Leaving the Place Where Our Hearts Remain

This morning, we got up and celebrated our last Mass at the St. Francis Inn. In the homily, Fr. Bill stressed the importance of becoming who we are and seeing with the eyes of God. Fr. Bill must have been eaves dropping in on our reflection nights because these are two topics that we have been stressing very much as we have been doing our service. Most notably Fr. Bill said, "You each have a unique vocation, and though you may not have discovered it yet, you are on the journey to becoming that person. In fact, you already are that person, you just haven't peeled off enough layers yet!" (I'm definitely paraphrasing here a bit, but you get the idea.)

At the end of Mass, the Franciscan Volunteer Ministers (who have become our great friends this week) gave each of us a Tau Cross (a symbol of Franciscans) to remind us of our time at the Inn. We are forever changed by our experiences here and we are blessed to have this small reminder of the special times we have shared together.

The St. Francis Inn is like no other place on this earth. I highly suggest everyone take some time to serve a meal or two next time you are in Philadelphia. But be warned, those who serve at the St. Francis Inn on a "temporary" basis find themselves still there twenty years later. It's love in action, that's for sure...and who would want to walk away from that?

ASB: It's Great For Lent!

Last night in Sonia's Video Blog, she mentioned that during the season of Lent she was focusing on saying positive things about others. Her comment about Lent reminded me of our first experience of Tomato Pie this week at the Inn. Apparently, Tomato Pie is quite a delicacy in the Philadelphia area, and since it has no meat in it, it is "Great for Lent!" as the sticker says on the box.

In the past week, we have watched these 8 wonderful students go through a journey of recognizing the face of Christ in everyone they meet...no matter what that person looks like, smells like, or acts like. It was amazing to watch each student throw their entire being into helping "the other." In this time of Lent, and especially as we hear the Year A readings, we recognize the importance of transformation and conversion. Our students at Buff State have begun their own conversion process during our time in Philly, some in small ways and some in big ways. They all have walked away from the well and proclaimed the greatness of Jesus the Messiah. So, just as the Tomato Pie is a great delicacy during the Lenten Season, so ASB is also a great process for Lent. Bill and I want each student to know that we are so proud of you and we were so honored to walk with this journey with you.

Thank You St. Francis Inn!

As we leave Philadelphia we realize that we owe a huge thank you to all the staff at the St. Francis Inn. Everyone was great with us and helped us learn the ins and outs of all the ministries here in Philadelphia. We have been truly blessed by your witness of love and service. So, here is our little way of saying thanks!

Our Last Day of Service in Philly

Today was our last day at the St. Francis Inn. It was another full day...full of hard work, full of laughs and full of love. Hats off to the students, even though we were worn out and didn't have much energy left, we pulled together and had another successful day, followed by some great reflection time. During our reflection we heard the reading of the Transfiguration and we talked about the importance of coming down from our mountain to bring the joy of this experience into the valley. We also talked about "tools" that we have in our "backpacks" that will help us transition back into life in Buffalo.

One of those tools was this reading by St. Francis. The following reading can be our vision for coming back to the valley of Buffalo:

Swift to forgive, slow to grow angry, free in nature, remarkable in memory, subtle in discussing, careful in choices, Francis was simple in everything! Strict with himself, kind with others, he was discerning in everything! Because he was very humble, he showed meekness to all people, and duly adapted himself to behavior of all. Holy among the holy, among sinner he was like one of them.

-A Selection form The Life of St. Francis by Thomas of Celano

Here are our last two video blogs...Sonia and Liz!

A Campus Minister's Reflection

Here is Bill Vaughan, my partner in Campus Ministry sharing his own thoughts about our week of service.

Walking the Streets of Kensginton

Today, one of our Inn Workers, Bernie, took our students on a tour of the neighborhood of Kensington. The video follows. Please note, this shows the real-life streets of Philadelphia and includes references to drugs and to crime.

Flip, Flip, Flipadelphia: An FVM Moment

Claire, one of the FVM's at the Inn has entertained us all week with her simple joy. Here's a little clip of one of her finer moments. For all of you who don't know Claire, she's the one that begins, "Flip, Flip, Flipadelphia!"

