Two Sided Coin

Getting the opportunity to be a part of two service sites has been such an amazing gift that surprised me in my year of service.

At Francis House, God is present through those I am serving alongside. Everyone there is full of joy and cares so deeply for the residents. As I watch the caregivers and administrative staff care for and take care of the residents, I too also feel so well cared for by them. As I have taken on the role of caregiving the past few months, my perception of this year changed. I never knew how beautiful it would be to take care of people during their final time, and get to be the person they spend so much time with intimately.

As a part of the Assumption Food Pantry & Soup Kitchen, I was welcomed in with open arms. The volunteers at the food pantry and soup kitchen have such a genuine, funny, and loving manner. The conversations I have all day give me such joy, and definitely make the day one to look forward to. The stories that the volunteers tell bring so much laughter to the kitchen and pantry. Meeting various people makes me feel so integrated within the community. I have also gotten the chance to witness how the Friars work so diligently to create a warm space that cultivates empathy for the people that are being served.

My time at Francis House and Assumption Food Pantry & Soup Kitchen has given me two amazing opportunities to be a witness to two very different sites. In both I see God’s love radiate through.

After being at these service sites, I get to go home to be in community with Amanda and Karlie. Through our five months here in Syracuse we have gotten to see and experience so much together. It can be as adventurous as walking around New York City or the usual tasks of cooking Sunday brunch together. Both beautiful in their own ways. So far in my time in FrancisCorps my understanding of community has been about togetherness; getting to do this experience together. That could be the fun, crazy things, or going through the harder days. Learning to live this experience as a community, and then actually living it has been such a unique part of my life.

As I hit the halfway point of FrancisCorps, I am reflecting back on where I started and where I am now. How I have gotten to see so much within my service sites, and with living life with my community. I am very excited to see what the second half brings.

Categories: Volunteer Stories

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