Little pumpkins.

 Happy Fall, friends.

I hope that you’re all taking time to savor the changing leaves and the crisp air of autumn (if you are somewhere where this is occurring, that is). I do love this season! The mornings here are a bit chillier than I’m used to at this time of year, but the days have been turning out to be pretty gorgeous. Yesterday, my house went pumpkin picking at a place called Sauvie Island here in Portland. I had a caramel apple—well worth the $3—and chose a few great pumpkins for carving and pie-making. It was an absolutely beautiful day; the sun was out, the place was full of families and cute kids, and a few of us bravely snuck into the corn maze because we were unwilling to pay, so that was fairly amusing. All in all, a successful fall adventure, as you’ll see in the pictures. We do love having our photo taken, you know. But, as usual, we’re short one! Jenna missed out on this particular outing.

This past week has been pretty crazy! The weekend before last, I caught up with two friends (separately); first, Tim and I met up at a gigantic used book sale, where I found a few very reasonably priced treasures. We then headed to Southwest to find a place to eat. After wandering around for a bit, we were verging on that exhausted, apathetic, moody phase when we stumbled upon the perfect Thai restaurant. My red pumpkin curry dish was absolutely wonderful, and Tim was generous enough to pick up the bill. It was great to see him and it was very nice of him to treat!

After that, I actually met up with another friend, Stephen, and Jenna joined me in having dinner with him and a few of his friends from med school in Arizona. They were in town to run the marathon on Sunday, and I brought Jenna along to ask them all sorts of med school questions as she is in the midst of that application and interview process. It was a really nice evening. The next day, despite the pouring rain, Jenna and I dragged ourselves out of bed and into the rain to watch Stephen & Co. in the big race. We cheered so loudly we almost lost our voices. A few hours later, when slow runners and the walkers were still going, we were joined by Jillian, Lindsay, and Linds and we five handed out water to the marathoners—a first for me, and a fun experience. I love the adrenaline of race day, and the event actually made me consider training for a marathon at some point. We’ll see about that. I might not be cut out for that, but I’ll surely do another half-marathon in the near future! (Ahem. Molls!)

.

Handing out water at the marathon. The sun came out!

That day, we actually had to head straight home because Anthony, our Area Director for JVCNW, was arriving at our house to begin his first of two area visits throughout this year. Anthony has been with us for eight days (today is his last) and has been interacting with and observing us as a community. He talked with each of us individually, something I found really helpful. He also facilitated some discussions between each of us and our respective supervisors. I realized once again how lucky I am to have Sandra and Barbara, two incredibly supportive supervisors. I feel incredibly comfortable with them, and they’re really affirming but also willing to tell me what I can do better. It was a good meeting. Anthony also facilitated a Spirituality Night with our community, something that we need to get better at doing regularly. It’s the goal of JVC that we do both a Community Night and a Spirituality Night each week, but we’re alternating so that we do one of those two every week. I’m excited to try more Spirituality Night activities because we’re naturally much better at Community Nights.

So we snuck into the Corn Maze. Judge all you want.

This past week was also the busiest week yet at work. In three days, we had two dental van clinics, one Legal Aid clinic, and an energy outreach marathon at EPH. We processed over thirty applications for energy assistance at our little office last Friday, and I was “in charge” of the whole event. I feel like it went really well, and I’m very happy with our results because we exceeded my expectations in terms of how many clients we helped. We also spent about $6000 too much, soooo we’re looking into remedying that. Today, Sandra and I called our “dear friends at the County” (her words) to ask about covering our negative balance. It shouldn’t be a problem because we’re getting more money eventually anyway, but we just don’t know when. How about, like, yesterday? Ha. All in all, the day went really smoothly, but I was absolutely DRAINED at the end of it all.

The Legal Aid clinic also went pretty well, although it’s always sort of frustrating because the lawyers can’t take cases for people who aren’t citizens or legal residents. This includes a lot of our clients. They can, however, come to our office for these monthly clinics and give our clients some much-needed legal counsel, a service that I still consider to be worthy of their efforts and time. I think we all wish that more could be offered.

