During St. Bonaventure’s fall break, I did not go home. Instead, I spent my break at St. Francis Inn serving those who do not have the food resources that we do. It was truly an eye-opening experience for me (Photo #1).
St. Francis Inn is located in Kensington, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (my home state!). Kensington is a vulnerable area in terms of drug use. The Inn is twice the size of the Warming House in downtown Olean, New York. It is run differently from the Warming House.
They strive for a restaurant-style kind of soup kitchen where they have servers, bussers, resetters, and dishwashers. They had volunteers scooping food and refilling drinks, as well as some of us in the yard, either giving bread away, giving tickets, or managing the bathrooms.
I had worked in the yard for most of the time. I was able to connect with a guest named Richard. He is a very kind gentleman and a Dallas Cowboys fan. He is in his 70s but looks great for his age! He was sad to see me leave, though.
On Monday, he told me that I had better work in the yard again the next day so that he could say goodbye to me.
On Tuesday, he hugged me for the longest time I have ever hugged anyone. He told me that he hopes to see me again in the spring semester and to connect with him on Facebook. I almost started sobbing right then and there.
Aside from that, we went sightseeing on Saturday and Sunday after our work at the Inn was finished! On Saturday, we went to Philadelphia Magic Gardens, Navy vs. Temple at the Eagles stadium, and Pat’s to get Philly cheesesteaks. On Sunday, we went to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Reading Terminal Market.
Magic Gardens is not what I had initially expected at all. I was picturing an actual garden that had effects that made it look magical. Instead, it was a mosaic exhibit that merged a lot of different things together (Photo #2).
Navy vs. Temple was an experience like no other! I was taken back to my marching band time when I saw their marching bands playing in the stands (Photo #3).
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is where Rocky Balboa ran up the stairs in Rocky. We were able to run those stairs when we went there (Photo #4)! I was able to find a model mosque, and with the knowledge from Islamic Art and Architecture, I was able to pinpoint where it would potentially be located.
I absolutely loved my experience at the Inn! I am so happy to meet all the incredible people there, and I would never trade this opportunity for the world.”The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” – Mahatma Gandhi.
This quote is something I strive to live by when I can.
Photo #1
Photo #2
Photo #3
Photo #4