As I develop programs for my Mosaic friends, I keep going back to PURPOSE. What is the purpose for me to develop these programs? Sure, I want people to enjoy gardening, learning how to grow and eat whole foods and mostly, be outdoors. But that’s my purpose. How do I find out the purpose for my Mosaic friends? I’m doing a deep dive in Jean Vanier, who developed L’Arche, communities for disabled adults. Jean believes that to understand human purpose we need to ask three questions:

What does it mean to be fully human?
What does it mean to serve other well?
How can unity be fostered among diverse people?

These questions are integral to the development of my programming. One of the things that Vanier said that resonated deeply with me about how to engage and advocate for those who are marginalized is: We must stay near them and take time to listen to them because out of fear they speak quietly and infrequently.

There are some things that I’ve learned from listening to my Mosaic friends this past year, they love to eat sweets. Yesterday, the Saving Grace truck had an abundance of angel food cake and fresh berries, so we decided to make a Trifle. Putting together the dessert was almost more satisfying than consuming it. There was a purpose to creating dessert - it was for all of us to enjoy.

So my journey continues, seeking how to understand a common purpose for these delightful people who add magic to my life.