Community News
by Carla Dawson
Dear friends and supporters,
I hope this article finds everyone counting his or her blessings. We at the DMCW have been greatly blessed this year. It has been a challenge to serve the needs of our guests, but just when we think a door has been closed, a window opens up. We have been called on to step up our efforts to stop a war, while still praying for the women and men who see war as an answer to our problems. IT’S NOT AN ANSWER.
Fr. Frank is back with us on a limited basis having been given the Guthrie Center and Panora parishes until Easter. He is sticking to a plan to cut out red meat and sweets. His weight is down, and he is back to swimming. His near-death experience has been a wake up call to many of us. Please keep him in your prayers.
Eddie got to take a much-deserved vacation over Thanksgiving to visit his family in Kentucky. Eddie is truly an inspiration to us all. He shows us on a daily basis what living out the Gospel call is all about. He is the cream of the crop.
Our newest community member, Brad Bates, (no relationship to Norman Bates) is a younger version of Eddie. He came to us having been in community before. He has made himself a valuable asset to our community. He has taken over the produce run and he is always willing to lend an ear. He frequently gives away his clothes and whatever else is needed to our guests.
Claire is a young lady with spunk. Not only did she graduate from high school early, live part of the year in Chiapas, join the DMCW, went to school full time at DMACC, she also worked at CHC and she did all this with a good attitude. What a lot she has accomplished in her short life span of 18 years. Claire, you are a daughter, sister and friend to be proud of.
Fran was a major contributor to the Feast of the Holy Innocents Retreat and Witness in Omaha in December. She is on shift nearly every day, picks up Patricia, and is a surrogate mom to Yusupha. She is planning an upcoming visit to Chiapas in February. Fran and Brad participated in the National March on Washington D.C. in January to protest war on Iraq.
Mike is our resident gentle giant. He is not a man of many words, but his presence is very much felt. He has been working a tremendous amount of hours at his job and still finds time to get in a few chess games.
Jackie is taking a much-needed break to visit friends in Missouri. She has been my anchor these last few years. She watches my sons when I go to school at night, works full time at IMMC, and helps out at the House after work. Not bad for a nearly 40-year-old woman. Thanks, Jackie, for keeping me on the right path.
Josh is doing great in 8th grade. He has really turned himself around. We are trying to get him into the Scattergood Friends School. He would be an asset to their program while expanding his love for art.
Jordan has had a rough transition to middle school. He was used to the family atmosphere at Moulton Elementary School. Going to a new school is always an adjustment, but we think he’s turning the corner. He loves his math and science classes. He just received an “A” and I got a call from his teacher on his Karem Abdual Jabar presentation. Keep up the good work!
Sarah Johnson, a Grinnell student, has spent a lot of time with us this semester. She was with us over Thanksgiving and spent a week with us in January. She is a gem. See calls and asks if she can come like we would say “no” to such a great worker!
Jacquie Dammann, a Notre Dame student, was with us for a 48-hour Urban Plunge (photo on page 5). For such a short time, she really grew on us. Hope she’ll come back. Have a great semester and thanks for choosing us.
Richard Flamer has the Chiapas House up and running just in time to move back to Chiapas. A lot of time and effort by many people turned that project into a reality. We wish him well on his next journey. May you travel with God.
I want to send out thanks and prayers to everyone who makes our load lighter by your continued prayers and donations. I have this little saying “there is no better nation than the donation”. May you all have a blessed year. Keep us in your prayers and we will do the same.
Peace,
Vern (Ted) Walker has been on an extended visit back home. In addition to being a Catholic Worker, he is employed by UPS loading trucks. He has just taken the Graduate Entrance Exam and did wonderfully. While home, he completed applications to some fine schools. Ted is the kind of young man parents would be glad to call their own, and is a terrific role model to my sons. He is the sunshine on a cloudy day. Love ya!
Brad Bates & Jacquie Dammann
Julius just completed his first semester at Kirkwood Community College. It is different not having him around all the time. We at the Worker are very proud of him. He is a fine young man and we look forward to his continued success.
Claire Quiner
Jerry had successful cataract surgery on both eyes so he is seeing clearly now. Irving has been doing more laundry now that our upstairs washing machine is fixed. He still goes out even in this weather and collects cans. My sons say how much they love him. I am glad that they can finally see what a blessing he has been to us.
Sarah Johnson
We have had a two-week visit from our friend, Dar Hurni. He and his wife started a Catholic Worker House in Sioux City, which ran for ten years, and the soup kitchen is still functioning. He wrote some excellent poetry while visiting us (see Feeding Angels). While he was here, he received word that one of his poems will be will be published in the Briar Cliff
Review. He took shifts on the House, went on walks with Eddie to the post office, participated in peace vigils, and helped out at the Saturday produce give-away. We were sad to see him leave, but hope he won’t stay away long.
Dar Hurni and Carla Dawson
Carla