This is a common theme, as I also came to realize today during the dental clinic. I actually got to do some translating (thought of you, Mom! Abre la boca!) for patients who were getting fillings and extractions, the only two things that really happen on the dental van. The problem is that some of the problems have progressed too much, and in certain cases the decay has reached the nerve, necessitating a root canal, a procedure that is absolutely out of the price range for many of my uninsured clients. So, I have to tell them that their options are to try to save the tooth and search for some sort of discount on the root canal (slim pickings) or they can have the tooth pulled and be relieved of discomfort but also probably miss that chewing tooth a bit. They’re literally not given any other choices, and many of them choose to “sacarlo” (pull ‘er out!) but that’s a choice made out of desperation—AKA not a choice at all—and that’s what bothers me.

This of course is not an issue exclusive to those I work with; plenty of people in this nation and in this world lack access to medical and dental care and/or insurance. What are we going to do about this? The issue is enormous and recent politics haven’t seemed to result in any viable solution. I continue to struggle with the fact that the systems and structures in this country are just plain inaccessible to so many people. In the meantime, as my community discussed last night, we must continue to do “band-aid” or charity work; there are problems that we can help with or heal, at least for the time being, in the immediate present, and that IS important and essential while we continue to look for a more permanent fix. Sometimes it seems like what we’re all doing is so small—after all, I can help someone with their light bill, but they’ll just get another one in a few months and they’ll be struggling to pay that one at that time—but the alternative (just don’t do anything) is simply not an option, now is it?

Thanks, Gustavo.

There were two definite highs of my week, and neither of them relate directly to my work. First, one of my clients (Gustavo) brought me a pair of moccasin slippers that fit just right. I told him that I absolutely loved them—and I need them because our house is SO COLD!—but I insisted upon paying him (how, I’m not sure) the $20 that he normally charges for these pretty little creations. He told me that they’re a gift, but I said that it’s only right that I pay him for his work. His response was, “You don’t get paid!” which, although a valid point, seems irrelevant to me when I know quite well that he doesn’t make a whole lot of money either (read: almost nothing). Now, I’m wondering if it’s in fact insulting to insist upon paying him when he was trying to offer me a gift? I talked to my community a bit about this, and some of them suggested that I should graciously accept the slippers without paying Gustavo because that puts us on equal footing: I offer him a service and he offers me this product of his handiwork. That makes us friends, equals, humans on the same plane whereas my insisting on paying him sort of keeps our “power” differential intact, that is, I am still the one who provides for him—energy assistance or fair compensation for a job well done—and he can never do anything to even things out. Thoughts? Anyway, the slippers are absolutely wonderful. See photo.

Daniel!

The other “high” of the week was the MINE RESCUE IN CHILE!!! Praise be to God! Last Wednesday was an absolutely beautiful, beautiful day. The first miner I saw rescued was the thirteenth or fourteenth, and I started crying on the elliptical at the gym. I proceeded to spend most of the day watching the live coverage on my computer at work (on mute) and tearing up each time they pulled another miner out. I’ve never connected with anything on the news in such a deep and real way before—I probably cried half a dozen times! The women, who had all gotten their hair and make-up done for the event, and the children, who cried and cried when their daddys emerged from the darkness in the Phoenix, and the rescuers, who bravely went down into the mine to save each of the thirty-three men, one at a time… it was all too much for me. The national pride was beautiful. The composure of these tough and humble men was astounding. The sense of community that I felt, not just from Camp Hope but across the whole world, was marvelous. It made my day, and I beamed when my mom texted me in the middle of Youth Group to tell me that the last rescuer had been pulled out—every single one of them, safe and sound, finally free after their 69-day ordeal. If that’s not a miracle, I’m not sure what is.

