​I remember these words as if they were yesterday: "We don't have the money to keep paying for a motel so we can all take a shower and sleep on a mattress like we were several months ago"- from a family of 5 in distress. I can't begin to imagine sleeping in my home with all doors open at night (and no water) for months. This reminds me to be grateful every time, and to not forget to extend myself to others.
As we continue envisioning raising our structure up, I can't stop myself envisioning our community united,  bringing their blocks to the land, along with their enthusiasm, sharing a great homecooked meal (yum!) and cooperating, almost looking like kids, to building a majestic block castle together. Doesn't it remind you too of Jesus asking us to become like little children to get into the Kingdom of Heaven? (Mt 18:3).​

-Can you remember a time when someone lent you a hand, gave you a word, or shared a hopeful thought that shifted your situation? You were in a rough patch, and that moment or action turned it around?
Love is the most powerful and healing gift humans have been endowed with. In Acts 3:6 we see how Peter experienced, one more time, God's love for His people through him: " I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” Peter felt so much compassion for this man, lame from birth, that out of a deep flowing love, God's power manifested through miraculous healing!
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I remember as if it was yesterday how, when Mom passed and created this big hole in my life, a bunch of friends extended a financial offering to help us with the funeral expenses; and how a dear close friend, by taking care of the Memorial program in her hands, lessened my overwhelm. Our family came from everywhere- California, Puerto Rico, and New York- to ease our sorrows and hug us through this time. Any separation, either from your loved ones (through death or disagreements), from your belongings, from your identity, can take a deep toll on anyone; but when the presence and warmth of community kicks in, people can breathe once more. I did. We did. God was with me, with us, through people. The Holy Spirit breathed on us, just like Jesus “breathed on them with the words 'Receive the Holy Spirit'." (Jn 20:22) (Big sigh!)