Happy Holidays

I’ve been living in DC for a few years now, but I’ve never truly felt at home here. The city has seemed so cold and unforgiving. But I now know, I was just looking in the wrong places.  This is my first Holiday Season with Calvary Women’s Services, and, as each day passes, I am more and more amazed by the kindness and generosity of others. And inspired by the spirit and resolve of the women we serve.

Two weeks ago we held Calvary’s annual Holiday Party. And in that room gathered the women of Calvary, staff, volunteers and donors- people from all over the country, from so many different backgrounds and various life experiences. Together we shared a meal, talked, laughed, and sang and danced along with holiday songs. Never has the spirit of Christmas, the spirit of giving, been clearer. That night, in the living room of Calvary Women’s Services, singing along to Jingle Bells and Silent Night, you could see the joy on the faces of the women; the camaraderie and thankfulness was palpable.

And just last week, we held our first Holiday Give Back event. And people from all over the DC area, people who had no connection to Calvary, people we had never met, took time out of their busy pre-Christmas schedules, and came in from the bitter cold with towels and sheets and pajamas and presents for the women.

I can’t even begin to imagine what it must feel like to experience homelessness, especially at Christmas. But, I am so thankful for the opportunity to give back. For the opportunity to work for Calvary.

**There will be no post this Friday due to the holiday- see you all next week!