Today, we continued our mission in deepening our understanding of ourselves, each other, and the problems that poverty and inequality bring. Our day began as usual; sleepy-eyed and ready to help the Father McKenna center in any way possible. Our duties included cooking the meal and serving it, cleaning the center, organizing the pantries, and generally trying to make ourselves useful and helpful. While very important, these tasks were not the catalyst in the change that we experienced today; through talking to the many guests at the McKenna center, to those who live on the street, and to those who were willing to share their life with us, we have begun to break down the divide between “us and them.” And we have realized that we are not so different after all. While the magnitude of our problems might be different, it is what we share that makes us one family of brothers and sisters. From the infections laughter, to the stories of our homes, to our losses of our loved ones, or to the si...
I had the honor to share my Tuesday evening with this great group of Gannon students. Our future successful alumni are in DC for their Alternative Break Service Trip. I learned last night about their "Service of Presence" - being there to share meals, talk to and learn from people that are regularly ignored and marginalized in society.
ReplyDeleteWe stocked a food pantry then shared dinner and stories about the experiences they have had so far, and life lessons learned from Gannon. The night time tour of D.C. monuments was also great fun!
Keep up the great work everyone - I am power clapping for you right now!