Mr. Fredrick

Mr. Fredrick doesn’t want to be one of those homeless men. 

The shelter he stays at (known for being one of the worst in town) brings 3 buses a day into the city. He and the other men are treated like cattle as they stuff in to each bus. Once the bus arrives at the soup kitchen, he stands in line with other people suffering from hunger. Again he feels like one in a line of cattle, weaving back and forth like at Disney World, except the attraction at the front of the line is a simple breakfast, graciously donated and prepared, but nonetheless, not a product of this man’s own hands.

It’s not for lack of trying. He wants desperately to work and show he can contribute to society. It’s more difficult now, since the accident a year ago that damaged his knees and sent glass into his eyes. He barely escaped having to get a glass eye to replace the one that had once served him well in his construction work. He keeps up with his physical therapy sessions despite his difficulty finding money for transportation and the pain it puts him through. 

He’s not the first person to turn to me with a look of deep disappointment and admit he cannot get his granddaughter a birthday gift. He knows she’s expecting something; an 8 year old doesn’t understand or forget just because their grandfather is homeless with no income. “Even something small would be nice,” he says. He says his granddaughter is a sign of hope. He believes she will make more of herself than he did because she's had opportunity and support.

This man, among many others at Samaritan Ministry, shows me that it's not all about your effort in life. Many times it's what we have been privileged to have access to – education, supportive and caring family, positive influences… Yes, determination and dedication matter, but we wouldn't tell a college educated individual who lost a high paying job that it’s his lack of effort that got him into his situation. We would blame it on the bad economy. On the other hand, it's easier to assume an African American male who is homeless is stuck there because he prefers to live as a bum off the Fed’s money and the working man’s taxes.

I see pure exhaustion in this man’s eyes. A night’s sleep in the shelter is never peaceful. Add the worry of finding money for transportation in an attempt to keep looking for jobs. And the never-ending rainstorms that cause the arthritis in his knees to act up.

This man’s been in to my office every day this week. You can't tell me he lacks determination and strength. 

Month 1: The beginning

Hello everyone! I apologize for the delay on posting. Part of my simplicity this year involves not having a computer or internet at home. Now that I’m finally settling into things at work, I’ll be able to update more often during lunch and such. I decided to start by sharing a blog entry I wrote by hand at the end of the first month, around the end of September. As I typed it I was surprised to find how far I’ve come since this point, but I feel the transition period is still worth sharing.

***

The first month of a new job and city has been overwhelming. Learning the layout of the city, how to use a bus with confidence, where to buy groceries, responsibilities of my job… the list goes on. Getting on and off the bus at the right location at the right time still makes me nervous sometimes, especially if I’m on a new route. Then again, I look back at myself 5 weeks ago, scared to death of how the bus system works and consider myself experienced.

The bus is one of my biggest learning spaces on any given day. I find myself wondering how my appearance affects how I am perceived by those around me. I make a point of greeting and thanking the bus driver. Most of the time the bus driver is very friendly and wishes me a good day. Sometimes we even carry on a 10 minute conversation about weather, sports and air conditioning.

The overwhelming feelings have not always been tiring and nerve wracking. For example, many times I’ve been struck by the generosity of those in the JVC network. Many FJVs (former Jesuit volunteers) live in the area and play supportive roles in our transition. I can’t imagine moving to a new city and not having this blessing of a community.

            There are also times when I recognize Washington can take on a sense of community. If someone I pass on the sidewalk is willing to offer a hello, it often turns into a short conversation about the day and how we are doing. I particularly recall the other week when 2 days in a row I was reminded that God shines through the people I encounter daily. The first morning on my ½ mile walk to the bus, I passed a man working in the small garden in front of his row house.

“Good morning.” I said.

“Good morning” He replied. “How are you?”

“Good, and you?”

“Blessed.”

            Blessed. I was immediately reminded of a dear friend of the family whom we called Big Mary. Big Mary always answered the “how are you?” question with “blessed,” even as she lay in the hospital with death slowly approaching. I felt God shining through my neighbor, reminding me of Big Mary, reminding me that despite my nerves in the 1^st few weeks and my rush to get to the bus on time, God is good.

