Monday April 7th,
Greetings from the DC!! Today we got orientated for the week
and fully immersed ourselves in our service trip. Our group worked together to
serve the guests at the shelter and divided up to complete other projects
including sorting cans, cleaning bathrooms, and participating in the food
pantry. One moment that stuck out to me was when a man named Bernard showered
and got a new outfit at FMC. He felt so confident and proud in his new dress
shirt and khakis. Bernard continued to introduce himself with a huge smile on
his face and even offered us money, twice. It was beautiful to see that someone
with less than us was still willing to give whatever he had and was so thankful
that he wanted to give back. Moments with the men and other volunteers here
bring me hope and a new perspective surrounding homelessness. After one day
serving at the Father McKenna Center, I can surely say my heart has been opened
and filled with love from my group, staff members at the FMC, other consistent
volunteers from DC, and the men we have met.
With Love-
Molly Whaley
Today we spent a lot of time getting to know the men as well
as the workers within the Father McKenna Center. I got the chance to work in
the food pantry, which was a truly eye-opening experience. The food pantry is a
place for low income households within ward 6 of DC to come and receive groceries
twice a month. The people who came to receive the food were so thankful. They were
grateful just for our presence which was so heartwarming. I had the easy job at
first just helping people through the pantry and being there to help with
selecting their groceries. I didn’t really see the amount of time and effort
that was put into it until we all spent time adding and organizing the pantry
afterwards with new goods. It is crazy the amount of dedication that people
within the Father McKenna Center have, they want to help these people. I feel
so much more educated on the topic of homelessness and poverty. You can be
taught about it through pictures and second-hand stories, but until you actually
see the effects first-hand, it is hard to completely grasp what these people
encounter in their day to day life. In reflection today, we discussed how much
we take for granted in life. It is the little things, like having a place to
regularly shower, sleep, feel safe, cook a warm meal, or even just having
people that truly care about you that makes all of the difference in life. The
people who work here dedicate their life to the cause of helping people pull
themselves out of homelessness, and it is a truly inspiring experience.
With Love-
Rachel Ross
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