tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333908062024-03-13T06:23:58.967-04:00God Alone: The Continued Journey of SisterhoodSr.Nicole Trahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512754704919427700noreply@blogger.comBlogger166125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33390806.post-81183643356742754502023-10-28T02:41:00.001-04:002023-10-28T02:41:29.471-04:00Until next time...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>How lucky am I to have something</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>that makes saying goodbye so hard.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: georgia; font-size: small;">Winnie the Pooh</b></div><br /><p><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">What can I say? I'm not sure what to say. There's too much... </span></span></p><p>Yesterday, our last day together, each of us shared insights we've gained from being here - in 6 minutes or less (I think very few of us stuck to that!). There were some touching moments, lots of laughter, and lots of insights. And although I was not one of the funny ones (I never am) - nor was I especially insightful - I thought I would share with you what I shared with everyone... </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RrVgyRU6ODO0q46Ldt8ZsP1NANiInuotGfnXOj1CdxFxmWbazJ4TFT47uq1jNgG-3s1U6WnbcaG7HfWn5pb88Fm6XuaB40owQnb8VLFJhAB8nvR-vImZCRuKtPnpPnYFeoiYVqMhHiEFbYCk7tKsPE4QVs1JS0zctnfSpBQcgMyR1omD_wZG/s4032/IMG_6856.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RrVgyRU6ODO0q46Ldt8ZsP1NANiInuotGfnXOj1CdxFxmWbazJ4TFT47uq1jNgG-3s1U6WnbcaG7HfWn5pb88Fm6XuaB40owQnb8VLFJhAB8nvR-vImZCRuKtPnpPnYFeoiYVqMhHiEFbYCk7tKsPE4QVs1JS0zctnfSpBQcgMyR1omD_wZG/s320/IMG_6856.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My weekly lectio divina group... family.<br />7 AM every Wednesday.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p>My sharing from yesterday (slightly edited):</p><p><i>As you all know, synthesizing 11 weeks is not easy. I have grown a great deal in these weeks, but not in the ways I expected. Sometimes the most important learning happens outside the formal classroom, and the same is true for me. I have grown in profound ways that I will continue to unpack as time goes by. My assumptions have been challenged - I have been very reflective about what I've learned here about culture, about my own biases and prejudices, and all the things I still have to learn - and the time here has been deeply humbling for me, which I hope makes me a better, more patient, formator. So, I thank each of you - the team, participants, guest speakers...</i></p><p><i>There are some concepts, though, related to the content that will stick with me. I think many things can be summed up with something Bro. Tim Driscoll said during week 5... our work is, "helping people in formation to move from an idea/ideal to something they live in their heart, something they embody, and something they can live in community." Communities that are warm, prayerful, and intercultural.</i></p><p><i>We are to accompany our folks in formation as they (and we) integrate what it is to be Marianist. It is not something that we do, but something that we are. The models of formation (especially the model of integration) give us a framework. And we need to be attentive to the fact that people have different models of formation - our community members, our formation teams, and even our formees - may have a different model of formation. We need to be attentive to that. We also need to be attentive to human formation/development so that we can accompany individuals instead of monolithic groups. </i></p><p><i>Sr. Franca reminded us that the world in which we currently live is marked by BANI - bitterness, anxiety... it is non-linear and incomprehensible. This has an impact on what we do and how we go about it. So, we have to be discerning. Getting support from a mentor or a peer group is really important. As Sr. Marie Joëlle said, "An isolated Christian is a Christian in danger." We need that support so we can be people of "joy, conviction, and hope..." I wish I could remember who said that to us...