After a busy, busy week, I was excited for our potluck on Friday. We hosted a little dinner event for our support people (MaryAnn made two incredible pies: a rhubarb one and a peanut butter custard that was to die for). It was wonderful to have them all at our house because we rarely get a chance to return some of the generosity and support we get from them. Having Anthony at our house has been less stressful than all of us thought it might be. He’s a pretty easygoing and understanding guy, and we’ve all been so busy going about our business that we almost feel like he wasn’t even around! Of course, we have spent time with him, playing Bananagrams, chatting around the table two hours after dinner, and choosing the perfect pumpkin. It’s been a good area visit, and tonight he wraps things up by chatting with us about things he thinks we’re doing well and areas for growth for our community. This Friday, we are all off of work and partaking in a retreat through Monday afternoon, so we’ll be seeing him again soon. I’m really looking forward to a short work week, a get-away, the chance to see some other JVs (Beth!!), and just catch up on some R&R with my community. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Aside from retreat, other up and coming excitement:

Sufjan Stevens concert (the one that cost me ½ of my September money… and I have no qualms about that!): Oct. 29^th

Halloween parties with St. Henry’s and Morris House (I wish I could tell you what we’re dressing up as, but you’ll have to wait patiently): Oct. 30^th

And, in November: dinner with the Jesuits, Thanksgiving, various birthdays—including mine!—and a teeny trip to Spain to see Brittany!!  

Good things, good things. I wish you all the same!

Amanda

Happy October!

It's been too long!

How are you, friends? First of all, I apologize for my slacking as of late. Somehow, I have become incredibly busy. The last couple of weeks have been full of hectic workdays, delicious dinners, and many beautiful moments. I’ll try to walk you through the highlights without getting too wordy. Actually, that’s not very likely. There’s lots to report! Mainly weekend events. So, here we go:

My window makes me smile. 

I should back up a bit, to the weekend before this past one. I mentioned that I did Race for the Cure with people from my office, and I want to say thank you one more time to those of you who donated toward the cause. I was surprised at how emotional I got at the event. There were a lot of survivors there, wearing pink and crossing the finish line in a special lane, smiling proudly. There were also plenty of people walking or running in memory or in honor of someone who has battled breast cancer. This Race for the Cure is the largest on the West Coast, and there were TONS of people; it is truly incredible how many of us have been affected by cancer in some way. I teared up a number of times when I saw people’s t-shirts and banners, many of which bore photos of loved ones who lost their lives to this disease. The event was, for me, a mix of sadness and nostalgia but also an inspiring display of strength and community. I enjoyed walking it with the people from my office and chatting a bit with them, though I’m used to running these sorts of things so it felt a bit strange to take so much longer to complete the course. It did allow for more people-watching, though, and I think the best sight of all was a poodle…dyed pink! I definitely admired the spirit of some of the participants.

After Race for the Cure, which was on Sunday the 19^th, I hung around Portland for quite awhile. I met up with Lizzie for a bit, and we had an amazing chat together and treated ourselves to our first lunch “out” ($6 sandwiches). I savored every bite! We also walked around Powell’s, my “mother ship” (Lindsay P’s phrase) and very much enjoyed the opportunity to burn three hours there. I chatted with Molls, and by the time I met up with a few of my housemates for the 7pm Contemplative Mass at St. Ignatius, I was both exhausted and full of gratitude for the great, full day. The Mass itself was pretty cool—standard Catholic Liturgy, but without some of the extra frills. The lack of a procession made for a more meditative setting, and I liked the stripped-down celebration as it allowed me to just get in a reflective zone for an hour or so. I think some of the pomp and circumstance of Mass is sometimes intimidating to people, and I know that at least one of my housemates who was there with me found this Mass much more accessible. We’ll be back, I’m sure, and we have dinner plans with the Jesuits who live down the street! Also, my Spiritual Director, Joyce, who is amazing, lives in the same vicinity.

See, I find this creepy.

