My story began four years ago. Our bus departed into the dark January night, seats full of shower deprived college students beginning the dreaded overnight journey back from the annual March for Life in Washington D.C. It was my third time making the trip, but this one was different. Before our bus driver kicked it…
sis•ter•hood ˈsistərˌho͝od/ noun 1. the relationship between sisters. 2. an association, society, or community of women linked by a common interest, religion, or trade. I don’t know what I’d do without my sister. We are separated by six years in age but our souls are much closer than that. I’m the oldest but for many…
Dear Elizabeth House Moms, My name is Jennifer. I used to live here at this house for a year. I had my daughter Ava just the day after Christmas. And let me tell you, it was the happiest time in my life. I miss those day a lot! I want you to know that when…
If living in the Maggie’s Place community teaches you anything, it teaches you a thing or two about women. I’ve been reflecting on this because, well, at present our house is home to eleven women. (Though the three baby gentlemen also deserve a shout out.) Here’s a few thoughts on the genius that is femininity.…
Everyone’s life is messy in some way. Lives at Maggie’s Place are frequently messier than average. Our moms are pregnant, homeless, and often scared and alone. Many have been abused or struggled with an addiction. They are working hard to accomplish goals like earning a GED, getting a job, and maintaining their sobriety while carrying…
I can’t help at this time of year but to be reminded of the journey that Mary had to take to get to a safe place to have her baby. She traveled the streets of Bethlehem to find someplace that had space for her to lay her head, a place that was clean and secure. I…
I want to give a shout out to all the MissionCorps, past, present and future. When I was your age, a year of service was the furthest thing from my mind. I was a single mom at that time in my life so I naturally relate to our moms. My year at Maggie’s Place is…
“The smallest thing when done for the love of God is priceless” ~ St. Teresa of Avila It’s been a glorious two and a half months at Maggie’s Place and I am still in awe. I wake up every day with a sense of peace and pride to be an integral part of this delightful…
Waiting is the worst. Waiting for a green light, waiting for the coffeepot, waiting for a bad haircut to grow out. Waiting for a husband, waiting for direction, waiting for the next Masterpiece Mystery to air on PBS. And then there’s the kind of waiting all mothers know. Nine months of it to be exact.…
A few years ago I was on a mission trip to a remote part of Honduras and was struck by the beauty of simplicity. The people I encountered had a joy that came from the bonds of community, the beauty of their surroundings and a deep faith in Christ, despite their material limitations. Encountering different…