Gestures of Hope - Online Art Auction for Adam House

I'm pleased to announce an online art auction benefiting Adam House, a faith-based home for refugees seeking to begin lives in Canada. (More information on the auction can be found here.) I've just returned from their World Refugee Sunday celebration, a lively and delicious time together, seeing some old friends and making new ones (and even getting a crash course in making Ugandan samosas!)

From top left, clockwise: artworks by John Wellman, Delia Yuan, Meaghan Burke and Danielle Gignac

A couple of months ago I was warmly welcomed to Adam House for the first time, after connecting with them during my theology studies. I was taking pictures of the residents that would become the art you can see in the auction. Almost immediately upon arriving, I was given an abundant meal of meat and plantains, made by the residents. My Spanish is quite limited, but I can usually muster a conversation about food!

As I got to meet and photograph residents, I received generous high fives from B, who applauded my feeble attempts to say "thank you" in his south-central African language. I met A and his family from Central America, as he shared some of the beauties and challenges of his country. He spoke of his dreams of joining a band in Canada, and his hands have been captured in a collaged artwork, as he plays the keyboard at Adam House.

B's hands, twice over

That evening included a Bible study, which residents have the option to join if they wish to. It was a practical discussion of living in love as Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 13, and an opportunity to hear from the many faith traditions and continents gathered in that room.

My time at Adam House has given me glimpses into the lives of residents seeking to make Canada their home. I am heartened by their strength and courage, as they face uncertainties I struggle to fully understand. Also encouraging are the many ways that Adam House provides a home and hope along the journey, notably pointing to the hope we may find rooted in God's faithful love.

I hope you will take a look at the art and that you are enriched by these gestures of hope from the residents of Adam House. Many thanks to the artists, Adam House staff, and residents who helped make this art auction possible.