On Sept. 28 at 5:30 p.m., I was arrested with about 300 other people for sitting in the middle of the street leading into the Los Angeles Airport.

This action of civil disobedience took place in front of the Hilton and Westin Hotels. The purpose of the demonstration was to make the needs of hotel workers known and to help the workers receive just wages, better working conditions and health benefits for themselves and their families.

In gratitude for the loving support that I received from my BVM Sisters and Associates, I wrote a reflection on the theme of our summer gathering, Treasure Lost; Treasure Found.

Treasure Lost: waiting and waiting with other arrestees for two hours sitting in the street, another two hours handcuffed on the bus and another twelve hours on the cement floor in a small crowded holding room.
Treasure Found: being in solidarity with hotel workers who have waited and waited for years for respectful treatment and for justice in their work places.

Treasure Lost: Praying alone in the comfort of my room at Holy Family Convent.
Treasure Found: Learning that prayer can be a dangerous thing to do because it leads to actions with others for justice.

Treasure Lost: For a short time, choosing to lose my individual freedom to do many things I ordinarily do.
Treasure Found: being a part of a great legacy of other BVMs and Associates who have done actions for justice in the past and who walked beside me in this action.

Treasure Lost: letting go of all belongings, including shoelaces and privacy.
Treasure Found: having more with less, that is more integrity, greater understanding of what happens to those in jail, and more hope in young people because many youth participated in the demonstration and arrest.

Treasure Lost: getting into my car in the airport parking lot and not finding my wallet.
Treasure Found: borrowing money to get out of the parking lot and then finding my wallet, which I had left at a fast food restaurant before the demonstration. Thank you to the honest person who returned my purse!

Treasure Lost: knowing that most of the amazing people who became a part of my life for one night will probably never be seen by me again.
Treasure Found: returning home to the wonderful love and support of my BVM Sisters and Associates. I give heartfelt thanks for all those who gave me courage by their prayers and expressions of solidarity over the e-mail and phone. Nothing is impossible when we are united in love!

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© 2007 Sisters of Charity, BVM