Spokane Update 6

It has been raining here for several days now. The gloomy weather has kept me indoors, but it has given me plenty of time to reflect over my time here. While I still have several months left, I have begun to think about returning to school in the Fall, and returning to St. Louis. Over and over again I ask myself, "How have I changed," and "How will retain what I have learned." I think the most basic way I have changed is that I feel like a lens has been removed from my eyes. I cannot help but see the world in a different way. I have worked first hand with the impoverished. I have gotten to know people personally, and shockingly I have realized that the differences that separate us are minute. The House of Charity seeks to be a place where persons can come and feel safe. It is a place where basic needs can be sought, and hopefully they can be met. While my heart breaks every time I have to tell someone "No," I still feel that we are doing a decent job of meeting the basic needs of those we are serving. Granted, there are times we fail, but we try our best, and sometimes that is all one can ask for.

I have gotten to know a variety of the patrons I am serving quite well, and I know the stories of many. I have forged connections that I never thought I would. When I first arrived at the HoC I wondered how I would be able to interact with persons with whom I shared little. As I mention above, I have found I share a lot actually. In truth, we are all merely seeking basic human needs. I have had these needs met my whole life, those I serve have not. While the distinction is by no means this clear cut and simple, I have found it to be important. It helps me to see the person differently, when they react negatively to my service. I do not judge the person as bad, but rather I try to look at his or her situation and circumstances. I have been given a different lens with which to view the world.

Outside of work, life is good, dark and gloomy, but good. Spring is finally here, and while it is rainy, the temperatures have thankfully gone up. While we have not had the 80 degree weather of St. Louis, we have had a few days of 60 degrees, and a lot of 50s. My community and I have been lucky enough to get and about on a few of these days. We have gotten to explore a few different areas of Spokane as well. We went for a picnic this past Sunday, and it was fantastic to be out in the sun and relaxing on the grass. As it gets warmer, I look forward to doing more outsidy things :) I hope all is well with everyone else!