</i></p><p><i>Ultimately - as many have said already - formation is the work of the Holy Spirit with Mary as model and guide. Our job is not to get in the way of what the Spirit is doing. May it be so.</i></p><p><br /></p><p>This is what I shared with the group yesterday. It's imperfect, but it is a good overview of what I am carrying with me. More will unfold with time.</p><p>My heart is full, and at the same time, I am sad. I don't know when - or if - I will see any of these folks again. And, no, I'm not being dramatic. It's a fact. Our paths may not cross again. So, I will carry each of them in my heart.. until we meet again.</p><p>And now... I will allow myself a few tears. <br />Many blessings,<br />Sr. N</p>Sr.Nicole Trahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512754704919427700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33390806.post-68392447660103474882023-10-16T04:29:00.001-04:002023-10-16T06:34:29.690-04:00Only two weeks left...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Josefin Sans";"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">No matter how much time you've wasted in the past, </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Josefin Sans";"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">you still have an entire tomorrow.</span></i></span></div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">Denis Waitley (Ourmindfullife.com)</div></span><p><br /></p><p>This past weekend we reached the 2 month mark... We've been together for 2 months! Now, we have 2 weeks left. In fact, 2 weeks from today I will wake up in my bed in Dayton. It's crazy how things (how I?) have changed in this time. </p><p>An illustration for you... Take a look at this picture.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqdmh_3Z_8dQdBlhRMBgCIqBNbhKIHQJdDYQJEPAknq0QByKejfIliWxrkyeWAGVTNqQWrzdhwz9HrqnVw85Te6Ycy_8UfgOEXs_YYViRsPTnYQPMKVs0lW0CHpZXJcwnptwm1np38If40U7WGUVLpqcAKAP_y0YpTJ2ulNk9wjNsoOFVdJ9q/s2048/d827aed7-e2c7-465c-9ca7-77e90bfe9bdc.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1158" height="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqdmh_3Z_8dQdBlhRMBgCIqBNbhKIHQJdDYQJEPAknq0QByKejfIliWxrkyeWAGVTNqQWrzdhwz9HrqnVw85Te6Ycy_8UfgOEXs_YYViRsPTnYQPMKVs0lW0CHpZXJcwnptwm1np38If40U7WGUVLpqcAKAP_y0YpTJ2ulNk9wjNsoOFVdJ9q/w237-h419/d827aed7-e2c7-465c-9ca7-77e90bfe9bdc.jpeg" width="237" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This picture was taken fairly early on during our time here. Each day we have two tea breaks - one mid-morning and one in the late afternoon. This was one of the two. And you see me sitting... alone... lost in my thoughts. What you can't see (with a small exception) is that everyone else is standing or sitting in small groups... chatting, laughing, sharing, etc. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I spent so much time in the first 3 - 4 weeks trapped in my own mind. I was questioning a lot... Trying to figure out how to relate to folks from different cultures... Feeling shy about joining a conversation with people who are all from the same region... Being insecure about my lack of language ability... Nervous about verifying people's possible stereotypes of Americans... Feeling foolish because I don't understand a person's sense of humor and then responding in a weird way... or feeling foolish because I don't understand a person's accent and having to ask them to repeat themselves several times... