Thinking back on my service year in Chicago, there are a lot of different places I have encountered God but the one that sticks out in my mind the most is in my clients and coworkers at Catholic Charities. Working in an office where I am the only White person in the office, let alone the neighborhood, was quite the eye opening experience at first but once I got to know the staff and residents, I was pleasantly surprised by their openness and welcoming personalities. Their lives are filled with struggles, difficulties, and hardships but one thing is extremely strong: their faith. The staff of Jadonal E. Ford Center of Catholic Charities is the most faithful group of people I have ever met and I feel so blessed to be a part of this group during my time in Chicago. From prayer every Monday at noon to listening to Ms. Parker’s radio playing Inspiration 1390 all day, I have grown in my faith and seen God surrounding our office and each worker. Ms. Tyson and Ms. Parker are two of the full time case managers who have God shine from them every day. They inspired me to work harder, pray longer, and love each of my client’s I met. Ms. Tyson taught me how to process tough situations and love each client for who they are and not what they are going through at the time. Ms. Parker taught me how to keep my head up and overcome stressful times. I am incredibly thankful for these two strong women in addition to the many others that work in my office.
When I think about all of the client’s I have met and intake this year, a number of them stick out in my mind for different reasons. There was Betina who is a single mom with three other children and was pregnant with a high risk fetus that had intestines growing on the outside of the body and water behind the brain. Then there was Debbie, a 42 year old white mom, who just gave birth to her 9th kid and has the strongest faith I have ever seen. I have been in some of the best houses and some of the worst houses in the area and my experience with each client is unique. I have been challenged, loved, appreciated, and shut out. I have experienced so much this year and I have God to thank for it all. These client’s have taught me more than they will ever know but the most important thing is that God is in their lives and will continue to guide them through their good times and bad. I will never forget the home visit I did around Christmas when I delivered presents to a family and as I was leaving, the mom said, “Have a blessed holiday Ms. Moretti.” The phrase caught me off guard at first but I have found myself using it more and more often since this experience. God has blessed me with these people and I love Him for bringing them into my life.
Chicago Fact: A couple of times this year we have travelled to Hyde Park, a neighborhood near downtown, where an Augustinian community lives to have dinner and share some great times. Most of these Augustinians are in the seminary and some of them are leaving next year to travel. Brother Craig, who lived at the community this year, is currently doing a pastoral year in Durban, South Africa. So excitingly, I will be joining him there in January which will be very nice to have a familiar face in an unfamiliar place.
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