Some of That Same Fire

Mark,

Believe it or not, I am writing to you in gentle tears from the simple joy of receiving your e-mail. Just yesterday, I picked up The Struggle is One, deciding to read a part of it each night before going to bed. :) I received it as a gift from a friend this past fall and read it for the first time then. I have not read another book that so directly speaks to the way that I view faith and church. When reading it this fall, I first admired the profiles and personal sharing of faith beliefs, but somewhere in the middle or 3/4 part of the book, I began to think: “They are describing my faith. These people are my faith community.” I have struggled to find a faith community here in Portland, searching through various Catholic parishes, Protestant churches, a Buddhist meditation center, and a spiritual director for the passion, challenge, and love that I desire. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find a community that strives to love in the radical way that Jesus did. Thus I’ve picked up Mev’s book again, hoping to find some spiritual fuel there. :)

I wish I could say that it is ironic that I received an e-mail from you today, as I just yesterday turned to Mev’s work for strength and hope, but I feel so deeply connected to something about her life and your relationship together that I’m not surprised that a connection was made between us today. The way you write about her spirit, I can just feel some of that same fire–her fire or my fire–moving in me. I’m sure that I’m not unique in this or that you hear this a lot, but every friend I’ve had read The Book of Mev bombards me with comments about the likeness between her spirit and mine. :) Naturally, I’m overjoyed to receive such compliments :) and only hope that I can live out the passion for justice that burned in Mev.

In regards to JVC, I have fallen in love with my community. I love living in community (there are seven of us); always having people around to dance, cook, cry, yell and think with. I am blessed to be a part of a community that is dedicated to each other, and to loving one another above all of the daily muck of community living (dirty dishes, chores, messes, strange habits). :) While my work site was at first completely unfulfilling (I filed paperwork in a law office), after much self-advocacy JVC switched my position to an agency that serves survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault from the Hispanic community. I love my new work site, where I co-facilitate a support group, assist advocates with their work with clients, and work to connect clients with activities and resources in the community. My whole day is in Spanish and I love it! :) Outside of work, I am really hoping to use this transition to a new year as a time for our community to go deeper into the JVC values, especially social justice. We have been attending demonstrations against the war in Iraq, but are looking forward to connecting with peace organizations and local Catholic Worker houses as a way to become more involved. I know that Timmy, Julie, Abe and T (although she is doing much better, as we are in the same region and see each other every few months) have had some difficult moments with JVC, and I have not spoken with Katie or Erica. If for no other reason than the amazing JVC community that I have become a part of, I know that JVC has been a good fit for me. :)

I will let you know if I need any more Books of Mev :), my copy is currently in the hands of one of my housemates. I wish you the best this semester and hope that it is filled with challenges, surprises, and love. :) Please send some extra love to a Miss Angela Lombardo that is a student of yours. :) Thank you again for your e-mail, I’m sure you have no doubt that it made my day. :)

Take care!

Jamie :)

A 2006 graduate of Saint Louis University, Jamie Smeland is working with Jesuit Volunteer Corps.