Hello MVC community,

I’m writing this from my desk in Baltimore, at my service site at Marian House (long term transitional housing-recovery program). My nose is rosy and running from the bike ride to work this morning, my hands burning with the delicious warmth of inside. It’s the day after Thanksgiving, and I have so much to be grateful for. The sky is a dim, calming gray, and there’s still a few trees holding close their brilliant bouquets of scarlet and golden leaves. I grew up in the temperate rainforests of Oregon, so I am feeling grateful that the clouds and rain have finally returned. It’s been unseasonably hot and dry here in Baltimore, which I suppose is another normal to get used to in the face of the climate crisis. I’ve also been traveling across hemispheres for the last couple years and managed to enjoy three back-to-back summers, which was so lovely and a bit exhausting. I’m ready to lean into the slow coziness of winter, and to take more time to huddle up and rest – which is funny because I’m only a third of the way done with my year with MVC, so rest will have to remain relative for now.

Last night, I shared a lovely, home prepared Thanksgiving meal (my third of the week haha) with some of the residents and staff in my program here at the house. I’m supposed to be taking care of them, but really, they take care of me as I ‘m learning how I can best serve. After literally staying up all night cooking a huge feast for the residents, Miss Gwen, an alum of Marian House and “family friend” of the program told us how grateful she was for all of us, that she could show her adopted family of women in the program, their children, and us staff how much she cared about us. Hearing the meaningfulness that choked her words brought tears to my eyes, and so much warmth to my heart. I felt small in the magnitude of her love, but cherished.  

If there is one thing I’ve learned here in my year so far – well there’s a lot of things, but that’s for another time – it’s the gift and practice of humility. My clients and coworkers have survived so much, learned so much, have earned more than a bit of rest and pride in themselves and their work – and still, they show up to serve and learn with such selfless grace and quietly startling humility. I feel so privileged and grateful just to know them, to witness these beautiful people in this moment of their lives, doing the work that gives them purpose and meaning, and it’s an unspeakable gift to be witnessed by them in return. I’ve so much to learn from everyone here, and I look forward to showing up with them every day.

After dinner, I rushed over to the home of one of our community’s support people, the charming and quick to share a laugh John Mcloughlin, and his partner Eddy. Eddy’s family always visits them on Thanksgiving, and they all welcomed my community partner, Jerica, and I with warm, open smiles. They even did their homework on us by reading our MVC bios and came prepared with thoughtful questions about our lives. Before long we were snuggled up with their huge, gorgeous fur children, regaled in the sharing of their family legends – often interrupted with good-natured debate over the details of the precise time and place, and interspersed with whispered context and loving jabs. It happened so naturally, I almost didn’t notice how easily they invited us into their family, sharing their traditions and laughter like we too had been celebrating the holiday with them for decades.

Over a delicious meal, I shared how grateful I was that although I came to MVC and Baltimore alone, moving across the country from all of my family and friends, it’s never felt like I was doing this on my own. I’ve been continually embraced and welcomed by my community member Jerica, my local MVC support people, Janet and John and their wonderful families, the overflowing kind MVC staff, the generous and appreciative sisters in the community, the Mercy Justice Team, and my Marian House family, including my coworkers, the residents and their young children – all of whom make it known that I’m seen and cared for, that we’re all on the same journey and team, and that they’re here to catch and hold me tight should I stumble or grow weary.

So, this is just a very short account of some of the people, places, and moments I’m grateful for on this blessedly chilly and rainy November day. I knew no one here just three months ago, and this week I enjoyed no fewer than 5 lovingly prepared and intimately shared Thanksgiving meals. These past months haven’t been easy, but I am so blessed to be here learning to serve and care from people who have been practicing their whole lives.

Happy holidays y’all, try to embrace the dark and the cold this winter, rest up, put on a movie, lean into the cozy, drink warm drinks, share blankets, and snuggle up with people you love.

Peace and love,

Hunter

Hunter Grove: Baltimore, Maryland