Seeing with New Eyes

All throughout our week, the students have begun to see a new world. A world where poverty, brokenness and pain are found around every corner. However, at the same time, they have discovered much joy from the very people they have helped. Tonight, we reflected on the importance of remembering this vision of poverty and joy that we have experienced this week. If we continue see with the eyes of Christ, as we have done all this week, then we can begin to achieve that daily joy we all hope to both have and share with the rest of the world.

Here are Eddie and Elise as they share with us their own experiences in the past couple of days.

A Rita's Moment

One wonderful thing about the Mid-Atlantic area is the fabulous Rita's Water Ice. After our evening with the migrants, we surprised the ASB group with a Rita's Run. Here are a few pictures of the fun we had!

These two guys patiently helped our rather large and loud group! Perfect water ice, boys!

A Night With the Migrants

On Wednesday Night we travelled to Delaware Park in Delaware to spend an evening with migrant workers from South America. These workers take care of all the horses used in the races for the track. They live in tight living quarters with very little compensation. What little money they do make they send home to their families.

Here are Andy and Liz telling us a little about Delaware Park:

We had a wonderful Mass celebrated by Fr. Chris Posch, a Franciscan Friar of Holy Name Province. Fr. Chris has been working with migrant workers for years now and excels at bringing both spanish and english speaking communities together. Our Mass was in Spanglish and everyone was able to take something away from the evening. To top it all off, Lupita, a woman from St. Paul's in Wilmington, DE made us a fantastic authentic Mexican Meal. After the meal, we all came together and had a dance party...see the video below for our fun times!

Our students learned a lot today about how we are all created equal in God's eyes and how, no matter what language we speak or where we work or where we come from, we all have value in God's eyes.

Be Still

As we conclude our evening, I leave you with the song that our Spring Break Musicians composed this week. The spirit is great in our group, but please pray for us because we have a long way to go before we reach Buffalo again.

Life and Death in Camden, NJ

Today, Jess and Nathan spent some time in one of the poorest cities in our nation, Camden, NJ. Here are their initial reactions after their day!

And here is a video with Josh, an Franciscan Volunteer Minister from Camden, showing Jess and Nathan around Cramer Hill.

I'm on the Jenny "Crack" diet.

Today we went to work at the Woman's center affiliated with the St. Francis Inn. Sister Xavier drove us to the house on Kensington Ave where women can come and be in the company of those in the same situation as themselves. They discuss their recovery from drug addictions, their personal struggles, and listen to and joke with each other.  To sum up my experience, here is a letter I would write to one woman there:

Dear Shauna,

    I am so proud of you for overcoming the addictions that you have had.  I can't even break small habits like biting my nails, let alone the addictive grips of drugs such as crack. How strong you must be. I can't even fathom the struggles faced by you day in and day out. It's one thing to break an addiction and be able to seperate yourself from what you were addicted to, but you live in an area where you could find it everywhere you go. 

     This week we came to try and help out. But how can I help someone who has surpassed what I could see myself doing myself? You have taken yourself out of the depths of poverty and into your personally bought and furnished apartment. Here you will be able to provide a life for your daughter where she can live safe and secure. You care for her as much as my mother cares for me and for this reason I know that your daughter is in great hands. 

    I know you joked around about your size and how you have gained so much weight since you have gone off of the Jenny "crack" diet, but I think that given the reasoning for your gaining weight, you are your most beautiful self now.

In the words posted on the wall, keep on keeping on.

                                                                                               Take care, 

                                                                                               Sonia 

P.s. Thanks for the dancing lessons! I will keep this song in mind for future dance parties:

Straight Creepin'

We found this sign posted on an upscale Thrift Store on South Street in downtown Philly only blocks away from the Inn where we serve. At first I laughed because I thought it was such a ridiculous sign, but after just one day at the Inn, this sign sets a far different tone on my heart. How many times do I see a "shady" person and clench my purse a littler tighter? This week God's been flippin my world upside down. Before the trip I had been praying that God would give me a servant's heart so Jesus' love would shine through me, but as God always does, He takes what we expect, turns it inside out, and reveals the unexpected. As it turns out, God wants us to see His face through the people we serve and as the Friars have been preaching, even the people we don't even want to like...

