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.

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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