By Gwen Roussel

Service was an important pathway into community when I arrived in 2018. It has continued to be the way I stay connected to community. I met a few members through weekend visits before I retired. After I arrived and settled in, I began to look for opportunities.  My new daytime availability worked to my advantage.

I so clearly remember talking to Lois and Ted Stellern at a graduation party about helping with breakfast for the School of Spiritual Direction. Though it started early in the morning, it was the perfect avenue to get to know some of my new sisters while preparing, giving input, laughing, and sometimes working feverishly before we greeted the students ready for coffee and curious about the daily treats.

This was a learning experience in many ways, such as when my hard-boiled eggs turned out to be raw. I was amazed by Linda Molitor’s speed as she instantly began to scramble them.  She explained that, as the eldest of eight children, she had learned how to improvise from her youth.  No one was upset and it was great for me to experience all the positive attitudes.

I helped with InReach senior meals and discovered the enthusiasm and imagination of Anita McKie and Mona Hebert. Anita found the most interesting recipes, and her excitement wiped out all trepidation. I heard stories about Mona’s gift for stretching the number of servings as she described the many times she greeted unexpected dinner guests.  While I was in the process of gaining experience, they always found ways for me to help and make meaningful contributions.

I discovered humor to be a great ally with the surprises that invariably came with meal portioning. We were serving turkey, but the cook couldn’t carve up those birds as usual. I was so relieved when Marie Killips said she could come over and help. We burst out laughing when we discovered neither of us had ever carved a turkey. We giggled and laughed from start to finish and I resolved never to scrub my floor before an assembly again. This was also another example of the positive attitude of Alleluia members.

I learned again that personalities are fascinating when I joined the Special Events service team. Jesse French was new to me. He did a great job working with everyone to make sure the Christmas cookies and punch were ready after the school presentation that evening. It felt like we were moving at almost lightning speed at times. And clean up, true to Alleluia style, was finished in a New York heartbeat. Thankfully, Jesse caught my dry wit and let out such a laugh when I suggested he might want to step up the pace the next time.

I have experienced a wide variety of service opportunities. It’s true that I have not always left my home full of energy, but I always had a great time and left invigorated. If I was tired, it was a “good tired.” It has been such a pleasure to meet brothers and sisters I would not have otherwise come in contact with. It is great to catch up on happenings around the school and our community. Their generosity of time, ready prayer, hugs, humor, gratitude and acceptance have been uplifting.

I can truly say I am blessed.