Last night I read this quote in my devotional and feel that it coincides perfectly with how God is moving. Funny how God plans that, huh? 

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;

I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey

I asked for health that I might do greater things;

I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy;

I was given poverty that I might be wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;

I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;

I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I had hoped for.

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am among all men, most richly blessed.

I believe my God is watching over all of us, and providing for us with His perfect and unfathomable plan. He wants us to care for and to depend on each other in the same way that He looks out for us and we desperately rely on Him. This week I have entered into the living metaphor of God's love.


<3 ,
Lizard


PS SOOO MANY FUNNY STORIEEESSS!!! (but this was a serious one) =P

Confirmation Anyone? (the sacrament, that is!)

Check out Nathan and why he decided to do Alternative Spring Break:

Seeing the Face of Christ in Everyone

Here is Andy in his one-on-one reflections from his service today. He speaks quite eloquently about the his first impressions of Franciscan life and how the group is beginning to grow through this experience of service. Watch this video! It's a keeper!

And just in case you were worried that we were not having enough fun...

St. Benedict's Thrift Store

Today, Jess and Liz worked at the St. Benedict's Thrift Store. Here's a little snippet about what the thrift store is all about!

Okay Ghandi!

Hello there! My name is Elise and volunteering at the St. Francis Inn is fascinating! This morning, Nate, Joe, and I went to pick-up food. It was pretty awesome! The places we visited had the carts full of food all ready to go. I think it's so amazing how generous those stores are to donate food to the inn. If every single store did that, I doubt there would be a single hungry person on the street.

Before dinner, we all were helping organize toiletries and laughing as usual. There is never a dull moment with this group! We laugh all the time! Liz made everyone laugh today. Andy and Liz got into a toothpaste throwing fight and Julianne told Liz to clam down and Liz responded with, "The person who always retaliates gets in trouble!". Julianne said, "You have to turn the other cheek!". Liz said, "Okay Ghandi!"> Everyone laughed so hard, because God said that! Silly Liz!

Serving dinner was so much fun tonight! I really enjoyed serving the guests. I jumped into a few conversations with some guests and they were making me laugh so hard! I also loved seeing the guests share their food. That just amazes me that we help them and then they, in turn, help others as well. I love it!

Mass was held after dinner and Andy, Jess, Amy, Sonia, Liz, and I sang tonight and it was so much fun! I couldn't stop smiling! The chapel is so calming and relaxing and is such a great place to be. I'm looking forward to the rest of the week! Later gaters! (:

Strive First For the Kingdom of God!

The second full day of ASB was filled with lots of fun memories! In our reflection on Sunday night, we talked about the importance of living with intention. If we can strive towards the Kingdom of God then what we actually do need will be given to us tenfold.

Here are just a few photos from the day...

Liz and Amy doing something everyone at the Inn knows how to do...cut desserts!

Getting ready for our first meal...aprons on!

After the meal...it's Cheese Steak time at Pat's!

And finally, a special treat, former FVM, Chris Calderone taught us how to make fresh pasta! It was wonderful!

Our first group shot with our Special Guest, Chris!

Smile! Jesus is At the Door!

Today was the first full day of service at the Inn. Here is Amy VanTuyl, a sophomore at Buff State sharing her first day experiences.

And for our next installment of Why ASB, Sonia tells us why she decided to come back for another Alternative Spring Break.

The "Real" Philadelphia

We are going over to the Inn in about an hour for Mass and then to serve our first meal!

Here's a little reflection by Jess on why she wanted to do ASB and her own hopes for the trip.

You Gotta Risk It for the Biscuit!

Here are Amy and Elise in the first part of our flip series: Why ASB?

