Maria Murphy
Love in a Law Office BVS guides every volunteer down a different path of service, and each nourishes the soul in a unique way. An office job does not provide the same experiences as a homeless shelter or a summer camp. In some ways, it is much easier to witness God’s work through the personal relationships the latter projects offer. After two months at the Bernardo Kohler Center, a non-profit immigration law firm, I have learned the fulfillment service brings is not always immediate or apparent. God’s love is much more subtle in a law office, especially during the intake process. However, when I look carefully, it runs in and through every interaction. Many of the clients do not speak any English, and my Spanish is only good enough to get by. My favorite conversations switch back and forth between languages as we each speak to best communicate with the other. There is love in the laughter that comes with an incorrect word and compassion in the smile of understanding. Most of all, I see the need for my work in the clients’ desperation. Countless cases of heartbreak, struggle, and loss walk
through our doors, and each person places so much hope in the agency. After all they have endured, their confidence can only be described as faith. One woman looked me in the eyes and said “I need my family. I live alone here in the states. All my family is in my country. I just need them.” The plainness of her plea spoke to my heart, and the impact of the moment has not subsided since. Although every lawyer joke may argue otherwise, the Bernardo Kohler Center serves as living proof that God’s love can exist in a law office!
