Jacob & Jamie

I served an Americorps term at World Relief in 2018. Having Jacob in the office felt like having a piece of home with me, as a brand new Texas transplant to the Seattle area. Amongst the proper Seattle dialects surrounding me, I would often overhear a “yes ma’am” or “thanks y’all” from Jacob on phone calls with public benefits offices. Once, I overheard Jacob’s Harry Potter-themed take on the NATO alphabet during one of those calls. 

“H as in Hogwarts, A as in Albus, N as in Nimbus 2000…”

He made the most tedious and frustrating tasks fun.

As a very young person beginning my career in refugee resettlement, Jacob’s interactions with clients became a guidepost for me. In a field where so many people become numb to the stories, realities, and humanities of the people we serve and subsequently create distance between clients and themselves, Jacob never appeared to see much difference between himself and his clients. He consistently showed up for people, treating them with dignity and abundant love. I saw so many people, amidst the most dramatic and stressful transitions of their lives, laughing with Jacob. I cannot emphasize enough how important that was for me and for so many people like me to witness in our workplace. 

Because of Jacob, I offer my clients a cup of tea when they come into the office. I keep treats on my desk for colleagues to enjoy when they need a break. I will always be chasing the spirit of inclusive community that he fostered among us all. 

Sending all of my love to those closest to him.