could count on your fingers and toes. He is roughly 50 years old, and daily tries to sneak into the senior citizens' line at the meal. He usually has a vacant expression on his face, resembling a lost puppy. There is a rumor that he may have Alzheimer's, but won't see a doctor or take care of himself in any way. The team has tried countless times to check him into a shelter, sometimes at his own request, but he hardly ever stays the night. He will nearly always be seen the next morning, sitting at the foot of the steps up to the Inn, bidding everyone a good morning. A couple weeks ago, he was in our bathroom for an excessive amount of time and when I went to check on him he explained to me that he had gotten very sick and needed to wash his clothes. I found him a clean change of clothes and he begged me to call a shelter for him. Knowing his history and having to be somewhere else myself, I was reluctant to help but knew I wouldn't be able to clear my conscience if I didn't. I called a couple of shelters, but no one would pick him up (this is not a service most shelters typically provide, but I thought I would give it a shot). After calling my site supervisor for advice, Chuckie and I decided he should probably just go to the hospital where there would be medical attention for his illness and a social worker to find him a place for the night. The next morning on the way to Mass, I saw him standing on the corner of Kensington holding a new blanket.
Clyde & Jolene are a young couple who just recently appeared at the Inn in the last couple months. I haven't seen them lately, so I am hoping they had a change of fortune. Katelyn spent a lot of time talking to them and related their story to me. They were married about 8 months ago, both with jobs and sharing an apartment. They went to Las Vegas on their honeymoon, where they tried hard drugs for the first time. They returned to Philly, burned through their money and ended up in an abandoned house nearby. They weren't born into this lifestyle as many of our guests were, they came to it as a result of their own decisions. The last we knew Jolene was trying to get into a rehab program, but couldn't because she didn't have any identification.
Rocky is one of the most recognizable guests at the Inn. He will talk to anyone (for hours if you let him) and usually does. He is almost like our mascot. He used to be a truck driver, or something in a similar vein, but was in an accident which caused some damage to his brain. He also suffers from a seizure disorder, which causes him a lot of stress. He is always cheerful and has a heart of gold (as long as you don't insult his mother). He does whatever he can to help out at the Inn, arriving near the beginning of the meal, and staying as long as he is allowed after everyone else has gone. He claims he is "security" and without him none of us would be safe. The idea, though, of Rocky standing up to some of the guys who come through our gate is laughable. If you met him, you'd understand why. He's not exactly an intimidating character. He calls everyone Brother and Sister So-and-so and my site supervisor is called his father because Rocky (like all of us) looks up to him so much.
There's just a brief sampling of stories of our guests. I will try to write about some more next chance I get. Have a wonderful day!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Thanks be to God!
Happy Thanksgiving to all, and I hope you all had a good night.
I feel like I've heard it all about Thanksgiving this year-that we shouldn't celebrate it because we displaced the Native Americans, that we should because it's a wonderful day to express our gratitude to others and to God for our many blessings, that it's just another example of American overindulgence. Now, I can understand these various points of view, and I think we can agree that there's an element of truth to all of them; but for me, any excuse to gather with people I love and share a meal with them is a good one. Especially in celebration of our blessings! This is, after all, the core of what the Eucharist is for Catholics, and so this secular holiday celebrates it with turkey instead of the body of Christ. Granted, we should have this same spirit of gratitude every day, but I think there is something to be learned from this holiday.
Stepping off of my soapbox, I will share with you what occurred at the Inn for Thanksgiving. We began the day with Mass, as always, but it was a special one that drew the connection for me between Thanksgiving and Eucharist (you know how you hear the same thing your entire life, but it takes someone else saying it at a certain time to make you really understand?). We served an early meal (holiday meals are 11:30-1), partly catered by Boston Market, and the rest made by a team headed by the saintly Sr. Jude. I had been nervous since last night, because I was on the schedule as the coordinator and had, obviously, never experienced a Thanksgiving dinner at the Inn. Earlier in the week, we had given away over 100 turkeys and dinner fixings to various families from among our guests. I joked with people last week that everyone who showed up to volunteer or donate anything ended all their conversations by saying "Oh, and here's a (few) turkey(s)." We got baskets from local schools, a policemen's organization, and various other groups from around Philadelphia. It was so incredible the way they all banded together to make it possible for others to celebrate. But here is where the soapbox re-enters the picture: wouldn't it be great if this could happen year-round? It is awesome that people are so mindful of the poor during the holiday season BUT what if we skipped Thanksgiving one year and spread out the support through the whole year? And what if, instead of turkeys in November, we got donations of deodorant and good razors in July, and laundry detergent in April and blankets in October? Don't get me wrong, I still love and believe in Thanksgiving and am so grateful for all the help and donations, but there still exists the struggle to help provide better for our brothers and sisters in need.
We had a wonderful group of volunteers today-a few regulars and a few who only come on Thanksgiving. There's also a group of people here that I graduated with in May who are now going to medical school. They arrived on Monday and return tomorrow, but it's been so great to have them here-it has felt like a little bit of home in Kensington. We served 357 people, which is equivalent to a normal day. There was turkey, stuffing, yams, peas, cranberry sauce, and gravy. Being there this morning was almost like celebrating with family-the people we've been seeing day in and day out for 3 months now were the same ones we spent our holiday with; if that doesn't make us family, I don't know what does.
At about 5:30 this evening, the staff gathered to share a turkey dinner, which was fabulous. We relaxed and enjoyed an excellent meal and each others' company. It was so satisfying to know we had been able to feed others earlier in the day and were now able to nourish ourselves. It wasn't exactly home, but it was the next best thing. I must confess that homesickness did hit a little today, especially remembering many of the 22 I have been fortunate to spend with my parents and almost as many with my brothers. The day was always a wonderful one and I really appreciate all the time we spent together, making it more about the family than the outside world. And, let's face it, Mom's cooking reigns supreme.
