James is a deeply passionate and principled person, never afraid of expressing himself, though upon first meeting he appears quite shy. He is an intent listener and makes one feel as though he is seeking to understand the root of the thought that is propelling the conversation. He is well-schooled but treats life as though it is an education waiting to be had. James has an uncanny ability to connect with guests and visitors to the houses by simply meeting people where they are. His compassion for others is unmistakable and unbelievably comforting.
In the short time that James has been a part of this community we have noticed his increasing excitement about more radical philosophies and actions. It has felt as though a seed had been waiting for water and has now seen so much sun and rain it cannot be stopped. We are grateful for his energy and new ideas as well as for the patient manner with which he helps the rest of us understand the driving force within him. We also appreciate James’ love of film and his ability to discuss nearly any director or genre at length, from obscure independent films to Indiana Jones. It has already been enlightening to have James in our community, we can only imagine what the next year holds for all of us!
Molly too has brought us many gifts that we did not even realize we needed. She is irresistibly welcoming, warm and open. Her gentle nature is a beautiful addition to our community and to the Dan Corcoran House. Molly has a way with people that causes them to share emotions and information that they would not typically offer in conversation. She absorbs the best and the worst and carries it with her through the day, usually glowing and occasionally hurting for the pain of others. Molly uses her boundless energy not only for hospitality, but also for endless kitchen projects. After her first canning lesson, she decided to preserve dozens of quarts of tomato products, quickly becoming the teacher of a skill newly learned.
Molly often cites her experiences in India, Central America, New York City and beyond that made up the last four years of her life. She has been molded by the world and continues to look for her education in the moments of the day that might otherwise seem mundane. She seems driven by relationship, both to people and to place and has settled herself well into the life of the Dan Corcoran House to give and take as much as she can. It is obvious that our guests are reveling in her presence and her friendship, as are we.
Music is a mutual interest of James and Molly, both playing multiple instruments, most notably the guitar for James and the Erhu (a Chinese stringed instrument) for Molly. Having live music as well as a record player at the Dan Corcoran House has added joy and distraction for all of us. Both Molly and James maintain close ties with their families and gain balance and support from their parents and siblings, which is inspiring considering the physical distance between them at this point. It is clear that family plays a large role in both of their lives, both as a formative force and a lasting pillar of strength.
As a couple, James and Molly seem to fill each others’ empty spaces to the brim. Their relationship started while both were studying in Taiwan, and has grown and changed as they have traveled together and independently. We revel in the way that they are able to create such a comfortable and hospitable place when they are together and offer our family house an important gift, a model of a healthy relationship. In their care, respect and admiration of one another, James and Molly are a daily reminder of how to grow into your better self by deeply loving another.
We are excited to incorporate James and Molly into our now bustling community and are already reaping the benefits of their many gifts. We look forward to learning with and from them and encourage you to stop by and meet them in person.
Matthew Byrnes has come to us from the Twin Cities and is the newest live-in volunteer at the Bethany House. It has been a busy few months around the houses and we are grateful that Matthew is incredibly easy-going because he has received slightly less personal attention than some of our other new community members (see article on Fritz). It has also been clear from the beginning that Matthew was an easy fit for our community and that he is very capable of asking questions when necessary.
Matthew is a teacher by trade and a musician by vocation. Having been a high school math teacher for the past four years he has worked with students struggling with poverty, violence and homelessness, all the while attempting to help them pass standardized tests. He comes to us with a deep understanding of how the circumstances of ones life can impact the ability to achieve even the most basic of goals. Matthew also brings with him a wealth of musical talent, being proficient on multiple instruments but favoring the banjo. It has been a joy to have a musicians’ spirit at the Bethany House and exciting to realize that we have more than enough capable people to put together a family band between our two homes.
Matthew has settled into a comfortable place in the Bethany House, where you will often find him in the kitchen fixing vegan fare. He is also in the midst of Bridge lessons with Laurie, and the duo has graciously offered to share their new knowledge with interested members of the live-in community. Matthew is ever ready to discuss the comics, a passion you should only ask about if you are sincerely ready to listen. He is also an avid bike rider, having spent much of the summer traveling solo through the countryside.
Matthew’s gift for hospitality is obvious and we are grateful that he has graced our community with his ability to connect to our guests. He has a unique openness to the stories of the men that pass through the doors and embraces their perspectives with a sincerity and honesty that draws people in. He can accept someone as they are without asking for more. He also seems to fully soak up conversations and interactions, tucking them into his pockets to consider and understand at a later time. His Quaker faith practice appears to permeate his practice of hospitality; through patience and quiet he seems to both find God and find the souls of our guests.
We give thanks that Matthew has chosen to spend time in our community and we are additionally grateful that his beloved four-legged companion has settled in here as well. Professor Kitsy is finally feeling a little more comfortable in the Bethany House, after a couple of weeks of adjustment. Kitsy is a lovely lady with a personality that we are just beginning to get to know. She currently owns the big blue chair in the living room and finds her solace in the dark corners of the basement when the house gets too busy. Much like our guests, there is a lot about this cat that we have yet to understand, but we are exceptionally grateful to share our space and hearts with her.