As we experience “the goodness of the Lord” each moment of our lives, Thanksgiving Day, is a perfect time to pause and reflect on the gifts we cherish and for which we are most grateful to God.  Before our La Posada’s family of many cultures gathers around our table to celebrate on Thanksgiving Day, I have asked a few of our clients to join me in sharing with you my/their ways in which we have experienced the Lord’s goodness this year:

• Daniel (Eritrea) – Months in prison in my country; months in detention; Freedom to be free
• Ana (Honduras) – My twelve-year-old daughter was kidnapped by a Honduran gang; eight months later her bones were sent to me.  I have escaped with my seven-year-old daughter and La Posada has welcomed us.  Here we are safe and loved. Thank you God & La Posada.
• Tekle (Eritrea) – No human rights in Eritrea; torture and imprisonment was my lot and that of many in my country.  Traveling through fifteen countries and witnessing people drowning and dying along the way especially in the jungle, I thank God I survived.
• Manuel & six year-old Olga (Honduras) – My teenage daughter was murdered in Honduras. My wife, so overcome with grief, died leaving me alone to care for our Sanda who has down-syndrome.  La Posada has been our refuge this past month; I am so grateful!
• Jorje (Guatemala) – I spent months in a youth detention center in Harlingen; later I was transferred to Port Isabel’s adult detention center for several weeks.  Upon my release, I came to La Posada, my home for the past three months.  I won my asylum case, have a work permit, and will be leaving to begin my life in New Jersey.  Thank you, God and La Posada.
• Ana (Eastern Europe) – I feel God has a plan for me.  As a refugee and immigrant, I have suffered in my country and along my way to the US. I am struggling to learn English and to remain in the immigration process with Homeland Security.  I thank God I am in the U.S. and I want to help others as La Posada is helping me; this is my heart’s desire.
• Marlene McClain – (“Winter Texan”, Pittsburgh, PA.) I am grateful as a volunteer to be accepted as a member of La Posada’s family.  I feel privileged for the opportunities I have at La Posada to be able to welcome my brothers and sisters and let them know they are loved and are valuable because they are God’s children.
• Sister Thérèse Cunningham, SHSp (Client Mentor – La Posada staff) – I am grateful to all those who support La Posada by sharing so generously their time, their talents, and treasure especially: Staff, La Posada Board of Directors, Volunteers, and St. Teresa of Avila Parish, in Chicago, our special partner this year.  La Posada could not exist without all of you.

May God’s special blessings be yours for sharing in our Ministry and Mission in making God’s Providence visible to the many we welcome. Sister Zita Telkamp, CDP, Director

Most generous and provident God, each moment of our lives you gift us with your love. Because “The Earth is filled with Your goodness,” help us to receive all your gifts with grateful hearts and to share them generously with others.  Amen.

Happy Thanksgiving!