I truly hope you all had a wonderful holiday, and that you keep your joyful and grateful spirit always. I was humbled when a man who sleeps on our street said to me this morning "Of course it's going to be a great day-I'm alive and I woke up to a nice breeze and a beautiful day." I only hope that I can be as appreciative of my blessings someday.
I feel like I've heard it all about Thanksgiving this year-that we shouldn't celebrate it because we displaced the Native Americans, that we should because it's a wonderful day to express our gratitude to others and to God for our many blessings, that it's just another example of American overindulgence. Now, I can understand these various points of view, and I think we can agree that there's an element of truth to all of them; but for me, any excuse to gather with people I love and share a meal with them is a good one. Especially in celebration of our blessings! This is, after all, the core of what the Eucharist is for Catholics, and so this secular holiday celebrates it with turkey instead of the body of Christ. Granted, we should have this same spirit of gratitude every day, but I think there is something to be learned from this holiday.
Stepping off of my soapbox, I will share with you what occurred at the Inn for Thanksgiving. We began the day with Mass, as always, but it was a special one that drew the connection for me between Thanksgiving and Eucharist (you know how you hear the same thing your entire life, but it takes someone else saying it at a certain time to make you really understand?). We served an early meal (holiday meals are 11:30-1), partly catered by Boston Market, and the rest made by a team headed by the saintly Sr. Jude. I had been nervous since last night, because I was on the schedule as the coordinator and had, obviously, never experienced a Thanksgiving dinner at the Inn. Earlier in the week, we had given away over 100 turkeys and dinner fixings to various families from among our guests. I joked with people last week that everyone who showed up to volunteer or donate anything ended all their conversations by saying "Oh, and here's a (few) turkey(s)." We got baskets from local schools, a policemen's organization, and various other groups from around Philadelphia. It was so incredible the way they all banded together to make it possible for others to celebrate. But here is where the soapbox re-enters the picture: wouldn't it be great if this could happen year-round? It is awesome that people are so mindful of the poor during the holiday season BUT what if we skipped Thanksgiving one year and spread out the support through the whole year? And what if, instead of turkeys in November, we got donations of deodorant and good razors in July, and laundry detergent in April and blankets in October? Don't get me wrong, I still love and believe in Thanksgiving and am so grateful for all the help and donations, but there still exists the struggle to help provide better for our brothers and sisters in need.
We had a wonderful group of volunteers today-a few regulars and a few who only come on Thanksgiving. There's also a group of people here that I graduated with in May who are now going to medical school. They arrived on Monday and return tomorrow, but it's been so great to have them here-it has felt like a little bit of home in Kensington. We served 357 people, which is equivalent to a normal day. There was turkey, stuffing, yams, peas, cranberry sauce, and gravy. Being there this morning was almost like celebrating with family-the people we've been seeing day in and day out for 3 months now were the same ones we spent our holiday with; if that doesn't make us family, I don't know what does.
At about 5:30 this evening, the staff gathered to share a turkey dinner, which was fabulous. We relaxed and enjoyed an excellent meal and each others' company. It was so satisfying to know we had been able to feed others earlier in the day and were now able to nourish ourselves. It wasn't exactly home, but it was the next best thing. I must confess that homesickness did hit a little today, especially remembering many of the 22 I have been fortunate to spend with my parents and almost as many with my brothers. The day was always a wonderful one and I really appreciate all the time we spent together, making it more about the family than the outside world. And, let's face it, Mom's cooking reigns supreme.
I truly hope you all had a wonderful holiday, and that you keep your joyful and grateful spirit always. I was humbled when a man who sleeps on our street said to me this morning "Of course it's going to be a great day-I'm alive and I woke up to a nice breeze and a beautiful day." I only hope that I can be as appreciative of my blessings someday.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
The sound and the fury
A new month has begun, so time for a new post. I feel like a broken record saying this but things have been so busy, I just haven't had the time to update you! The FVMs spent the past week on retreat at Mt. Irenaeus. I had no idea how ready I was for a break from Kensington. What struck me most of all while being away in the middle of the woods and at the top of a mountain was the SILENCE. I shared a cabin with one of the Camden FVMs and when we woke up in the morning to the sound of the stove that heated our cabin, I thought it was quiet. Then, I stepped out the door into the snow to absolute and total silence and realized how unbelievably chaotic and loud Kensington is. Now that I am back, the sounds of Kensington are deafening. I am sure they will fade into background noise as they did before, but for now my ears persistently ring with the noise of the el, voices on the street, plates and cups banging against the tables, the phone and doorbell constantly ringing, cars zooming past the Inn, the waterfall of the dishwasher, and people talking in my ear. It's amazing how each of the sounds stand out in the midst of the general roar.
The retreat was wonderful-the friars we stayed with were so kind and welcoming. We had such peaceful days, relaxing together and talking about what makes each one of us unique based on the results of our Myers-Briggs anaylses. It was so much fun being able to talk so openly together and share our experiences thus far. The woman who presented the information to us was probably the sweetest woman in the world, rivaling Sister Jude. She was so kind and genuinely appreciated the time she spent with us.
Now we are back to the grind at the Inn and, in fact, I coordinated the first day we returned to work. It was overwhelming, and not knowing what had been happening during the past week was very difficult. But, 267 people were fed, with only few problems so I consider the day a success.
Today I worked in the office, which I have decided I really enjoy. It gets hectic at times but you really get to be involved in people's lives, hearing their phone conversations and stories, seeing what they receive in the mail, and being the source they seek for information about services. I was able to use my gifts today to write out a birthday card for a woman who can't read. She is a regular and her daughter's birthday is tomorrow. I loved being able to help her do something so simple but so important. When she was explaining to me what she wanted me to do, the man who was talking on the phone piped up and said "Oh that's ok sister, I can't read or write either." Later in the day, another man came to me asking me to fill out some paperwork for him because he also was unable to read or write. It must be such an incredible challenge and handicap at times.
