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