Our 2nd annual Christmas Eve dinner at Sarah’s Circle women’s shelter was another success. Dinner was served by several members of the MBT Sangha. The Dharma School donated gift bags, handmade holiday cards and a giant banner that was on display at the shelter where we served the food. More gift bags with various clothing items that can be used during the harsh winter months in Chicago were distributed to the women.
The delicious dinner menu consisted of beef, turkey, portabella mushrooms for vegetarians and many side dishes, plus desserts.
But the most important aspect of our dinner was socializing with the women there. While we also drop off sandwiches twice a month at Sarah’s Circle, we do not have time to really talk with the women then. When we serve dinner, however,we can talk and discover that these women are just people who have experienced hardships or changes in their lives. It brought to mind the meaning of the Japanese word, gaman, which means perseverance. Although the women live in close quarters with each other (they sleep in one room with beds very close to one another) and experience virtually no privacy, they still manage to be upbeat, sociable and grateful.
We should all appreciate what we have and not take anything for granted. Most of the women at the shelter work and cannot afford to pay for their own apartments. I asked if they needed anything, and one woman said they could use ground coffee. So, on a later visit, we took a few 3-pound canisters. It turns out that one canister only lasts 2–3 days. So, in addition to travel-size toiletries and deodorant and clothing, please consider donating ground coffee.
Thank you to all who donated gifts and money, and those who helped with dinner. It shows the true meaning of Dana and a new direction for MBT.
We are organizing a group to participate in Sarah’s Circle Winter Walk: A Mile in Her Shoes 1–3 pm Feb. 18 at Truman College. Please join our group or make a donation to Sarah’s Circle.
Joy Zavala
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