The weather is getting colder and more and more people are asking about blankets. We distribute blankets at the Inn starting usually after Thanksgiving (although an extremely generous donation that came in today may enable us to start earlier than that), making sure that people who need them get them. We record the names of those who receive them to ensure that each person only gets one a month, so that more people are able to receive them. We received a donation today from a church's coat drive: at least 150 coats and jackets of all sizes and styles. While these will certainly not last us through the winter, it is a very good start.
Happy November everyone! I hope you are staying warm wherever you might be!!
The retreat was wonderful-the friars we stayed with were so kind and welcoming. We had such peaceful days, relaxing together and talking about what makes each one of us unique based on the results of our Myers-Briggs anaylses. It was so much fun being able to talk so openly together and share our experiences thus far. The woman who presented the information to us was probably the sweetest woman in the world, rivaling Sister Jude. She was so kind and genuinely appreciated the time she spent with us.
Now we are back to the grind at the Inn and, in fact, I coordinated the first day we returned to work. It was overwhelming, and not knowing what had been happening during the past week was very difficult. But, 267 people were fed, with only few problems so I consider the day a success.
Today I worked in the office, which I have decided I really enjoy. It gets hectic at times but you really get to be involved in people's lives, hearing their phone conversations and stories, seeing what they receive in the mail, and being the source they seek for information about services. I was able to use my gifts today to write out a birthday card for a woman who can't read. She is a regular and her daughter's birthday is tomorrow. I loved being able to help her do something so simple but so important. When she was explaining to me what she wanted me to do, the man who was talking on the phone piped up and said "Oh that's ok sister, I can't read or write either." Later in the day, another man came to me asking me to fill out some paperwork for him because he also was unable to read or write. It must be such an incredible challenge and handicap at times.
The weather is getting colder and more and more people are asking about blankets. We distribute blankets at the Inn starting usually after Thanksgiving (although an extremely generous donation that came in today may enable us to start earlier than that), making sure that people who need them get them. We record the names of those who receive them to ensure that each person only gets one a month, so that more people are able to receive them. We received a donation today from a church's coat drive: at least 150 coats and jackets of all sizes and styles. While these will certainly not last us through the winter, it is a very good start.
Happy November everyone! I hope you are staying warm wherever you might be!!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Who'll stop the rain?
We've had rain for the past couple of days, turning our warm and humid weather chilly and nasty. People came to the meal yesterday hiding under umbrellas and the bright yellow ponchos we gave out at Benny's last month. One man showed up in a gorilla suit (I am going to assume he had to wear it for work, but he insisted on wearing the mask long after he punched out). As I was sitting in my warm, comfortable room last night I was thinking about what it must be like to be outside in the rain all night. We've all been stuck out in the rain at one time or another, but I've never had to be outside in awful weather for too long. The thought of rain dripping down my face continuously while I try to sleep is just awful, and to be laying in wet clothes that I've been wearing for a few days; well that would not exactly be a restful night. It is those types of practical thoughts that have never occurred to me before, since they have been so outside of my experience. There are so many other considerations when it comes to being homeless, like where do I go to the bathroom when all the public restrooms around me are closed? What do I do all day without a job or home to go to? Where do I go when it rains or snows, and all the shelters are full? I have been told that many of our guests will commit crimes big enough to earn them some jail time (at least it's indoors!) but small enough so no one has to be hurt or that would cause them major time. Then, once they get out of jail it is even more difficult to find jobs and housing, and thus the cycle is perpetuated. I don't have any suggestions for solutions-I don't know that there are any.
It's been a pretty fast and busy week, and I'm really looking forward to escaping to DC for the weekend to spend some quality time with my brothers. Steve and I are seeing the Tragically Hip tomorrow night and hanging out with Andy on Saturday, then it will be back to Philly for me! So it will be a whirlwind trip (story of my life) but a much-needed break.
It's been a pretty fast and busy week, and I'm really looking forward to escaping to DC for the weekend to spend some quality time with my brothers. Steve and I are seeing the Tragically Hip tomorrow night and hanging out with Andy on Saturday, then it will be back to Philly for me! So it will be a whirlwind trip (story of my life) but a much-needed break.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
The hunt for the rest of October
...Where exactly has it gone? I cannot believe it is half over. There is still so much to do though! My roommate from college is coming to visit this weekend (can't wait!), I'm going to see the boys and the Tragically Hip in DC the following weekend, then we will be having a Halloween party for kids at the Inn, Maureen's birthday, and then November will be bringing with it the beginning of the holiday rush. These are all wonderful things and it is great to have so much to look forward to-I would so much rather be busy than sitting around waiting for things to happen.
Things at the Inn are running smoothly. Last week was big for the FVMs, as we began coordinating meals all by ourselves. It's a lot of responsibility in that we are making sure that everything gets done, but we are never lacking in knowledgable help on the part of the team, so it is certainly doable. I still have a lot to learn, especially the names and stories of our guests: who rips us off regularly, who gets an extra meal every day, who the exceptions are to every rule. Today as I was handing out tickets for the morning takeaway breakfast, I mistook someone for a guest who has been banned and was very embarrassed when he showed me his ID. I worked the morning shift with Katelyn as coordinator, so I got to stand in the yard and hand out tickets and keep an eye on things. There was almost a fight in my ticket line, but luckily things died down before coming to blows. I also received my first marriage proposal which, when I turned it down, turned into a highly indecent proposal which I also politely refused, explaining that my boyfriend would probably be jealous and it is such a nice day, wouldn't you rather go sit down and enjoy your coffee? The latter was much more effective than the former. There was also a commotion in the yard regarding the influx of wildlife at the Inn. A cat has recently adopted us and regularly (usually unsuccessfully) hunts the pigeons that flock in the yard to consume the remains of bread left by the guests. A stray dog had followed someone in today and many of the guests rushed over to feed him. It is funny, yet heartbreaking, to see such childlike reactions toward a left-behind cat and a dirty, flea-ridden dog. These are probably the only animals some of our guests have gotten to see or touch in a while. Pets are generally a luxury and wild animals are uncommon in the city. Aside from one man trying to get the cat to smoke his cigarette, the animals were treated very gently and lovingly.
