Written by Diana Rodriguez
Holy Week started the month of April with meaningful experiences. While many fellows were away from the house for Easter, I participated in a seven-church pilgrimage and attended the Via Crucis in Pilsen. The house felt emptier than usual, yet there was still a lingering presence of the Holy Spirit filling the corridors after one of the most hardest months our community faced at the Amate House. Despite the challenges, April became a month of blessings and new beginnings.
As Chicago began to shake off the snow, the fellows were called to do the same. We were invited to a dance class at The Hive Studio where we learned about the history of House Music while trying a little lofting and footwork ourselves. Did you know Chicago is home to one of the biggest House Music scenes? Originally created by Black and queer DJs in the 1970-80s, House Music became a space for people that felt excluded from other venues and communities.
Watching each other step out of our comfort zones and let loose was a beautiful way to bond, laugh, and reconnect with our bodies. Shout-out to dance instructor David Dalegend for making the experience legendary with his energy and joyful spirit.
Amate House also held its final fundraiser of the year, Ales for Amate, which turned out to be another memorable experience. There was a great turnout, with alumni and board members gathering to reconnect over games, Puerto Rican food, and raffle prizes. And no, the raffle prizes were NOT rigged-we somehow kept winning near the end completely unexpectedly, which honestly made me think God had a hand in it.
As we get closer to the end of our year, I am excited to see what else God has in store for the women at Amate House.