Here

A poem by the FEC staff

Here poetry is shared. Gospel hope is proclaimed.

Here chairs are stacked, then lined up, then sat on, then moved around, then stacked again. Screams of laughter and stomping feet fill the space.

Here coffee smells and Spanish language sounds.

Here those far from God see his hands scoop out a hot meal and scrub dishes.

Here is rest in a fresh shower and clean clothes. Hope in the faces of those who receive love. The smile of acceptance.

Here is welcome invitation. Socks and soaps and care. Chicken and rice and food from The WORD. Feasts of laughter shared around home-cooked meals.

Here prayer is an anthem, an embrace, an ugly cry, a whisper, a hallelujah, a gasp for air, a moment of silence.

Here nationalities intersect like the streets we walk down, heritage is diverse and celebrated. Flags of our people hang.

Here overwhelm of brokenness is real. Anguish is felt. Deeply. Joys and sorrows meet to bear with one another.

Here is goodness. Hard times are eased. Comfort is given.

Here recovery is traveled together. Long car rides. Long days. Long walks. Long talks. And again.

Here we show up. As we are, we show up. We belong.

Here family is found. A home is discovered. Brothers and sisters live.