Happy Fall everyone! I've gotten to see a few beautiful leaves in my recent travels, and I hope you are getting to see some gorgeous colors, too!!
Things at the Inn are running smoothly. Last week was big for the FVMs, as we began coordinating meals all by ourselves. It's a lot of responsibility in that we are making sure that everything gets done, but we are never lacking in knowledgable help on the part of the team, so it is certainly doable. I still have a lot to learn, especially the names and stories of our guests: who rips us off regularly, who gets an extra meal every day, who the exceptions are to every rule. Today as I was handing out tickets for the morning takeaway breakfast, I mistook someone for a guest who has been banned and was very embarrassed when he showed me his ID. I worked the morning shift with Katelyn as coordinator, so I got to stand in the yard and hand out tickets and keep an eye on things. There was almost a fight in my ticket line, but luckily things died down before coming to blows. I also received my first marriage proposal which, when I turned it down, turned into a highly indecent proposal which I also politely refused, explaining that my boyfriend would probably be jealous and it is such a nice day, wouldn't you rather go sit down and enjoy your coffee? The latter was much more effective than the former. There was also a commotion in the yard regarding the influx of wildlife at the Inn. A cat has recently adopted us and regularly (usually unsuccessfully) hunts the pigeons that flock in the yard to consume the remains of bread left by the guests. A stray dog had followed someone in today and many of the guests rushed over to feed him. It is funny, yet heartbreaking, to see such childlike reactions toward a left-behind cat and a dirty, flea-ridden dog. These are probably the only animals some of our guests have gotten to see or touch in a while. Pets are generally a luxury and wild animals are uncommon in the city. Aside from one man trying to get the cat to smoke his cigarette, the animals were treated very gently and lovingly.
Happy Fall everyone! I've gotten to see a few beautiful leaves in my recent travels, and I hope you are getting to see some gorgeous colors, too!!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
I took a little vacation from the blogging, but I am officially back in action!
Last week was the crazy week we were all expecting, but it was also a lot of fun and there was a lot to celebrate, from the end of the quarantine to the life and death of Francis to Katelyn's 23rd birthday to Paul's departure. We saw a lot of the Camden crew, which was awesome, and we have begun plans for intercommunity prayer times with them starting this coming Sunday. We are officially the first ever all-female FVM group. Since we are both such small communities, it would be nice to be more integrated, considering we could technically all live in the same house.
I had my triumphant return to Benny's after an almost 2 week hiatus. I worked there on Friday (the day after Francis Day). One of the lay women had been there on Francis Day and celebrated by having a bag sale (customers fit whatever they can into a brown grocery bag and can have it all for $5) and basically giving things away. Not to be outdone, I drastically lowered my prices much to the dismay of one of the volunteers who works there every day. I did this both in honor of Francis and because I was excited about heading home that afternoon and didn't feel like being hassled about money while I was on such a high. I survived the 4 long hours, then returned home to say goodbye to Paul and meet up with my chauffeur (a couple of seminarians picked me up at the Inn to bring me to the seminary, where I met up with my ride home). I made it home around 11 pm (my wonderful parents both waited up of course, because they're wonderful) and was revived by Mom's cooking and a nice hot shower. The next day I was back on the road to Casey's house where I had an incredible and refreshing weekend. I was home again Monday night, just in time for dinner, and headed back to Philly on Tuesday morning.
I have been welcomed back enthusiastically, just another example of the warmth and kindness of the greater community of which we are a small part. I have not once felt alone in this experience or unloved. Everyone here is eager to make us feel at home, and they succeed daily. It often amazes me how much they care, considering we often create more work and worry for them than they would have otherwise. It is really inspiring, and I am so fortunate to be surrounded by such amazing examples of God's love each and every day. I wonder how the lives of our guests would be different if they had a similar opportunity.
It is wonderful to be back here, but going home was a little like returning to my "old life," which is so completely different from my life here. I understand that they are not actually different lives, just different aspects of a single life, but the monstrous differences between them make them seem like they are separate. The challenge at the end of this crazy year will be to reconcile the 2 as I start yet another great unknown adventure. I have been thinking about the future a lot lately, which has been scary and wonderful. Trying to plan is quite intimidating, but the time is going so fast that I need to at least start to plan, otherwise I worry time will get away from me and it will suddenly be July 25, 2008 and I will be clueless as to where to go from here. Maybe then I could just grab my bike from home and join Paul on the road. What do you think, Mom and Dad?
Last week was the crazy week we were all expecting, but it was also a lot of fun and there was a lot to celebrate, from the end of the quarantine to the life and death of Francis to Katelyn's 23rd birthday to Paul's departure. We saw a lot of the Camden crew, which was awesome, and we have begun plans for intercommunity prayer times with them starting this coming Sunday. We are officially the first ever all-female FVM group. Since we are both such small communities, it would be nice to be more integrated, considering we could technically all live in the same house.
I had my triumphant return to Benny's after an almost 2 week hiatus. I worked there on Friday (the day after Francis Day). One of the lay women had been there on Francis Day and celebrated by having a bag sale (customers fit whatever they can into a brown grocery bag and can have it all for $5) and basically giving things away. Not to be outdone, I drastically lowered my prices much to the dismay of one of the volunteers who works there every day. I did this both in honor of Francis and because I was excited about heading home that afternoon and didn't feel like being hassled about money while I was on such a high. I survived the 4 long hours, then returned home to say goodbye to Paul and meet up with my chauffeur (a couple of seminarians picked me up at the Inn to bring me to the seminary, where I met up with my ride home). I made it home around 11 pm (my wonderful parents both waited up of course, because they're wonderful) and was revived by Mom's cooking and a nice hot shower. The next day I was back on the road to Casey's house where I had an incredible and refreshing weekend. I was home again Monday night, just in time for dinner, and headed back to Philly on Tuesday morning.