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm sure you get what I'm saying. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now... Contrast that first picture with the following pictures:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNLOX2c6LU5FzMa2_5kq7W2LNVO_-pofmLkVIDwWRVHlyKP2UupwBI-j8OV6XjAu2n0yqFgdmvvRjhP67aus7pil93YzNXgmqZBWrLDoEjx2BIt2v-RdKJMks5fdBhE2-9oG1efqtVBcpqLE0hPGTSmGehueIEWuNcG6SeVIb2-W1BOv7PYyQ/s1600/bba9bb06-81e9-4633-866f-307d3d1a83e0.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNLOX2c6LU5FzMa2_5kq7W2LNVO_-pofmLkVIDwWRVHlyKP2UupwBI-j8OV6XjAu2n0yqFgdmvvRjhP67aus7pil93YzNXgmqZBWrLDoEjx2BIt2v-RdKJMks5fdBhE2-9oG1efqtVBcpqLE0hPGTSmGehueIEWuNcG6SeVIb2-W1BOv7PYyQ/w238-h179/bba9bb06-81e9-4633-866f-307d3d1a83e0.jpeg" width="238" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNifBqHABs6hKGDQ2o_M9MZ-tJamCTP8QvPBVSNCUEIr5wEye6FOw-DMH-i_ckfCPtgyG8yw-XJZpW8MrJ1esRngtYWvENg0lzObMK41hHcCBhVTD86Mo1M-B68-H2bBs3j_rh3AhCSUH8NnRu6MBfixGfnbetduqFDXzxSg7litAKOq51kBNl/s4032/IMG_6552.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNifBqHABs6hKGDQ2o_M9MZ-tJamCTP8QvPBVSNCUEIr5wEye6FOw-DMH-i_ckfCPtgyG8yw-XJZpW8MrJ1esRngtYWvENg0lzObMK41hHcCBhVTD86Mo1M-B68-H2bBs3j_rh3AhCSUH8NnRu6MBfixGfnbetduqFDXzxSg7litAKOq51kBNl/w226-h170/IMG_6552.jpeg" width="226" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJF0U_YDFESgZnDokvFbF5lRhei2nViDcUV3RrB4iLH4tTyW6_t-RvkSXR00Gmdf8AZrKEob4es3boX9zQS7EIEZuItHxMmy-XHYgW0Cad1FipxCc8fSvBSMYZMFQfQhyphenhyphen_JQnHYiijXxlPfnOwsOHPnPawKz2PiTTez7sZrPKmY2psefcREOwx/s3088/IMG_6514.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJF0U_YDFESgZnDokvFbF5lRhei2nViDcUV3RrB4iLH4tTyW6_t-RvkSXR00Gmdf8AZrKEob4es3boX9zQS7EIEZuItHxMmy-XHYgW0Cad1FipxCc8fSvBSMYZMFQfQhyphenhyphen_JQnHYiijXxlPfnOwsOHPnPawKz2PiTTez7sZrPKmY2psefcREOwx/w180-h240/IMG_6514.jpeg" width="180" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjl2_d-wyDM6tTvSsZwx1m3fx3s6VBqdQzU5YVhRQQNqOAJJ3B9lwDSbfmr6osVkMM1nsxTLjLTs3d1M7rMi17dkEG9HfV_zQpbxkxeENbISWY7IRfrZzNH2ywLCQHH5F7MlEj2_psmp80crjZ2v0c9mEr_W48MHAOD0oz6aWmwB423v8eQrL/s2048/5e1cfef6-e48b-4e56-95d4-9d1955b569ec.jpeg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjl2_d-wyDM6tTvSsZwx1m3fx3s6VBqdQzU5YVhRQQNqOAJJ3B9lwDSbfmr6osVkMM1nsxTLjLTs3d1M7rMi17dkEG9HfV_zQpbxkxeENbISWY7IRfrZzNH2ywLCQHH5F7MlEj2_psmp80crjZ2v0c9mEr_W48MHAOD0oz6aWmwB423v8eQrL/w269-h152/5e1cfef6-e48b-4e56-95d4-9d1955b569ec.jpeg" width="269" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2kBVx_Lh-d_2S68BbaXzspAnk32cpc9vR9FQdvFn3P1FRYTZZlKggk_bEgqNbRXKbY693_pR15ebktEgZ7CIJr3BFAPLN7Io01AaP1vgW-PRKpjPBuoymMaP5p-RtEb8YbWZ1HB5uLXbn20LblcRuAuyu4Fw-IpoeFM9vtvlftbuf4VEOiGC/s2048/63273fe3-dea5-46ca-a54e-96591fad3620.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2kBVx_Lh-d_2S68BbaXzspAnk32cpc9vR9FQdvFn3P1FRYTZZlKggk_bEgqNbRXKbY693_pR15ebktEgZ7CIJr3BFAPLN7Io01AaP1vgW-PRKpjPBuoymMaP5p-RtEb8YbWZ1HB5uLXbn20LblcRuAuyu4Fw-IpoeFM9vtvlftbuf4VEOiGC/w266-h150/63273fe3-dea5-46ca-a54e-96591fad3620.jpeg" width="266" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjlLZ1m6NnaiHizNtmR3bjRgHTaj8IJD979t1LukP4jfMlFG3b62onUhpPc9Fsq3ypKN53z6yRa4jZDH1CTycQHC4N-oCehROv-mq7fd1XUmYd3BSH8WpZfRoHXPA9ukkIlilNyWJk18sCEKaE6msHbdih0CDT7boqnzUCB4EQElQ0mqJ2Wtw/s2048/527fbfae-e551-4c72-b8fd-ee6775048afb.jpeg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjlLZ1m6NnaiHizNtmR3bjRgHTaj8IJD979t1LukP4jfMlFG3b62onUhpPc9Fsq3ypKN53z6yRa4jZDH1CTycQHC4N-oCehROv-mq7fd1XUmYd3BSH8WpZfRoHXPA9ukkIlilNyWJk18sCEKaE6msHbdih0CDT7boqnzUCB4EQElQ0mqJ2Wtw/w182-h243/527fbfae-e551-4c72-b8fd-ee6775048afb.jpeg" width="182" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCpdtbZMrQl58CpPCqacV6Z0RMBEKzT-uEE8VBQuBLeK-2NDxSRx-GyxyRyGLuMPjNGXr5VE19UrTOcbFQWJus8kWnAv9MecYFxTBqXmp1FnBp6fvtA2_6RzZ4Z2JthXRsJS__eEc1H3h9NnFGd_R9ymYNMnyIV2s8hLoc5KvNlBje_vpAdp1/s2048/155f34da-bde4-48b3-9399-d083b19cc77e.