And here is Andy talking about his initial observations on coming to the Inn:

May God Open Our Hearts, Minds and Hands for Service

We are here! After making great time in our big silver van, singing lots of amazing tunes and last but not least, LOTS of sleep, we rolled up to the St. Francis Inn on the corner of Kensignton and Hagert Street.

Kelly, our fabulous host and also an amazing Franciscan Volunteer Minister, welcomed us with open arms and a beautiful smile. She gave us a great orientation to our house, the Inn and the way of life we would be living in this next week.

We got settled into our humble home quickly and made a wonderful dinner...full of laughs. We even got a special delivery from Br. Xavier...fresh strawberries and bananas for dessert! We feel perfectly at home and very happy to be here.

This evening, we had our first reflection session where we got to hear the story of St. Francis and reflected on Matthew 25:40. During this time, we were able to share our fears and hopes for the week. The prayer culminated in the anointing of our hands, head and heart for service. Our prayer was simple, "God, open our hearts for service this week."

We are looking forward to starting our time of service at the Inn. Please pray for those we will serve tomorrow!

And we're off!

We are on our way to Philadelphia, PA. As we leave, we pray that we can be light for so many who live in darkness this week. Here is a prayer by Muhammad from Prayer Without Borders: Celebrating Global Wisdom, published by Catholic Relief Services.

O God! Grant me Light in my heart, Light in my grave,

Light in front of me, Light behind me,

Light on my right, Light on my left,

Light above me, Light below me,

Light in my ears, Light in my eyes,

Light on my skin, Light in my hair,

Light within my flesh, Light in my blood, Light in my bones.

O God! Increase my light everywhere.

O God! Grant me Light in my heart,

Light on my tongue, Light in my eyes, Light in my ears,

Light on my right, Light on my left,

Light above me, Light below me,

Light in front of me, Light behind me,

And light within my self.

Increase my Light.

-Muhammad

Facts About the Poor in Philadelphia

As we begin our journey this week, I thought it would be enlightening to know a little bit more about the people we will be serving this week. These statistics are taken from an article I found here.

The numbers:

In 2010...

More than 29% of Philadelphia's First Congressional District (a mile away from the Liberty Bell) live in poverty.

Philadelphia is the poorest city among the country's Top Ten Largest Cities.

40% of the Children in the First Congressional District live in poverty (1 out of every 3 children are poor in Philadelphia).

For more information read the Article on Worker's World and do you own research. The St. Francis Inn serves a much needed purpose in Kensington. We look forward to working with and serving those who need it the most in the coming week!

We Find God In All Things

"I Saw Jesus Today"

I saw Jesus on the train today. He had worked a long shift, his coveralls a patchwork of sweat and grime; yet he joked with a coworker in the adjacent seat. I saw Jesus awhile later, as the crowd filed onto the stairs to the street below—he was a young girl with two small children in tow, her nerves clearly frayed. And then, in the grocery store, there was Jesus again, a check-out clerk who smiled and wished me a good evening. The next time I saw him, he was stuck in traffic, his business suit rumpled and his eyes weary. And when I walked by my neighbor's house, Jesus sat on the front step, passing the time with a friend.

When Jesus came to share our human existence, he changed what it means to be ordinary people going through the day. Each one of us has a purpose and a place in the world. Each of us experiences pain, fatigue, humor, and hope. If we look more intently at the people we encounter on a typical day, we will see who they truly are—persons loved by God. Regardless of appearance or situation, the woman, man, or child before you is brimming with holy possibility. Consider that you are gazing into the eyes of God. Understand that Jesus comes to you in many faces and places.
  
Vinita Hampton Wright,
http://www.loyolapress.com/ignatian-spirituality-finding-god-in-all-things.htm

St. Francis Inn Video

Here's a video of where we will be serving next week.  For more info on the Inn, go to: www.stfrancisinn.org.

St. Francis Inn Video

Just a few days until we depart

2 days left until we leave for Philadelphia!  Please remember our team in your prayers on Saturday and during next week.  Check back often as we will be updating every day with videos, pictures, stories, and more!