I have been welcomed back enthusiastically, just another example of the warmth and kindness of the greater community of which we are a small part. I have not once felt alone in this experience or unloved. Everyone here is eager to make us feel at home, and they succeed daily. It often amazes me how much they care, considering we often create more work and worry for them than they would have otherwise. It is really inspiring, and I am so fortunate to be surrounded by such amazing examples of God's love each and every day. I wonder how the lives of our guests would be different if they had a similar opportunity.
It is wonderful to be back here, but going home was a little like returning to my "old life," which is so completely different from my life here. I understand that they are not actually different lives, just different aspects of a single life, but the monstrous differences between them make them seem like they are separate. The challenge at the end of this crazy year will be to reconcile the 2 as I start yet another great unknown adventure. I have been thinking about the future a lot lately, which has been scary and wonderful. Trying to plan is quite intimidating, but the time is going so fast that I need to at least start to plan, otherwise I worry time will get away from me and it will suddenly be July 25, 2008 and I will be clueless as to where to go from here. Maybe then I could just grab my bike from home and join Paul on the road. What do you think, Mom and Dad?
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
The quarantine has come to an end!!!
It is the start of a new month and a crazy week (our weeks actually start on Tuesdays, since the schedule for the week comes out on Monday). Thursday is St. Francis Day, which means a special Mass, and a special community meal on Monday (last night). We had a big turkey (although it was actually chicken) dinner, complete with mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, different breads and vegetables, fruit, and a birthday cake for Katelyn. She will be 23 on Friday and her parents will be arriving that night to stay for the weekend. I, unfortunately, will not get the chance to see them but I am confident they will have a wonderful time without me. Wednesday is the celebration of Transitus, which is a ceremony commemorating Francis' passing from this world to the next. I will tell you more about it after we attend it.
I lucked out by getting today as a prayer day, even though I will be off Saturday through Tuesday, so I have been cleaning and organizing my room and starting to think about packing. Life at the Inn continues as normally as possible, although it seems like I haven't been there much. In the past week I've had Thursday, Saturday, and today off. It is strange and a little uncomfortable to not be busy; I feel like I am losing my momentum. This is just a minor problem, and I'm sure things will be much more settled after I get back from my trip-Paul will be gone so Katelyn, Maureen, and I will be able to get into our own routine. We have just come out of our required 6 week quarantine during which we were not allowed to visit or be visited by people outside of our immediate community. Maureen has already been to see her fiancee and Katelyn's friend Christen will be with us next weekend. It will be interesting to see how our community changes with the added influence of outsiders.
Life here is grand, and I'm still having an incredible time. My birthday celebrations lasted all through the end of September-thank you so much everyone for the phone calls and online messages. It felt really great to receive so many kind birthday wishes and to know that I was being thought of on my birthday. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I really can't tell you how much your love and support means to me, because I couldn't be here doing this if it weren't for all of that. I am praying for you all.
I lucked out by getting today as a prayer day, even though I will be off Saturday through Tuesday, so I have been cleaning and organizing my room and starting to think about packing. Life at the Inn continues as normally as possible, although it seems like I haven't been there much. In the past week I've had Thursday, Saturday, and today off. It is strange and a little uncomfortable to not be busy; I feel like I am losing my momentum. This is just a minor problem, and I'm sure things will be much more settled after I get back from my trip-Paul will be gone so Katelyn, Maureen, and I will be able to get into our own routine. We have just come out of our required 6 week quarantine during which we were not allowed to visit or be visited by people outside of our immediate community. Maureen has already been to see her fiancee and Katelyn's friend Christen will be with us next weekend. It will be interesting to see how our community changes with the added influence of outsiders.
Life here is grand, and I'm still having an incredible time. My birthday celebrations lasted all through the end of September-thank you so much everyone for the phone calls and online messages. It felt really great to receive so many kind birthday wishes and to know that I was being thought of on my birthday. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I really can't tell you how much your love and support means to me, because I couldn't be here doing this if it weren't for all of that. I am praying for you all.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
The sneeze heard 'round the world
It's getting towards the end of the month and that means tempers are rapidly shortening. Numbers for the meals always increase as the month progresses, and September is no different. We were close to 400 near the beginning of the week, but people are starting to get their checks early, so it was down around 350 yesterday. Higher numbers are not usually a problem, since there always happens to be just enough food, and if we run out of what was being served, there is always a substitute. However, high numbers mean longer meals, which is not always such a welcome thing for those of us who are working.
Along with shorter tempers come fights. There was a fight in the middle of the dining room on Monday, when 2 men came to blows over... wait for it... a SNEEZE. A man was sneezing in another guest's meal and when he neglected to stop after being warned, he was pummeled by the other guest. One of the lay women jumped between them and held back the sneezed upon while the sneezer was pulled into the office. Unfortunately, there were a number of children dining at the same time, and they all began to cry. I don't feel the need to explain the ridiculousness of this situation to you. I will therefore leave you to draw your own conclusions, and simply mention that the sneezed upon is a frequent guest and has been banned from the premises for a week; however, the sneezer has never been seen before or since, which is just as well for him.
Today is one of my two days off a week, and I spent it with Katelyn at Franklin Mills Mall, looking at things we can't afford. Shopping has become rather pointless for me, since it doesn't really matter how I look as long as I am fully clothed (shirts and shoes are required for entrance into the dining room); so I think I should probably stop teasing myself and avoid malls altogether. Katelyn and I also picked out a few things for Paul for his upcoming adventures, which was fun. He has begun his preparations for departure, and we are getting ready to let him go. October 6th is the big day, but I will be saying my goodbye early, since I will be going home on the 5th to spend some time at home, and some time with Casey. I will be returning to Philadelphia on the 9th. It will be strange to be away from here for that long-I wonder what Watertown will feel like to me now. I think the quiet will either drive me insane or be a welcome reprieve from the city noise to which I've grown accustomed. Either way, it will be wonderful to see people that I've been missing so much while I've been here.
