My housemates: Paul, Maureen, Emily and I
The calm before the storm...It's been 3 weeks since I moved onto Hagert Street, but it feels like I've been here forever. Faces are looking familiar, people are recognizing me, the crazy Team (that's the staff at the Inn) are starting to give us all more responsibility, and my housemates and I hosted our first party to celebrate Paul's birthday!
I was on "tickets" today, which is basically standing on Kensington Avenue waiting for hungry people to come to the Inn, give them a ticket, and carefully monitor who is coming and going, so as not to give out 2 tickets to one guest. It was my second time doing tickets and it might be one of my favorite jobs at the Inn. The little tiny part of me that is friendly and smiley gets to come out as I greet and bid farewell to guests! I found myself saying similar phrases as when I worked at Carrabba's, "thanks for coming," "how was your meal?" and, most often, "see you tomorrow." I've just started really looking forward to seeing the same guests day after day, despite the fact that it means they are relying on SFI for their food. It's not so much a feeling of hopelessness or despair, but I would like to think of it as another day to get to know another guest, and I am so blessed to be part of their lives in that way!
I've come to know a few guests pretty well, or at least offer them a smile when they come in. Richard and his wife Dorothy are regulars (who I remember from when I was here in March), but every day Richard insists on giving me a hug- so it's really hot and humid today in Philly and two sweaty people hugging is just all kinds of gross, but I graciously take the hug until Bill, a big, tall man with a bandana comes up behind me and says to Richard, "You have your own wife, she's mine!" Bill also complimented me on my new hair-do (pink highlights) and said, slurring his words, "I'll see you tomorrow, beautiful." Now I don't know if he was drunk (I know he used to be an alcoholic), but I'll take the compliments! :-)
So although I look out my window and see prostitutes being dropped off on the corner, some shooting up across the street, and my front door smells like pee, my days are fulfilled by the love and grace I experience every day when I step foot into the Inn.
3 comments:
Hi Kate, Glad that you're settling in and having new experiences. I think of you often. You're in my prayers every day. Take care of yourself.
Love you a bushel and a peck.
Nana
xoxo
Katelyn,
We saw Michael at Mass today. They were off to a cheerleading event -- boy, did it rain!
Did you know that diabetics and people with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) have slurred speech when their sugar is low? They also get drowsy and confused, which may come off as drunken. Just thought I'd mention it, as some of your guests might need some medical attention for diabetes (don't know if that's something you offer or not).
Pink hair? Well, I suppose it's better than another piercing! I also assume it will wash out before the wedding -- I don't remember pink matching the dress...
It's been hot and dry here forever, now we finally have rain. The ground on our lawn literally "puffed" when you walk on it and now it's running rivers of mud down the driveway as the grass is all dormant. Oh well, can't wait for the snow to hide it until Spring. School has started well -- Patrick is in first grade and loving it.
Have a good week!
Colleen
P.S. I don't know why this says it's from Tom -- it's from me on my computer and I don't know how to make it say that! I'm sure you'll deal with it!!!
Keep up the good werk, Kate! You are a very special persom! Stay safe.
Love, Auntie Kathy
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