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.
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3 comments:
Em, so glad to hear that you are so happy! I totally remember the motel breakfasts too, at many choice places, right?
Also, that your Zodiac year is of the Ox is pretty entertaining. Talk to you soon, thank you for the updates!
You can count on prayers for Vito--and for "the sorority." I enjoyed your description of Sr. Jude. And your (and Andy's) memories of the hotel room breakfasts!
I almost always chose Froot Loops with my H.P.
I am not surprised that you appear to tohers that you have been there forever. This is the kind of work that seems like a natural progression for you.
I'm sure you dont get thanked for your hard work very often so here's one from me. Thanks EM!
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