Along with shorter tempers come fights. There was a fight in the middle of the dining room on Monday, when 2 men came to blows over... wait for it... a SNEEZE. A man was sneezing in another guest's meal and when he neglected to stop after being warned, he was pummeled by the other guest. One of the lay women jumped between them and held back the sneezed upon while the sneezer was pulled into the office. Unfortunately, there were a number of children dining at the same time, and they all began to cry. I don't feel the need to explain the ridiculousness of this situation to you. I will therefore leave you to draw your own conclusions, and simply mention that the sneezed upon is a frequent guest and has been banned from the premises for a week; however, the sneezer has never been seen before or since, which is just as well for him.
Today is one of my two days off a week, and I spent it with Katelyn at Franklin Mills Mall, looking at things we can't afford. Shopping has become rather pointless for me, since it doesn't really matter how I look as long as I am fully clothed (shirts and shoes are required for entrance into the dining room); so I think I should probably stop teasing myself and avoid malls altogether. Katelyn and I also picked out a few things for Paul for his upcoming adventures, which was fun. He has begun his preparations for departure, and we are getting ready to let him go. October 6th is the big day, but I will be saying my goodbye early, since I will be going home on the 5th to spend some time at home, and some time with Casey. I will be returning to Philadelphia on the 9th. It will be strange to be away from here for that long-I wonder what Watertown will feel like to me now. I think the quiet will either drive me insane or be a welcome reprieve from the city noise to which I've grown accustomed. Either way, it will be wonderful to see people that I've been missing so much while I've been here.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
It's all about attitude
I have had the revelation in the past couple of days that attitude is everything. I've been hearing that my entire life, from my parents and teachers, but it is an entirely different thing to experience it to be true. For 2 meals in a row, I was assigned to be bathroom monitor. This is a job done only when there is enough people to fill all other roles during the meal. When the yard is opened to our guests during each meal, 2 bathrooms are available to them while they wait, or after they have finished eating. The monitor's job is to see that everyone waits in line, toilet paper is replaced, and to maintain order in the yard. I have found that it is a job that, for the most part, does itself. There is the rare occasion when people take too long in the bathroom while others wait, but usually these things are quickly resolved without too much swearing. Well my second tour of duty saw a lot of action, including a clogged toilet (a kind man took the plunger from my hands because he said it shouldn't be my job, for which I am grateful), a clogged sink (the result of a vomited meal) and a urine puddle on the floor of one of the bathrooms. Now, I could look at that and say, what an awful day. Or, I could look at it and say, well that part of it sucked, but I also had the chance to talk to people in the yard, learn a few names, receive the kindness of the man who took the plunger, and watch the antics of some of our more eccentric guests. The difficulty that comes into changing your attitude is that it needs to be a conscious choice sometimes and, often, it can take less effort to look at the grim side of things rather than the good side because the grim aspects are more obvious.
It's hard to describe the day to day activities and characters of the Inn and my house because to give the background would take up quite a bit of time, so if I am lacking in enough detail, I apologize. This is also the reason why it is sometimes difficult to catch up on the phone, because to tell you what exactly I have been up to requires a lot of explanation, and even then I'm not sure that I can make people understand. But please know that I am incredibly happy to be here and am having the time of my life. It doesn't feel like work because there is so much joy in it for me-I almost feel like work shouldn't be this much fun. There are certainly times when I have to do things I don't enjoy, but I am surrounded and supported by wonderful people who really care about me, and that makes anything bearable at the very least. When people say that they are proud of what I am doing or impressed by it, I am always slightly puzzled. What I am doing with my life is no harder for me than going to school is for a student or practicing medicine is for a doctor or building things is for a construction worker. I am doing what I feel called to do, just like (I hope) you are. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate all the prayers and well-wishing, but don't think this is any more special than anyone else's job. Certainly we do it with a recognition of the presence of God in our work, but shouldn't everyone do their job like that?
It's hard to describe the day to day activities and characters of the Inn and my house because to give the background would take up quite a bit of time, so if I am lacking in enough detail, I apologize. This is also the reason why it is sometimes difficult to catch up on the phone, because to tell you what exactly I have been up to requires a lot of explanation, and even then I'm not sure that I can make people understand. But please know that I am incredibly happy to be here and am having the time of my life. It doesn't feel like work because there is so much joy in it for me-I almost feel like work shouldn't be this much fun. There are certainly times when I have to do things I don't enjoy, but I am surrounded and supported by wonderful people who really care about me, and that makes anything bearable at the very least. When people say that they are proud of what I am doing or impressed by it, I am always slightly puzzled. What I am doing with my life is no harder for me than going to school is for a student or practicing medicine is for a doctor or building things is for a construction worker. I am doing what I feel called to do, just like (I hope) you are. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate all the prayers and well-wishing, but don't think this is any more special than anyone else's job. Certainly we do it with a recognition of the presence of God in our work, but shouldn't everyone do their job like that?
Thursday, September 20, 2007
One of the big problems I have noticed for new FVMs is asserting authority. Many of the guests and even the daily volunteers take a while to get used to new people and often assume we are just visitors. I was helping to coordinate during the morning shift today (the coordinator is basically the manager of the entire operation, and it is a different person every meal so that no one person is really in charge of the Inn. The division of power here is beautiful-all responsibilities are rotated and shared among everyone who works here), and when I was asked to help by the regular morning volunteers who hand out the takeout breakfast, I couldn't gather the courage to say "I can if you need me, although that's not really my job," instead I just silently joined in the flurry of stuffing paper bags with pastries. Often, when guests come around looking for the coordinator after dinner and see one of us, they will ask to see someone from the team instead. I am not always good at taking charge of situations and I get discouraged when someone questions my authority, but I suppose that will just be one more thing for me to work on and grow out of while I am here. I always consider it a minor victory when I am able to respond to a request without having to consult someone else, and these victories are luckily getting more and more frequent!