            The following day I was again on my journey to the bus stop when I passed a man sweeping the side of the road in front of the local high school. I thought for a moment about how challenging it would be to stay cheerful picking up everyone else’s trash. In that moment I received a cheerful greeting from the man with the broom.

“Good morning!” He cheered with a large smile and a grand gesture as if making the way for a princess to walk down a golden path. With such pride he cleared the way for me to travel down the freshly swept sidewalk. Enough thanks could never be given to those who go about their work pleasantly and positively impact as many people as they encounter every day. God speaks through the kindness of others.

            I have also been welcomed by the Church of the Pilgrims community, a small, socially engaged church associated with the More Light Presbyterians. With warm welcomes and coffee hours every Sunday, it’s a joy to run into the Davidson alumni of all years who attend church there. Plus, I’m able to join the choir every Sunday. I have truly been touched by how welcome I feel in a new place – a home away from home within the first 4 weeks.

            And finally I should mention my work. It’s exactly what I was looking for in this year – time spent directly with those in need, encouraging people and providing the support they need to help themselves. Every day there are new stories to process. I cannot begin to process everything I’m taking in because it contrasts so greatly with my experiences as a college student. I love that I get to learn more about all the amazing resources in DC and how I help someone find a path that works for them. In time, I’ll be able to share more about the lessons I’ve learned, but in the mean time, I’ll say the participants never cease to inspire me.

            More stories to come soon!

Pax,

Kelly

Before the year begins...

A special thanks to those who have contributed to my fundraising and have shared so many kind words of support!

As I walk through Staples and see children shopping for school supplies I come to a realization. I am reminded that, for the first time in my retrievable memory, I have no excuse to buy new pens and notebooks (and if you know how much I love school supplies, you know how much that saddens me). I am doing something totally new: new city, new job, new community. Seeking a moment of comfort in the midst of all this newness, I admittedly bought a package of colored pens on sale despite what I’m now calling “simplicity guilt.” As you may have read in an earlier post, one of the core values of my coming year with JVC is simplicity. I sort of doubt a 12-pack of felt tip pens falls in the realm of simplicity, but I’m giving myself a break because I plan on using them to write letters.

I had such a wonderful time being home for the summer. I found it a refreshing transition stage from college to a new kind of independence. I reconnected with my family, friends, church family, and the community in which I was raised. I reached a feeling of comfort and appreciation for where I come from. As much as I loved reconnecting, it also became clear to me that I need to spend more time learning before I can hopefully some day make a small town like Tupelo home and take a role in making a difference. Thus, a year of JVC begins!

Since I’ll be entering a Jesuit program I thought it worthwhile to spend time this summer learning more about what it means to be Jesuit. James Martin, S.J. makes Jesuit philosophy very accessible in his book The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything. Some fun things I’ve learned/read:

-          St. Ignatius Loyola founded the Society of Jesus (aka the Jesuits) in the 16^th century (p 1)

-          The core essence of Ignatian spirituality is “finding God in all things” (p 5). [Nothing is outside the realm of your spiritual life.]

-          Along the lines of the above - “holiness always make its home in humanity” (p 77).

-          Martin shares a joke that expresses the “contemplative in action” focus of Ignatian spirituality in comparison to other monk orders (p 2):  “Jesuits take their cue from Ignatius in terms of a practical spirituality. One joke has a Franciscan, a Dominican, and a Jesuit celebrating Mass together when the lights suddenly go out in the church. The Franciscan praises the chance to live more simply. The Dominican gives a learned homily on how God brings light to the world. The Jesuit goes to the basement to fix the fuses.”

-          From the Jesuit scientist Guy Consolmagno (followed by Martin’s commentary): “’One obvious way we can let a religion limit our view of the universe is by insisting that its doctrines are a complete and final description of nature and God.’ God is bigger than religion.” (p 137).

-          During prayer one day Martin wondered how Jesus handled the demands on his time. An answer presented itself: “Jesus took things as they came and trusted that God was bringing things before him, rather than trying to plan everything.” (p 154) [Note to self: cultivate spontaneity and don’t be afraid to go with the flow.]

