DOOR San Antonio

This is a blog post I wrote for the DOOR blog, but it gives you and idea of what my summer job has been like!

As a summer support staff member for DOOR San Antonio, one of my roles is to accompany our volunteers to their work sites. The site I most often accompany groups to is the Catholic Worker House, a hospitality house in downtown San Antonio that provides breakfast and lunch, clothing, and a washer and dryer to visiting patrons.

I realized when I first walked in this place that God is at work within these walls. The people who come to utilize services are not seen by the volunteers as clients looking for a handout. They are friends and guests who are welcomed with a hug and smile, appreciated for their company. The volunteers that keep the House running day-to-day exude a joy for their work and in their relationships with visitors. They exemplify the image given by Jesus in Matthew 25 when Jesus says, “I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’” I think if Jesus had owned a house, he would run it a lot like this one.

I am most pleased when our DOOR groups discover that some of the visitors coming in to eat are also the ones helping to prepare meals, harvest vegetables from the garden, wash dishes, and repair the House computer. The labels of “us” and “them” get stripped away and it becomes easier to realize that we are no different than the ones we came to serve. In fact, the people on the other side of our serving line have valuable wisdom to impart to us as well.

One such individual, John Wayne, has been coming to Catholic Worker House for several months for meals, but he also helps cook and wash dishes. He is always eager to greet the DOOR volunteers and entertain them with stories of his childhood as they chop vegetables for lunch. Another man, Fredrick, reminded me the other day of the ever existent hope we find in each new day. He told me, “It’s better to be a living dog than a dead lion.”

I sometimes wonder if our groups realize the significance when they lay aside that stereotype of “homeless” and open themselves up to a new friend at Catholic Worker. It’s the very nature of Jesus and his upside-down kingdom. The physical appearance comes second to the soul and heart of the person. Each guest visiting has stories and experiences to share, and Catholic Worker House gives our groups the opportunity to listen.

Can't shake the feeling

Has it really been 2 months since I posted? Indeed. Life has a way of sweeping you along whether one's aware of it or not.

Alot has happened in the last couple weeks. I have about 2 weeks or 14 days (whose counting?) left at my current job. Though I enjoyed parts of it, the distance I have to drive and the times I have to work made it very difficult for me to take care of myself. I've been increasingly craving community, and working the night shift puts me in an opposite schedule as most of my connections. Plus depending on if I have to go to work for meetings or trainings along with my shift I could be on the road for 3 hours! Enough!

I have a new job I will be starting the end of May working as support staff for a urban missions organization here in San Antonio. God has definitely been preparing my heart for this and whatever is to follow (which at the moment I am at peace with not knowing). Before then I am going to Chicago to visit friends and memories. Can't wait! Sometimes I when I drive I think about all the things I love in Chicago and I get a huge grin on my face. Needless to say April has been a LOOOOONNNNGGG month for me because I'm anticipating my trip and new job!

2 more days I can make it.

Job Search Woes/Reflections

I have a college degree and no job. I want one. I even get online to search for them, but I seldom walk away feeling hopeful about my experience qualifying me to do anything I find. It's like all San Antonio jobs come with a Bilingual prerequisite, especially in the human services field. Besides, most nonprofits are looking for volunteers, not employees. So things are slow in the employment spectrum. Anyway, today was one of those "look for jobs/feel like my education was worthless" days. Again I find myself thinking,"What am I doing here!"

But then I get a phone call from my grandma who needs someone to come over and help with a some what trivial task. We end up going to lunch and I get to hear about her childhood Christmas memories and friendships she still treasures. Having her in the same city as me is an opportunity I've never had before this season of my life. In Mission Year we were encouraged to find time to "waste" with people, love them through presence. It's been a blessing to not only love my grandma by helping her find her glasses and go grocery shopping, but to have her give me her life wisdom and perspective, as well.

I think the time afforded me here in San Antonio is more important than what I allow myself to realize.