A Passion for Shaping
It seems to me, in the short time that I have had to get to know the new Grace Church Pantry Coordinator, Lorraine Brathwaite, that Lorraine is one of those born mentors. Getting to know a bit about her past professional life across the globe, Lorraine seems to have been consistently placed in the right times and the right places to share her passion for motivating people and institutions to their highest potential just when they needed it most.
When all the particles of information a new job can bring settle out, we look forward to being challenged by Lorraine to do more and give more to this thirty-year-plus institution we have worked together to create as sacred space for those in need.
 | Lorraine (at right) makes a little fun for the
camera with a former colleague in New York.
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Name: Lorraine Brathwaite
Which generation do you belong to? Greatest (1901 - 1924), Silent (1925-1945), Baby Boomer (1946-1964), X (1965 - 1982), Y (1983 - 2000) or Z (2000 to 2011)? Baby Boomer Age you are on the inside: Most days I'm 35. When it rains, I feel 80. Birth city or where your would say your roots are from: Fitz Village, St James, Barbados, in the Caribbean. Member of Grace since: After visiting several churches in Madison, I became a member of Grace in January 2012. Early Bird or Night Owl? Early Bird, that's when my brain is in overdrive. At times, night owl just to relax. Favorite childhood memory: Waiting for my Dad to get off the bus and hand me a bag of assorted candy and walking the beach early in the morning to pick up seashells to sell. Why early in the morning? The most expensive ones washed up on the beach at that time.  | "A more recent picture of me setting
up a food service kitchen in Cottage Grove."
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I knew I was an adult when: I was about to reach my 13th birthday, my mom suffered a massive stroke. Being the only girl and the youngest of 5 children, I felt it was my responsibility to take care of my Dad and four brothers. Beloved blog, website or TV/radio program: I like to watch the news and follow sports Favorite book to foist on all of your friends: "Kaffin Boy" by Mark Mathabane. An autobiography of a Black Youth's coming of age in Apartheid South Africa. When I was young, I loved to read Perry Mason. I think I helped him solve all the cases. Go-to comfort food: A bowl of Butter Pecan or Butter Almond Ice Cream (Bryers) #1 item on your Bucket List (Things to do before you "kick the bucket".): Re-visit Barbados more often and re-connect with my family and friends there. Physical object that represents your life's work or passion: The five hospitals in Saudi Arabia (Primarily, the Riyadh Central Hospital) represents my entire life's work and passion. My experiences there could never be duplicated.  | "This is me (seated) in Saudi Arabia with some of my staff from Bangladesh, India, and the Philippines. I was so proud of them."
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What is your first memory of God? As a little girl attending the Anglican church with my mom and listening to her pray and being touched by the experience. I don't think I ever missed Sunday school. What inspires you? My family, especially my daughters, and music One thing no one would guess about you: That I absolutely detest WORMS! Why Grace? I was directed to Grace Church by God. I felt that from my first visit.
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