A Safe Shelter for Women Natalia Conte

We left for Illinois with pitch black darkness to guide the way, caravaning in spacious minivans. The next few hours, a blur of sleeping, truck drivers responding to the “Jesus loves truckers” painted on the van, and bonding games, passed fairly quickly. Upon arrival we were given our assignments, mine to refurbish a women’s domestic violence shelter.

My emotions only intensified as I began working and speaking with the women who owned the shelter, both named Rachel and both filled with unbelievable amounts of compassion. They described their general idea: to use a second hand knickknack store to fund a safe-house for victims of abuse. However, it was when they elaborated on this idea that their kindness became even more apparent. This was not a cold shelter with one level and bleak walls where women could reflect on their awful circumstances. The walls were vibrant and painted with inspirational quotes. The bedrooms were cushy and homey, no harshness to be found. It was a place where some, but not all, of the fear and pain could be alleviated. Most importantly—this was a place where hope could be restored.

The physical labor completed was substantial, creating a garden in the backyard and painting several rooms, but not the...