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCpdtbZMrQl58CpPCqacV6Z0RMBEKzT-uEE8VBQuBLeK-2NDxSRx-GyxyRyGLuMPjNGXr5VE19UrTOcbFQWJus8kWnAv9MecYFxTBqXmp1FnBp6fvtA2_6RzZ4Z2JthXRsJS__eEc1H3h9NnFGd_R9ymYNMnyIV2s8hLoc5KvNlBje_vpAdp1/w257-h144/155f34da-bde4-48b3-9399-d083b19cc77e.jpeg" width="257" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrE7BJ4UvchcYnYoMkYQ6phmuseoAyKfh3Biv4dtjAH1jgM98pHkOK_T5mhtEzm4Phb1VkbF3JF54tW1PWLb9lGBw0FTGZsKiDdozlHwn9ASw0cpGtdp97TNL-9ZewIXIbtf9sQ53e-rSY1Z1npk4zEr3YaNbqoYqhBfjimm5V4gBV5UnxPU8d/s1280/8a59d944-8371-42e5-b7bc-b602ed05e8e1.jpeg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrE7BJ4UvchcYnYoMkYQ6phmuseoAyKfh3Biv4dtjAH1jgM98pHkOK_T5mhtEzm4Phb1VkbF3JF54tW1PWLb9lGBw0FTGZsKiDdozlHwn9ASw0cpGtdp97TNL-9ZewIXIbtf9sQ53e-rSY1Z1npk4zEr3YaNbqoYqhBfjimm5V4gBV5UnxPU8d/w243-h182/8a59d944-8371-42e5-b7bc-b602ed05e8e1.jpeg" width="243" /></a></div></div><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvdeMK50oVgSXzTMhy-9Ix32q1j1tRFcw6YIGkwFmwZtUb5SuMj_EHtgUeoXccHY003JYpdEkxGA4mjN7bSAO1W2bU11-2baD6Veg1XZSMGxMcD3ab_nDZ0JpBOfrl9ScRWR5_mG8X9l8-Tq7TivGKVhF5p9Mw3HDHmWUN0jb7wNKetpy4YCk/s2048/ff2c58bd-78ff-450c-82cb-0d8d48b74bee.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvdeMK50oVgSXzTMhy-9Ix32q1j1tRFcw6YIGkwFmwZtUb5SuMj_EHtgUeoXccHY003JYpdEkxGA4mjN7bSAO1W2bU11-2baD6Veg1XZSMGxMcD3ab_nDZ0JpBOfrl9ScRWR5_mG8X9l8-Tq7TivGKVhF5p9Mw3HDHmWUN0jb7wNKetpy4YCk/w285-h160/ff2c58bd-78ff-450c-82cb-0d8d48b74bee.jpeg" width="285" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoybF9yz1_aohuHNj7IbPSwaIJIA588O4ulqKDfC7lebZqLhKPFgQ6FBRPK5uLNxHfFQmiYFCW4s7IyKdbZ2WoSqe-C_R-WqApr9vtMaE4Mu6s7T8gT3Pu319ypf5hbKluGm9sPFgOMXjCyh6ypdNrRJqnrKK8BcoC0Qawyx11e6PuOdLlxnsD/s1600/e4f76128-a32d-4da6-9171-71fec7e1469e.jpeg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoybF9yz1_aohuHNj7IbPSwaIJIA588O4ulqKDfC7lebZqLhKPFgQ6FBRPK5uLNxHfFQmiYFCW4s7IyKdbZ2WoSqe-C_R-WqApr9vtMaE4Mu6s7T8gT3Pu319ypf5hbKluGm9sPFgOMXjCyh6ypdNrRJqnrKK8BcoC0Qawyx11e6PuOdLlxnsD/w250-h187/e4f76128-a32d-4da6-9171-71fec7e1469e.jpeg" width="250" /></a><p></p><p><br /></p><p>As I look towards leaving (while still "being here now"), I recognize that I'm going to miss a lot about being here. I'll miss the after-dinner walks -- laughing, singing, talking -- Walking down the hall in the morning to get coffee and hearing music from India coming from one person's bedroom (in Hindi? in Tamil? not sure) -- I'll miss hearing the joyous laughter <u>erupting</u> from particular folks (such joy!) - I'll miss the drumming and clapping in Mass while singing in a language I don't understand, but that I find beautiful -- I'll miss the conversations about culture, cultural norms, and different Marianist realities in various parts of the world -- And it will be weird to go home and not live in community with 30-something people... </p><p>I am also lamenting the fact that I spent so much time <i>stuck</i> in my head. So much wasted time! Well... "wasted" in terms of building relationships, but not quite wasted as I consider the changes within myself... Anyway, I need to remember... I still have 2 weeks. So, I will be here now and welcome the graces that come - whether they come through times of reflection or in conversation/relationships.