Travel Log: Washington, D.C.
Sister Betsy Van Deusen, CSJ
October 26, 2018
The last day of the third leg was six days, saw us in six states, and held 15 events (with some stops on Capitol Hill)!
We ended our time together with a really delicious dinner in the rectory hosted by Father Patrick Smith, the Pastor of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. Ernesto was the chef and he told me he also cooks for the school and uses fresh fruits and vegetables. He told me once the children got used to it, they really love it. Dessert was sweet potato and pecan pie!
We went next door to the school for our Town Hall for Justice. This event was unique in that the staff traveling on the Bus with us, as well as three of the nine sisters who live in D.C. During the discussion time, it was interesting being with residents of the District because they talked about “taxation without representation.” On the road we heard from many constituents who did not feel represented, and these people are in fact not!
After the presentation people were invited to sign the Bus. It was raining so everyone had to wipe their spot before signing. Earlier in the day the NETWORK staff had attached the names of the 887 people who had sent a donation for Nuns on the Bus. The sister with whom I live and I had signed a sticker, and I thought it would be neat to see it on the Bus. On that rainy night in D.C. I got to see our sticker and was so grateful to the community support that made the “Tax Justice Truth Tour” possible.
We said our goodbyes and “ubered” off to the Stuart Center where we spent the night before making connections home.
I would like to extend a huge thank you to the staff and supporting players for a very enjoyable, inspiring and passion filled experience.