-          A piece of wisdom from the Scottish philosopher John Macmurray that is important for me to remember in a time of fear entering the new: Real religion has a maxim – “Fear not; the things you are afraid of are quite likely to happen to you, but they are nothing to be afraid of.” (p 39).

On that note, I’ll leave you until I’m able to update from my new life in D.C.!

Pax,

Kelly

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Fundraising

      After the whirlwind of college graduation, I find myself recuperating and reconnecting at home in the dear old south. But I can't sit down for long without thinking about all that must be done in preparation for my year as a Jesuit Volunteer: FBI background check, summer reading, packing (how does one pack for a year of simplicity, after all?)... and fundraising.

     Fundraising has always been a sensitive subject for me. In light of recent natural disasters in my area, it's even more difficult for me to ask for charitable donations. I strongly feel it is our duty as community members to be involved in relief efforts for our neighbors. How can I with good conscience ask you to give more when you are already reaching deep in your pockets and hearts to give generously to our hometown neighbors in need?

     On the one hand, I'll admit I'm still struggling with this dilemma.

     But on the other hand, I realize that this duty to serve community is not limited to my hometown. When I relocate, this duty travels with me. In my North Carolina college years, I found my education wasn't complete without time spent at the nearby homeless center. While I am home for the summer I am seeking ways to be involved in tornado and flood relief. (I am thankful to finally be home where I can help rather than stuck taking exams in North Carolina.) When I move to Washington, D.C. in the fall, this same duty will drive my service as a caseworker for Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington.

     I've been truly inspired by the generous response to the needs of tornado and flood victims. If in the depth of all that giving you can spare another dollar or prayer for my Jesuit Volunteer Corps year, thank you.

     By contributing financially, you enable me to dedicate a year to building constructive relationships with Washington, D.C. neighbors in need. Every dollar given to Jesuit Volunteer Corps is another dollar non-profits like Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington can spend directly on the people they serve rather than hiring another full-time staff member.

     Through spiritual support, you give me strength to face this challenging commitment. When we pray daily as a community we join forces to serve our neighbors worldwide.

     Through this year (and the glories of free blog services) I hope we can together explore the call to serve our communities.

     Pax, 

     Kelly 

To donate to Kelly's year as a Jesuit Volunteer, please visit http://www.tinyurl.com/kellylencejvc.

UPDATE: A few days after I wrote the first draft of this entry I met with my home pastor. I explained to him the dilemma I have been having with fundraising, especially with asking people to financially support me all the way in D.C. when I felt they should be giving to their own neighbors in need. He responded beautifully: "Kelly, when you were baptized in this Church as a child we made a commitment to support you wherever you go. We are your church family." (At this point in the story my mother cries). So now I go to D.C. with the blessing of my home church - and what a sweet blessing it is. 

The 5 W's of My Jesuit Volunteer Journey

Who:Well, that would be me. And about 300 others this year.

What:Jesuit Volunteers (JVs), members of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC).
          The Jesuit Volunteer Corps (https://www.jesuitvolunteers.org) is a world-wide network for faith-based service framed around four core values: social justice, simple living, community and spirituality. I will live in intentional community with other JVs, each of whom will have a placement in a non-profit, school, or other organization that serves the needy. We will build community as we live, eat, pray, cry, and laugh together. No doubt we will learn much from one another as we manage our $90/month food and $100/month individual stipends.
           I will serve as an intern caseworker with the non-profit Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington (http://www.samaritanministry.org) which opens its doors to the homeless and needy in Washington, D.C. I'll listen to people's stories, keep records, and help them develop a step by step plan to achieve their goals of getting a job, a home, etc.

When:A full year, August 2011 to August 2012.

Where:Washington, D.C. (you may have guess this by now)

Why:There are several reasons this year will be a time of formative discernment. With the support of community (both near and far, old and new), I will explore what it means to serve my neighbor.  With hands-on experience as the focal point for learning, I will fulfill my nagging desire to serve. Since I'm considering counseling or social work down the road, this experience will help determine my next step in formal education. In addition to all this, keeping spirituality in mind will help me maintain a grounded and holistic lifestyle.