House of Charity

Labor of Love
By S. Margaret Mach

S. Margaret Mach (front), with S. Monica Gundler, participated in the Nuns’ Build in New Orleans, La., in June.

I was at a meeting with Sister Monica Gundler in the early months of this year when she mentioned that a Nuns’ Build would take place in New Orleans, La., in June. Without hesitation I blurted out, “Sign me up. I’ll be there.” I left the meeting thinking my decision was a bit impulsive, and then I realized the Charity of Christ impels us. I truly felt a “call” to volunteer for this effort. I had no expectations, just a simple offering of my hands and my heart and openness to all I would experience. I am still reflecting on this experience and will continue to process the unfolding of it because it was rich in so many ways.

First, the House of Charity: It would not have been the same if I was off on my own. The House of Charity presented the opportunity to create a small community during the week with eight other women, some we did not know. Each morning we gathered in the chapel, calling on the intercession of Elizabeth, Louise, Vincent and Margaret, nourished with prayer for the work ahead. In the evening we gathered again to give thanks for the experience of the day, the people we met, and pray for the needs of the people in the region and all those who supported us. S. Renee Rose, DC, our gracious host, kept us well fed and was quick to see to all our needs. I felt a bond with all those I shared life with for that week, each person gracing me in a unique way. The simplicity of the living experience challenged me to reflect on the people who lost so much in Hurricane Katrina, yet nothing could compare to that. We shared sleeping space on air mattresses and lived out of our luggage – like an indoor camping experience.

Second, the work: All of us at the House of Charity were sent together to the same work site. On the first day all the volunteers met at the St. Bernard Project center for prayer with the archbishop. In his remarks he thanked us for bringing hope to people through our efforts. For me, this was truly a labor of love. It wasn’t simply about working on a house. It was about rebuilding a home so someone could move back after five years of displacement. Meeting the homeowner was an important way to put a human face on our labor. Darren shared his story of surviving Hurricane Katrina after an imprudent decision not to evacuate. In the heat and sweat we became skilled in mudding and sanding drywall and shimming windows. We worked hard, laughed much, shared stories and went home each night quite dirty and tired but satisfied with what we accomplished. Driving to and from the work site I saw so many houses still boarded up, or merely cement slabs where homes once stood.

Third, the people: We met so many wonderful people. Our site supervisor was a great teacher with the patience of an angel. The Nuns’ Build staff ran a very organized operation. I was struck with how grateful people were, even if they weren’t personally affected by our work. A group hosted an appreciation dinner one evening for all Nuns’ Build volunteers. I was humbled by this gratitude. A walk through the French Quarter reveals how eclectic New Orleans is and gave me a glimpse of its multicultural aspects. Daily news of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico tugged at my heartstrings, seeing people suffering from yet another disaster while still recovering from Hurricane Katrina. But I sensed a tenacious spirit. I heard many people remark, “I’ll never leave this place.”

I am richly blessed and feel I have received so much more than I have given.

 

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