I love the concept of making friends all over the country. Even if I discover nothing on this trip, which is impossible because I already feel like I’m learning and growing, it could have never been in vain because of all these new and great relationships I’ve formed. I say this because the Vine House is very young without a great history to expand on like many of the communities I’ve visited, but I do not consider my time spent here any less valuable because of the people I’ve met who live at the Vine House and attend San Antonio Mennonite. (And even people who don’t do either of those things).
The Vine House is a small group of six, five of which are in their mid-twenties. A group of four Trinity students started the Vine House after they graduated. They have since then invited three more people to live with them, one that didn’t work out and served as a learning experience. They have also experimented with having no leader, leader rotation, but now they just surrender to the tyranny of Elena. (Sarcasm).
I finally got some Texas weather down here, but I’m still holding a grudge. I just don’t get what this state has against me, but I did not come down here so I could see my breath and get soaked, I can do that in Spokane. But I did get to attend a real live Hootenanny, (which I contributed my voice to), have amazing tamales, and drink the best Bubble Tea of my life, so thank you for that Texas. (And Hannah, Dee, and Alex)
Today I visited the Catholic Worker here. I have never been to such a relational soup kitchen. The small size seems to have enabled the ability to create a trusting and chill environment. Everyone knew almost everyone we were serving except for me! I have never been to a soup kitchen where the workers knew the people they were serving by name in such a large percentage. It was a really cool experience. I was telling Jim how most of the time I’m always a little scared at soup kitchens, but that was not the case at San Antonio Catholic Worker. It was difficult to tell the workers from the people being served.
Sounds like you are having some great experiences. Keep writing. It will be something that benefits you as much as anyone else who reads it.
Thank you for the encouragement Dennis. I definitely agree with you. Documenting this trip has its own rewards. The fact that people actually read it is still crazy to me.