Since I haven't written anything in almost a month, maybe you think I've given up on blogging. Maybe you think I broke my laptop, and now have no access to Blogspot to be able to post. Maybe you think I quit Christ in the City. Maybe you think I've become a hermit. Let me assure you, if you are thinking any of these things, you are wrong. But if you are thinking that maybe I tried getting sleep for a change, or maybe I want to spend less time on my computer and more time with people, or maybe Christ in the City just keeps me super busy, then let me assure you, you are indeed correct. It's been pretty crazy since Thanksgiving- we've hosted a fundraising breakfast, helped with a different fundraising event, finished our basketball season, watched the Parade of Lights, held a 48 Hour Lock-In/Christmas Party for homeless youth and young adults, welcomed the new Church year with an all-night adoration vigil, and decorated multiple buildings for Christmas. (So good luck trying to make me to put up a Christmas tree when I get home, Mom.) Today was my last day of actual service before break, so I want to introduce you to some of the people I've met. (And for the record, I'll probably be changing all of their names.)
First, there's Guadalupe and her sons Jorge (6 months) and Isaiah (8). Guadalupe is one of the moms who comes to the Gabriel House for assistance, but she also comes to volunteer. Jorge comes with her; we've nicknamed him the house baby. Isaiah comes when he doesn't have school and is pretty much my shadow the entire time. He tries to be very helpful, and is so considerate of the moms and kids we serve. ("We should give them some gloves in case they get cold," or, "I think she would like this sweater.") He likes to try to translate for me sometimes. Once he thought he was translating, but after about 3 minutes of conversation, he realized that I was speaking Spanish, and he was actually just repeating what I was saying. Guadalupe also has a 14-year-old son and 2 nieces who live with her. She and a couple of her sons are in Mexico now visiting Guadalupe's husband, so please pray for their safety.
Then there's Fr. Moore, who is originally from Poland and was ordained when Pope John Paul II was bishop there. He now lives at the Mullen Home and illumines the lives of all those around him. When I ask how he is doing, he always responds with "Better now that I see you!" He is so full of life- even in his old age, he makes me think of what JPII must have been like. I'm convinced that he will be a saint.
At the Sam House, I've been blessed to get to know Shirley pretty well. She is going through RCIA right now, and never misses a bible study. Though she's had a lot of difficulties in her life, she is doing really well now- working, looking for housing, growing in many ways. A Dominican brother gave her a rosary, and it has become her comfort. I've watched her transform within the past few months into a more joyful, more peaceful, more confident Shirley. Her desire to always help others gives hope to struggling residents who come to her.
Though I've only met her twice, I also want you to know Bailey. She first walked into the Gabriel House a little too confidently and independently for a 16-year-old: she had no parent or guardian with her and had never been there before. I can guess that she's probably been through a lot in those 16 years. She is pregnant with her first child, due in February I believe. She has a lot of spunk, and has many hopes and dreams for her future. She refused any assistance other than material- she doesn't really want help, just things. Please pray for Bailey and her little unborn baby!
Lastly, there's Tyrone, whom I met at one of our Saturday lunches in the park. He is a poet, and can recite his poems all day if you stay and listen to him. His poems are actually pretty good. They're mostly short, but they express the depth of his thoughts and emotions. He's trying to self-publish a book of poetry right now. He understands very well that his role is to guard and protect women- his sister, his mother, his 12 month old daughter. He religion-hops, including Catholicism, Protestantism, Buddhism, and some other religion I've never heard of. And I've heard of a lot of religions. He thinks of God in a very pantheistic way, but I don't think he means to be a pantheist. He spends his days on the streets reciting poetry, hoping to make some money and inspire some souls. He's had a long and rugged past, but is generally working toward a better future, especially now that he has a daughter to provide for.
As different as all of these people are from each other, from you, from me, they are more similar than different: they are all persons with value and dignity, created by God who loves them eternally. (In the words of Fulton Sheen, "we consider all the world as dust and ashes compared with the value of one human soul." Or something like that.) They are all longing to be united with Him, whether they know it or not. They are all awaiting an infinite joy, which is coming in the disguise of a tiny child, simple and humble. This Advent, let's pray for those who, like the Christ child, have nowhere to rest their heads at night. But let's also pray for those whose hearts are restless and have nowhere to find peace and joy.
