Oh.

Before I left Addie sent me these words of wisdom, "I don't know if they re-invent us as much as they re-arrange us. And breathe new things in to us. I worry (that using re-invent) might make you view all that is inside of you, all that has happened to you, your past, your history, your memory, your love and life... might make you miss how solid and true all of that will be forever. ... Those versions will only re-arrange, shift, transform, grow deeper and more honest."

That was a much truer picture I think. Now to be here, after so much time, I am overwhelmed (in a non-negative way) at all of the newness, the sensory overload of sorts. It will take me time to begin to explain in this blog but some beginning thoughts I've been processing.

What does it mean to treat someone with dignity? What does it look like to accompany others toward empowerment? How can we create an environment that helps give people agency, helps them search for meaning, and space to express themselves?

I am humbled by the beauty of the people I've been interacting with, both guests to Dorothy's Place & Kitchen, other volunteers, other companions, the board. This is a community that is dwelling in both brokeness and beauty. One board member said, "working with the poor is a unique way to experience our humanity." There is a quote on the wall of my home, "as long as we are in the world the love that unites us will bring us suffering by our very contact with one another, because love is the resetting of a body of broken bones."