Yesterday a policeman was in our neighborhood to speak to us about the increasing number of people who have been sleeping on the street, and what we think should be done about it. On the one hand, this is a reasonably safe place to sleep outside, although if people keep bedding down out here, safety will become a greater issue. There really aren't a lot of other places to go, and shelters fill up quickly. So, the policeman asked if we were more likely to be sympathetic to them because of the work we are doing, but Fr. Michael explained to him that the problem is not the sleeping, it is the drugs that they sell and do, and the lack of public restrooms (the loading dock on the warehouse* next door is a favored area for relieving oneself). But where else are they supposed to go? If the policemen shoo them away from our sidewalk, won't they just end up on another person's sidewalk doing the same things? Every day is a new question lacking a good answer.
*=did I mention we live next door to a tropical fish and exotic pet warehouse? Just another example of the ridiculousness of our life here in Philly.
Yesterday a policeman was in our neighborhood to speak to us about the increasing number of people who have been sleeping on the street, and what we think should be done about it. On the one hand, this is a reasonably safe place to sleep outside, although if people keep bedding down out here, safety will become a greater issue. There really aren't a lot of other places to go, and shelters fill up quickly. So, the policeman asked if we were more likely to be sympathetic to them because of the work we are doing, but Fr. Michael explained to him that the problem is not the sleeping, it is the drugs that they sell and do, and the lack of public restrooms (the loading dock on the warehouse* next door is a favored area for relieving oneself). But where else are they supposed to go? If the policemen shoo them away from our sidewalk, won't they just end up on another person's sidewalk doing the same things? Every day is a new question lacking a good answer.
*=did I mention we live next door to a tropical fish and exotic pet warehouse? Just another example of the ridiculousness of our life here in Philly.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
If you can't stand the heat...
Today I am feeling refreshed and happy in a way that I haven't for a few days. Yesterday I spent my prayer day in Center City, walking and wandering, pretending to be a typical Philadelphian. I doubt I fooled anyone. Directions from a friend led me to Rittenhouse Square Park, which is a beautiful little oasis, surrounded by upscale shopping and even upper-scale neighborhoods. As much as I am learning to love Kensington, it was nice to get away from familiar faces, and people who are needy in every sense of the word.
I was home in time for dinner (Katelyn and I snagged a crockpot right off the van on its way to the Benny's!) and a brief meeting with Fr. Michael (our site supervisor and all-around father figure). He wanted to check in with each of us girls (now named "the sorority") to make sure we were comfortable with Paul's upcoming departure. He also paid me one of the highest compliments possible, saying that when he sees me at work, it is like I have been there for years and that I "fit in." That made me so incredibly happy to hear. I tried to tell him how much I love this place and how truly happy I am to be here; I hope I got my point across.
Today I am in the kitchen with Sr. Jude, and I am loving every minute of it. She is a lovely older woman who gets teased by the other nuns (not spring chickens themselves) for being senile, but laughs right along with them. She is sweet and silly, and everything I hope to be once I am her age. We had a break around noon and she brought me yogurt and Hawaiian Punch (which to this day reminds me of miniature cereal boxes and breakfasts in hotel rooms) and told me all about the life she has led (entering the sisterhood right out of high school, attending college to study art, then teaching it for 30 years and finally becoming an LPN with Hospice, all before she began working at the Inn). She is an incredible woman. We are making her specialty, "Turkey a la Queen." It is remarkable how peaceful she is, even when things start getting hectic in the kitchen.
One of our guests, Vito, was hit by a car last night on Kensington Avenue. He is in the hospital, so prayers for a speedy recovery would be much appreciated. There are constant reminders such as this of how dangerous life on the street really is.
I was home in time for dinner (Katelyn and I snagged a crockpot right off the van on its way to the Benny's!) and a brief meeting with Fr. Michael (our site supervisor and all-around father figure). He wanted to check in with each of us girls (now named "the sorority") to make sure we were comfortable with Paul's upcoming departure. He also paid me one of the highest compliments possible, saying that when he sees me at work, it is like I have been there for years and that I "fit in." That made me so incredibly happy to hear. I tried to tell him how much I love this place and how truly happy I am to be here; I hope I got my point across.
Today I am in the kitchen with Sr. Jude, and I am loving every minute of it. She is a lovely older woman who gets teased by the other nuns (not spring chickens themselves) for being senile, but laughs right along with them. She is sweet and silly, and everything I hope to be once I am her age. We had a break around noon and she brought me yogurt and Hawaiian Punch (which to this day reminds me of miniature cereal boxes and breakfasts in hotel rooms) and told me all about the life she has led (entering the sisterhood right out of high school, attending college to study art, then teaching it for 30 years and finally becoming an LPN with Hospice, all before she began working at the Inn). She is an incredible woman. We are making her specialty, "Turkey a la Queen." It is remarkable how peaceful she is, even when things start getting hectic in the kitchen.
One of our guests, Vito, was hit by a car last night on Kensington Avenue. He is in the hospital, so prayers for a speedy recovery would be much appreciated. There are constant reminders such as this of how dangerous life on the street really is.
Monday, September 17, 2007
"Who are you?"
I am new to this whole blogging scene, so you will have to be patient with me as I find my way around. I just thought this might be the best way to communicate to as many people as possible what I am living here without having to send crazy amounts of mass e-mails; and you don't even have to read this if you'd rather not.
