Coats For Kids

We also used to visit my husband's grandma in Nanaimo. She was a practicing Catholic and we went with her to church. I appreciate the Catholic Mass. After years of theological studies I've come to appreciate the Theological depth of the Catholic Mass. Over the years I've had a few friends who've become Catholics, after being Evangelical for most of their lives. So, I've had a good number of visits to Catholic Churches and noticed the Knights of Columbus. 

     One Christmas night in Quesnel (I think) I witnessed them marching into the church.  I remember asking my husband what they did? and heard that they were a Catholic men's group that did good things for the community. I thought that was cool. This year I had a chance to see that many children and adults in Quesnel were "wearing" these men's kindness.

    I walked into St. Ann's gym and saw piles of good quality jackets for children. I asked what I needed to do to get a coat, and they said: "nothing, just take one."  My seven year old daughter and her little friend each picked one, matching ones as they are "besties".     I wondered if I could get one for myself, since I wear children's size. They said "sure" (no questions asked).  I was so glad, as I needed a warm short coat for my weekly walks. I got home and texted a bunch of friends about this. I even went back the week after to get a coat for my friend (with whom I walk), and who moved to Quesnel from Africa. I was truly moved by these gentlemen's generosity and thought I "have to write about this." I enjoy writing, and had consider maybe starting a blog, but wasn't sure about what. After witnessing this generosity, it became clear: I need to write to celebrate and to share the many inspiring things I see in Quesnel. I told the gentlemen: "I might start a blog to write about the many inspiring initiatives, like this, that I've seen in Quesnel since I moved here". One of the older gentlemen said: "you go write, and tell us about it.". It felt like a calling. So, I started this "Quesnel Spirit" blog. 

    It is so refreshing to be the receiver of true generosity, "no questions asked."  It seems that these gentlemen have been  doing good in Quesnel for a while. Steady generosity is so inspiring.  A lady mentioned that The Knights of Columbus men came to build a ramp for her neighbour, who needed one ever since they needed a wheelchair. The ramp allows her neighbour to be mobile and also to continue to go to church. As a chaplain to seniors that I was in Vancouver, I deeply appreciate the profound spiritual and mental health benefits  that continued mobility and engagement in a faith community brings to seniors with mobility challenges. To me the Knights of Columbus are men's skills and tools put in action for the greater good, and I am sure, that it also brings them joy, and that's what they keep doing it.  

Quesnel, "que encanto" de gente! 
(Spanish for: Quesnel, what a charming people!)