</p><p>Many blessings,</p><p>Sr. N</p><br /><br /><br />Sr.Nicole Trahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512754704919427700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33390806.post-5919750280083069642023-10-02T03:08:00.002-04:002023-10-02T03:28:01.375-04:00Reflecting<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><i>Cultural influences have set up the assumptions about the mind, </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><i>the body, and the universe with which we begin; pose the questions we ask; </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><i>influence the facts we seek; determine the interpretation we give these facts; </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><i>and direct our reaction to these interpretations and conclusions.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Gunner Myrdal</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As we begin this month of October and a week of retreat, I thought I would share a few thoughts on which I've been reflecting.</div><div><br /></div><div>_._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've known for a long time that the United States does not support a communitarian culture. We are individualistic, goal-oriented, privacy-protecting, independent, and rights-focused... generally speaking. This is something that I've grown more critical of in recent years... and yet, it remains deeply ingrained in me. Last weekend a few of us went to Sunday Mass at a nearby parish. At the end of Mass during the announcements, there was information given on upcoming weddings. "So-and-so, son of so-and-so, from such-and-such plans to marry so-and-so, daughter of so-and-so, from such-and-such. If anyone has reasons this marriage should not take place..." I gasped - audibly. I was flabbergasted and wondered, "What is happening?!" So, later at lunch, I asked my table about this practice. Those at the table (as far as I can remember right now) were from Zambia, Kenya, Vietnam, Ivory Coast, Malawi, India, and South Korea. Everyone was familiar with this practice - except the person from South Korea and myself. </div><div><br /></div><div>Marriage in many contexts is a communal affair. I learned from the conversation that it's not just for any reason that someone can speak in opposition to a marriage. But, perhaps someone in the community is aware that one of the people already has a spouse and family somewhere else... or that they are guilty of something serious... And it's a process, not just a random objection. They laughed when I asked about bitter exes trying to stop their former partner from marrying someone else. It's not like that. People don't disrespect the process.</div><div><br /></div><div>I went from flabbergasted (and appalled?) to fascinated, curious, and deeply reflective. Shaped by the culture from which I come, I couldn't image this - someone interjecting into someone else's private life and trying to deny a right. But that is not the perspective from which others look at the situation. And perhaps there is something to learn from this... oh, arrogant American.</div><div><br /></div><div>Something else I learned from the conversation... Since everyone in the parish knows when the wedding is (date and time), people just show up to the celebration... invitation... no invitation... it doesn't matter. Everyone is welcome. </div><div><br /></div><div>There's something about all this that I appreciate. </div><div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />_._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._.