It was not until I was at Maggie’s Place that I truly understood Divine Providence. I had the privilege to be a MissionCorps member at The Magdalene House in 2009, right after the house fire occurred, living in a convent that we affectionately called the “Magvent.” Each day, after Morning and Evening Prayer, we would…
Death and life, destruction and renewal, pain and growth. We all experience these dichotomous but connected realities, but they are especially present in life at Maggie’s Place. By our very mission, we are a place of birth, new life growing and coming into the world. But our homes have purpose only because of the need…
I will never forget the first time I bit into a piece of homemade bread. I don’t remember where I was or who I was with, but I can vividly remember the soft and spongy texture, the subtle salty sweet flavor, and the warmth inside my mouth. I remember feeling shocked at how flavorful it…
Transitions are a constant part of life, especially at Maggie’s Place. If you are like me, you probably have a bittersweet relationship with change. On the one hand, change brings unexplored adventures, opportunities and relationships; on the other hand, it brings different challenges, struggles and sorrow. Change can be exciting, refreshing and absolutely terrifying, all…
On Sunday I heard a beautiful sermon about the woman at the well and her encounter with the living God. I will turn 51 before I leave Maggie’s Place. I’ve spent this year of service also praying for my future husband. Unlike the woman at the well, I’ve never been married, but I can relate…
When I was a tween I was obsessed with celebrities. I had pictures of my favorites all over my walls and could tell you a million factoids about all their lives. I idolized them because I wanted to be just like them: famous, attractive, important and rich. A few years later my focus had shifted…
Merriam-Webster’s simple definition of generosity: The quality of being kind, understanding, and not selfish: the quality of being generous; especially: willingness to give money and other valuable things to others. One of the most wonderful things to me about Maggie’s Place is the generosity of our donors and volunteers. I continue to be blown away…
“Last night was the first time I had ever blown out my own birthday candles or had birthday cake,” she said casually. “My mom was an alcoholic so, I guess she just forgot most of the time.” Birthday cake. Something I never thought of as a luxury. These are the words of a woman I…
Over the course of the day, I’ve had so many different emotions ranging from excitement and happiness to sadness, guilt and selfishness. An interesting day to say the least! I’m truly missing home since I just moved across the country to become a MissionCorps member at Maggie’s Place. All good stuff happened today. I had…
I bustled around the kitchen from pan to pan, stirring this one then that, checking the numerous dishes in the oven. I was expecting company, and I wanted everything to be just so. Though it was August, I was single handedly preparing a full Thanksgiving feast at The Hannah House for 10 of my newest…