Fast forward through the work week (it was fine). The following weekend was Gresham’s Teddy Bear parade (freaky, actually—teddy bears on the front grills of giant trucks isn’t so much “cute” as it is frightening) as well as Polish Fest, which was free. I made appearances at both and found them each mildly entertaining. Jenna and I also made a visit to Morris House, where we were fed a yummy dinner (such hospitality!) and got a chance to take a tour and chat with some of the people from that community. We’re still all getting to know each other, but I like interacting with the people from the other area communities, so that was a nice way to spend the evening. 

Awesome women in the rain at One Spirit One Call.

On Sunday the 26^th, Lindsay and I attended an event called One Spirit, One Call, which I told some of you about. Basically, an 81-year-old woman in Ireland was infuriated and outraged by a recent Vatican revision to some documents, which put the ordination of women in the same sort of category (severity of sin-speaking) as pedophilia. This seems fairly apparently absurd and inappropriate to me, and there are many area women who feel the same way. The Catholic Church has always been extremely uncomfortable with the idea of women as priests, although there’s no good reason why they shouldn’t be able to serve their parishes in this capacity. Although women are able to teach CCD and RCIA classes, coordinate parish picnics and Liturgical celebrations, and lead retreats, they are not allowed to celebrate the Sacraments—a phenomenon and a double-standard known by some, cleverly, as the “stained glass ceiling.” 

So anyway, this “prayerful public witness” (think Mass-ish meets protest-ish) was a response to this outrageous gesture of discrimination and oppression, and it was organized by women from the Northwest, specifically Portland. It consisted of singing, proclamation of the Word, women sharing their stories, interpretative dance (lost on me), and some community sharing as well. All in all, it was a neat event and I was happy to be part of it, though I’d be even happier if some real change were produced as a result. I think we have a ways to go in that uphill battle, but it’s always nice to know that others feel or think the same way. 

  

We returned home in time for dinner at Jim and Mary Ann’s (two of our support people), which was absolutely wonderful! I won’t say much more except that we consider ourselves absolutely spoiled by our amazing support people and we are so grateful for all of the hospitality, delicious food, and great local knowledge they possess. I will say that I tried mincemeat pie for the first time (not my favorite!) and that there was wine. And brie. And I was happy.

Lindsay and I enjoying a drink at Coffee Time.

We recognize that we are being blessed abundantly this year, and I think that one of the greatest graces of this year thus far has been the opportunity to witness generosity as I’ve never quite experienced it before. It’s strange to be on the receiving end of so much giving and not be able to give back in a material sort of way. I think this is an important lesson, though, and a two-pronged one: first, it’s important to be generous, but it’s also important to know how to receive generosity; in graciously accepting things that are truly unearned and seriously unnecessary, I am able to let someone else shine and I am humbled by the love of near-strangers even though they know they won’t be repaid. After all, we shouldn’t give love only when we know we’ll be repaid. I think the second lesson here is that I have to be creative in my “giving.” This year, I can’t treat someone to dinner or coffee even though they treated me to something previously. I can’t buy expensive birthday or Christmas presents (sorry!). Instead, I have to think of ways to show the people in my life that I love them—creative ways that don’t cost a lot of money or rely on materialistic gestures. This calls for a re-examination of what it means to express love, and it draws me into a greater appreciation for the people who continually show me support and care although they know that I could never reciprocate that in exactly the same way. It’s not always about keeping tabs—this year, it can’t be!

Hard to read by candlelight!

In a spirit of abundance, my community tried something new last Tuesday: an energy fast. For one day, we used nothing (except our refrigerator) that needed electricity. I got ready in the morning by candlelight (NOT easy), ate in the dark, skipped my shower (the other option was a cold one), and went to bed incredibly early after realizing that I couldn’t read very well without the light on. I think this was a particularly useful experience for me because this is the reality that many of my clients face. As our busy energy assistance season gets going—and it has!—it’s important for me to be somewhat sensitized to the situation my clients are in. Granted, I could only get so close to their experience because ours was artificial and we couldn’t re-create the legitimate stress that they endure, not knowing if and when their heat or their lights will be turned back on. Still, this was definitely one way to get in touch with the role of technology and electricity in my life and to notice the ways that I can detach a bit from that on a more regular basis. 