</div><div><br /></div><div>A funny exchange happened yesterday when a few of us went out for lunch after a hiking expedition. One of the Sisters ordered a drink I didn't recognize. The Brother sitting next to me explained, very matter-of-fact, "That beer is for women." "Oh?? (with an eyebrow raised) What does that mean?" I responded very calmly. "Oh! I mean... I'm not trying to... I mean... it's... hmm... you know... not as strong... good for women."... "Oh?" It was kind of funny to watch him trying to get himself out of that situation. What he was actually trying to say is that it's a good "starter" beer for those who don't drink. And to be fair, I should explain that this Brother doesn't drink at all. So, some slack is necessary. But it was interesting to me: 1. how matter-of-fact his statement was and 2. how quickly I responded with a challenge in my voice - not rudely - just challenging the statement. </div><div><br /></div><div>My understanding of the equality of the sexes is fierce - even in mundane things.</div><div><br /></div><div>_._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._.</div><div><br /></div><div>Random learning from yesterday - </div><div>Distance here is measured in kilometers. However, the odometer in vehicles is called "mileage." I tried to explain to people why this doesn't make sense, but no one understood (or cared?) what I was trying to point out. There should be another word for calculating distance that is based on kilometers instead of miles, yes? Why call it mileage if you don't use miles? </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm right about this one... 😉</div><div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />_._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last week I stayed up way too late on a Wednesday night having an intense conversation with a Brother from West Africa and one from India about the impact of colonization and white supremacy - missionaries and the "white savior complex" - on religious life in their contexts. There is paternalism and a resulting infantilization that is still part of the dynamic in international congregations. Enlightening conversation... but also maddening and somewhat strange for me as a person of color from a Western nation. I'm in such a weird position of privilege, but not quite... If that makes sense. I walk a line, and it influences everything. Mine is a unique voice, no doubt. I have so much still to learn, though. </div><div><br /></div><div>So much to carry with me into retreat this week. I appreciate your prayers... and know of mine!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYO9WMeCIKooyhrY5Y0Y6JLHFvFDZIteSkNkOSXEqLsXZylKpJJ4KBDu9HWbxJwfpU-11Zggidu8uXKDtKvg018pWKeZHtOMZuREFz1I9yBW_L2t6VtHbqW4ilZC1zLCkgPoA2ycHup4JrxZPhGBSE3jNKwmxQX-3t0teET6IW3DBXLwhbyrjt/s2048/220e410a-6fae-402f-bcde-51e45215e9da.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYO9WMeCIKooyhrY5Y0Y6JLHFvFDZIteSkNkOSXEqLsXZylKpJJ4KBDu9HWbxJwfpU-11Zggidu8uXKDtKvg018pWKeZHtOMZuREFz1I9yBW_L2t6VtHbqW4ilZC1zLCkgPoA2ycHup4JrxZPhGBSE3jNKwmxQX-3t0teET6IW3DBXLwhbyrjt/s320/220e410a-6fae-402f-bcde-51e45215e9da.jpeg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the chapel here at the retreat center</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Blessings,</div><div>Sr. N</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Sr.Nicole Trahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512754704919427700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33390806.post-29784133159866813032023-09-23T07:01:00.001-04:002023-09-23T10:28:56.988-04:00"Oh... we're halfway there! Oh-oh living on a prayer!"<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #800180; font-size: medium;">“Focus on the journey, not the destination.