I have been to The Dwelling Place three times and have yet to take any pictures of the shelter or the women. However, on my most recent visit to the residence, after I served the women their dinner, I sat at one of the tables to chat with some of them.
This was the single best thing I have done during my time there. Usually, I just stand off to the side after I have finished serving them and watch as the women are eating without interacting with them. This has been an error on my part.
As I sat at the table I began to talk to “Dorca,” she was very talkative and was in good spirits. She began to tell me how lucky she was to have found the nuns and this shelter because she had heard all the bad things that happen in the city run shelters and was afraid to go there.
We ended up talking about a variety of topics such as music, Puerto Rico (she is Puertorican), her family and what she does to stay positive. I knew though, that if I wanted to really know “Dorca” I would need to have a lot more than half an hour with her.
She asked me if I was a volunteer at the shelter. I told her that I was yet also had another purpose. I proceeded to tell her about the Feit Seminar Class and my work so far. She was curious and interested to know more.
I asked her if she would like to meet with me outside of the shelter so that we could have more time to talk. She agreed and we are meeting this coming Wednesday Nov. 26. I am very excited and hope that I can really get to know her story. I will prepare some preliminary questions to ask her in order to get us started with a conversation – though I have every intention to just let the conversation flow and see where it takes us. I will also take some pictures of her and see if she is comfortable with this as well.
Sister Margaret called me yesterday and asked me if I would be willing to volunteer for Thanksgiving Day to help set -up and serve the meal to the ladies. I agreed and hope this will be a good opportunity to take pictures!
On my next posting I hope to post some images! Let’s see….