Fasting, in general, always seems to do this; in “depriving” us of something, it also creates a space where that thing was. So, if we fast from swearing or offensive language, we have an opportunity to fill that space with thoughtful silence or affirming words. If we fast from junk food, we can fill that space instead with something healthy and nourishing. Similarly, if I fast from electricity and technology to a certain extent, I create a space for conversations and Bananagrams by candlelight with my community! This seems to be the whole point of simple living in general—and the reason that it shouldn’t be viewed as something that is merely depriving us. I’ve found myself being much more creative, much more relaxed, and much more reflective because I’m not filling every second with busyness. By emptying my world of certain things—TV, extensive involvement in consumerist culture, listening to music every time I’m in my room, and so on—I find new spaces for spontaneous conversations in the kitchen, long dinners, craft projects, exciting free events I might have otherwise overlooked, a deeper appreciation for simple things, and a greater valuing of people and relationships rather than material things. So, simple living is about “depriving” myself in a certain way; actually living on an $80 personal stipend is certainly part of the point. But an even bigger lesson for me is ideological, too: this realization that simple living can also GIVE me a whole lot.

Pretty amazing. The guy to the left was getting DOWN.

Speaking of free things: last week Thursday, I found myself experiencing pure bliss at ColdStone’s event, “the biggest ice cream social in the world,” where I got a FREE bowl of ice cream. DELICIOUS. Also, after that amazing experience, my housemates and I went to an event called Last Thursday, held every month on Alberta St., a trendy district I can only sort of compare with Madison or the east side of Milwaukee. But there were things that I would never have seen in either of those places because this was a genuine street fair, complete with “organic cotton candy,” flamethrowers, drag queens, and all sorts of other sensory overload. It was pretty interesting, to say the least. I got a beer for $1 and passed up all of the other hipster purchases that I probably could make myself if I really felt inspired. The best part, for me, was the people-watching… and the price tag (free!). This was Portland at its quintessential best.

The ladies of GSham with Karen at her house after dinner.

On Friday, one of my co-workers had us for dinner. Her name is Karen and, because the world is small, we recently figured out that her best friend (who lives in New Zealand) is my housemate Colleen’s aunt! Karen is 58, retired, a Chicago native but a very wise resource in terms of all things Portland, and an extremely active and culturally aware lady. She comes into EPH two afternoons each week to practice her Spanish and help us out, and it’s GREATLY appreciated because, these days, I simply can’t get anything done. I have a list a mile long of people I need to call and I just don’t get through it because the people walking in the door take precedence over that To Do list. When Karen’s there to help with making résumés or doing notarizations or energy assistance applications, I can actually get things done. She’s great, and it was so sweet of her to have us for dinner. Her two sons are grown and she really enjoyed having us all at her house; my housemates enjoyed her grilled shrimp and loved meeting her, and I was happy to share her! We’ve been so blessed with delicious dinners from people who are amazingly supportive of us and the work we do. We’re not an easy presence; in fact, we’re a bit overwhelming when you get us all together. What’s more, the Rooster (Daniel) couldn’t come to Karen’s, so we were one chatty bunch of women that evening. Her husband Dave handled it in stride (these men are amazing!).

I love Mt. Hood. What a beautiful day!!

