| The beginning. I was walking down a local creek singing. I felt altered transported you might say, I felt as if I was back in the time of Saint Francis, feeling as though I’d been touched by love for humanity different than previously felt. I was touched deeply by the experience and shared it with a dear friend acompanying me at the creek.
The next day was my first day to start to train at Haywood Street Respite. I arrived and we have a short daily worship among friends in the kitchen. I was asked to read the daily scripture it was Oct 5th. As I was reading I happened to look at the previous day, Oct 4th. It was the Feast day of Saint Francisco. I was so touched it felt like I’d been ushered into this church and its work by a miraculous experience.
As time went on I would come to know that Christ and Saint Francis we’re very palpably present in this ministry. I was moved to places of love, compassion and expanded understanding as I shared with all the friends and staff at this community/Church.
This ministry feels like the closest understanding and action of Christianity I have ever seen in America. I am so, so grateful for my time spent at Haywood Street. I feel as though I was given triple fold in abundance of experience, love and grace to what I was able to give. Thank you for this opportunity and I look forward to more time spent amongst this true community in every sense of the Word. |
