Hope Graham
Missionary
Hometown: Wallingford, PA
Favorite Part of the Job: My favorite part of the job is the atmosphere of the Day-Center. While the women do come from heavy situations, the mood of the Day-Center is overwhelmingly familial. Yes, we encounter these women in their needs and traumas, but we also get to love them as our sisters; hence our teasing, dancing, birthday-celebrations, etc. It is such a gift! :) I love getting to be part of this familial experience, which we hope always points to Christ and the fullness of being part of GOD's family.
Hobbies: Honestly, one of my favorite hobbies is driving! Being in the car is one of my absolute favorite places to be.
Why Gift of Mary?
I heard about Gift of Mary while I was still a student at Franciscan University. A former missionary had come to give a talk, and it was one of the best talks I'd ever heard! She spoke on "the Poverty of GOD & Serving the Poor," and it was perfect timing; she put to words so much of what GOD had been working in my heart. On top of that, GOD had also been forming a desire in my heart for a Church community which lives as a family. The more I learned about Gift of Mary, my heart began to explode! I realized it could potentially combine so many of my growing desires; to serve the GOD who is poor, in the poor, in a familial community, joined through poverty of spirit. Now six or so months later, the rest is history! :)