My weekend continued to be absolutely wonderful despite the fact that I had no plans. On Saturday, I went on a hike with Daniel, Jenna, Colleen, and Lindsay. We went to the other side of Mt. Hood (and found sunshine!) and did a hike of 8 miles or so (not sure, actually) called Elk Meadows. After an uphill path led us through eight switchbacks, over some narrow dirt trails, and past beautiful mossy trees, we found ourselves gazing at a lovely meadow. The fall colors are just starting to peak out, so the landscape was sprinkled with spots of bright crimson, and it was a perfect clear, warm day. We were treated to the best view of Mt. Hood that I’ve seen yet (see picture), and we had such a good time. I was so grateful for my community that day because not all communities are up for spontaneous hikes. Part of the reason I wanted to be in the Northwest was because I envisioned this part of the country as a big breath of fresh air, and that’s exactly what Saturday was. We returned home for a lasagna dinner and a relaxing movie. Perfect.

Daredevil!

Finally: Sunday! I went to Mass with Lindsay at Downtown Chapel, a parish right in the middle of Portland that consists mostly of homeless or low-income people, many of whom struggle with addictions and other issues. They are a support and strength network for one another and the homily was definitely geared toward them but relevant for all of us, focusing mostly on persevering in hard times by depending on God and asking for even a small dose of faith. It was a really special experience and I hope to be back. We got lucky, actually, because it was their annual picnic day and so Lindsay and I, after a brief stop in Powell’s (I can’t NOT go), went to the picnic and feasted on some amazing food. We also saw Lizzie and other Mac House people there, so it worked out really well! I had a concert to get to (I’ll explain that soon), so I then took the bus to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall and enjoyed a beautiful show with the Oregon Symphony Orchestra and Hilary Hahn, a violin phenom I’ve seen once before (totally a fluke) with Josh Ritter. She is incredible and it was absolutely amazing to see her playing with the OSO because they put on a really great concert every time. 

As for how I found myself here: Fr. Don, a priest we met at our dinner with Jim and MaryAnn, had a ticket and was planning to go until he got sick. He and Linds, my housemate who has played violin for years and has been adoring Hilary Hahn for as long, had discussed the fact that they were both going to this concert. When Fr. Don got sick before the show, he called to see if Linds had purchased her ticket (she had already done so) or if anyone else in the house could use his since he wouldn’t be able to make it. I gladly stepped in, having no Sunday afternoon plans and knowing full well that Miss Hahn is spectacular. I found myself next to three strangers (Fr. Don’s friends), who were welcoming and sweet. I loved the show and the chance to sit and enjoy some beautiful music for an afternoon. How lucky am I?! Moreover, how generous are people?! No one should feel badly for us—we are incredibly taken care of here!

The "Schnitz." It's gorgeous inside! So is Hilary Hahn!

In general, less exciting news, I should tell you that the gym membership situation is up and running and we’re in a routine. I go in the mornings with Linds and Lindsay and am currently introducing both of them to weight training, which they’re really grateful for. I love my morning workouts, although it’s getting harder and harder to get up because it’s so much darker in the morning than it was at the same time just a month ago. Also, youth ministry is promising to be exciting. We had our opening night last Wednesday and celebrated Mass together. We didn’t break up into our small groups so I didn’t get time with my eighth-graders, but I did meet several of them (they seem wonderful). I kept flashing back to my youth ministry experience at St. Raphael’s and remembering all of the people who are still so important in my life. I realize that most of the kids I work with this year won’t remember what I teach them, just as I don’t remember too many specific Life Nights, but they will remember me if I am a relatable mentor for them. That’s an exciting opportunity. Lastly, I have been reading a ton of poetry this month and it’s really  making me happy. More importantly, I’m writing again after quite a dry spell, so that’s cool too. (If you want to see poems, let me know.) So, all is well. Community is good and I consider myself blessed to be a part of our household. We’re still getting to know each other, but I think we’re doing quite well.

I love you all. Thank you for reading all of this!!

Shout-outs:

Grandpa: you amaze me.

Mom: thank you for the dental supplies, on behalf of all of GSham.

Bee: happy ALMOST birthday!!!

Midnight Run: I thought of you on Miles for Meals day. I miss you all.

Catí: it was beautiful to talk to you tonight. You inspire me. Te quiero mucho, amiga.

Have a fabulous week!

Amanda

.