I will have been in Philadelphia, living in Kensington (areas of Philadelphia are named by neighborhoods, which are usually based on a main street in the region, although I'm not sure how to explain places like Fishtown or Richmondville) for a month tomorrow. I have been working at the St. Francis Inn for almost that long, minus the time spent on retreat. Already, my worldview has shifted. We are surrounded by a type of poverty that I barely knew existed before coming here. People regularly sleep in front of or across the street from our house, as well as up the block near the Inn. We serve meals to people of varying levels of need: from the guy who goes to AA and NA meetings across the street and are trying to get their lives together, to the guy who carries all his earthly possessions in a single grocery bag so it's easier to move, to the woman with 5 kids all under the age of 10 who can't go home to get beaten anymore, to the mother and daughter who have a home but would rather hang out in and around the Inn all day to shoot the breeze and be rowdy with their friends on the avenue, to the guy who would really like to get his life together after leaving his cocaine addict girlfriend but can't quite get past his "mental problems," to the many who sacrifice groceries in order to feed their various addictions. There are hundreds of others, all with stories that are usually sad. It can be hard to have hope for these people-and most of our hope involves wanting to never see these people again because they would be able to survive without us. However, you can see the cycles our guests (what we call those who come to the Inn to eat) are in from week to week, and even from generation to generation. That's when it gets hard to hope.
I worked at the thrift store today (the Inn runs St. Benedict's Thrift Store on Girard Ave. and it is staffed by a rotation of people from the Inn, as well as a few ridiculous characters that live in the neighborhood and show up to help out on a daily basis-more about them later). Last Monday was the first time I had gone without the supervision of one of the Inn's team members, which was frightening yet exhilarating, and the worst thing I did was blow a fuse, rendering the rear of the already dimly-lit building pitch black. The best thing I did was set a record for daily totals: $170.
The thrift store is really not about profit, it is about making enough to pay the rent on the building. It is kept in business by crazy old women who come in multiple times a day buying the most random items possible. The Inn distributes clothing vouchers to guests 3 days a week that entitle them to a full set of clothing from "Benny's," so this is likely the reason the store is bothered with at all. There are no price tags; most of the regulars know shirts and pants to be $1 apiece, newer or heavier clothing items run from $2-3, and the rest of the inventory is subject to the pricing choices of the person who happens to be working that day. Unfortunately, the customers today disapproved of my pricing choices and decided that being rude and intimidating to me would be the best way to get a lower price. Were they ever wrong. One woman felt the need to lean across the desk where we price and bag purchases to make disparaging comments and, in her honor, the title of this entry is a quote from her. Bright points in the Benny's stint included a visit from the man who owns the deli next door, another man dropping off bags full of decades-old magazines (Popular Science and, I believe, Model Train Enthusiast) and one of the ridiculous characters' reactions to them, as well as a trip to a market with fresh fruit on the way home.
My life here has been incredible so far, although it has been rather ridiculous at times. There is so much more to tell, but not enough hours in the day to live it, and then write about all of it. I hope this has been a worthwhile tidbit, and know that there is much more to come.
I will have been in Philadelphia, living in Kensington (areas of Philadelphia are named by neighborhoods, which are usually based on a main street in the region, although I'm not sure how to explain places like Fishtown or Richmondville) for a month tomorrow. I have been working at the St. Francis Inn for almost that long, minus the time spent on retreat. Already, my worldview has shifted. We are surrounded by a type of poverty that I barely knew existed before coming here. People regularly sleep in front of or across the street from our house, as well as up the block near the Inn. We serve meals to people of varying levels of need: from the guy who goes to AA and NA meetings across the street and are trying to get their lives together, to the guy who carries all his earthly possessions in a single grocery bag so it's easier to move, to the woman with 5 kids all under the age of 10 who can't go home to get beaten anymore, to the mother and daughter who have a home but would rather hang out in and around the Inn all day to shoot the breeze and be rowdy with their friends on the avenue, to the guy who would really like to get his life together after leaving his cocaine addict girlfriend but can't quite get past his "mental problems," to the many who sacrifice groceries in order to feed their various addictions. There are hundreds of others, all with stories that are usually sad. It can be hard to have hope for these people-and most of our hope involves wanting to never see these people again because they would be able to survive without us. However, you can see the cycles our guests (what we call those who come to the Inn to eat) are in from week to week, and even from generation to generation. That's when it gets hard to hope.
I worked at the thrift store today (the Inn runs St. Benedict's Thrift Store on Girard Ave. and it is staffed by a rotation of people from the Inn, as well as a few ridiculous characters that live in the neighborhood and show up to help out on a daily basis-more about them later). Last Monday was the first time I had gone without the supervision of one of the Inn's team members, which was frightening yet exhilarating, and the worst thing I did was blow a fuse, rendering the rear of the already dimly-lit building pitch black. The best thing I did was set a record for daily totals: $170.
The thrift store is really not about profit, it is about making enough to pay the rent on the building. It is kept in business by crazy old women who come in multiple times a day buying the most random items possible. The Inn distributes clothing vouchers to guests 3 days a week that entitle them to a full set of clothing from "Benny's," so this is likely the reason the store is bothered with at all. There are no price tags; most of the regulars know shirts and pants to be $1 apiece, newer or heavier clothing items run from $2-3, and the rest of the inventory is subject to the pricing choices of the person who happens to be working that day. Unfortunately, the customers today disapproved of my pricing choices and decided that being rude and intimidating to me would be the best way to get a lower price. Were they ever wrong. One woman felt the need to lean across the desk where we price and bag purchases to make disparaging comments and, in her honor, the title of this entry is a quote from her. Bright points in the Benny's stint included a visit from the man who owns the deli next door, another man dropping off bags full of decades-old magazines (Popular Science and, I believe, Model Train Enthusiast) and one of the ridiculous characters' reactions to them, as well as a trip to a market with fresh fruit on the way home.
My life here has been incredible so far, although it has been rather ridiculous at times. There is so much more to tell, but not enough hours in the day to live it, and then write about all of it. I hope this has been a worthwhile tidbit, and know that there is much more to come.
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