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #800180; font-size: medium;">Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.”</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-small;">Greg Anderson</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>It really is hard to believe that we've reached the halfway point in our program. In some ways, it feels like we've been here a really long time (so many experiences, conversations, reflections, etc.), and in other ways, it feels like we haven't been here that long - there are still people with whom I haven't talked much at all. But... here we are. <p></p><p>This past week has been different. The SM and the FMI spent Monday - Friday in separate meetings. The Brothers spent the week learning about formation in their history - reading many documents and in conversation about current formation. At least, that's what I understand about what they were up to. As for the FMI... we were working on the revision of our congregational Guide to Formation.</p><p>This document, which is in the process of being revised, establishes the framework, contents, methods, and resources for the formation of new Sisters. Each day we read and looked at the guide from a different perspective (with the help of certain documents). We'd spend time in individual reflection followed by discussion in language groups and finally deciding as a group on our recommendations for edits to the guide. It was hard work, to be honest. We worked without a translator. So, we translated for each other. And while I'm the only one for whom English is her first language, we did most of our work in English (with side conversations in Spanish and French). Once we finished, the two of us who served as secretaries for the week worked on a synthesis document which the group approved, and we will submit it to our General Administration for the next stage of the updating process. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLl3uCikeewET9uOu9WyiKPXZAB3PAqKqMV0bnv28nApbNNClby5MpMAWM6mzGyZL58Jbwqi61rXRKpp7qjkiBkE8k9WWhYY2OJ9pvrybuj-QUcN6_DgYimAXozz0q3qTqIr1WNcKvKts_b8dcw5gWZcgGwb1tV8bib9gRlBR-DZfclmlzqZ_/s3088/IMG_6197.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLl3uCikeewET9uOu9WyiKPXZAB3PAqKqMV0bnv28nApbNNClby5MpMAWM6mzGyZL58Jbwqi61rXRKpp7qjkiBkE8k9WWhYY2OJ9pvrybuj-QUcN6_DgYimAXozz0q3qTqIr1WNcKvKts_b8dcw5gWZcgGwb1tV8bib9gRlBR-DZfclmlzqZ_/w207-h260/IMG_6197.jpeg" width="207" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secretaries hard at work on the document.<br />I loved the fact that we were both wearing purple.<br />She didn't notice until I said something. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILMUQ_tlMTQgzFCcTcJaGF2PW9LaQNj1JdyV30ceJcnPW_ApcsYhK7OSR1JLjbfIVsZI29NKTlyP1yg2ew9yAAlMgEOPbrjMQJd_lNms6RFICLPGy3_ixQr0BUeeHlRljVKdnpRmITQiFPghz0B2AlasAn3pbvxOK7_BugYotCirsHfhKzlGi/s4032/IMG_6202.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILMUQ_tlMTQgzFCcTcJaGF2PW9LaQNj1JdyV30ceJcnPW_ApcsYhK7OSR1JLjbfIVsZI29NKTlyP1yg2ew9yAAlMgEOPbrjMQJd_lNms6RFICLPGy3_ixQr0BUeeHlRljVKdnpRmITQiFPghz0B2AlasAn3pbvxOK7_BugYotCirsHfhKzlGi/w283-h212/IMG_6202.jpeg" width="283" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The FMIs at work</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>One day, the FMIs decided to sit together at lunch. You would think we were doing something terrible with the response we received from the Brothers. So much grief! But, all in good fun...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfi8Er8tbVn4ljGclQzFF7ZpAgHkRJn8gRPRp6YRaYiiNJDqsNWZkyT9J1n2i45aUefcmORLoLS8fWdu7ksiTFZPP-4hYgT7Ki4lK-QDwb2UGsNqYdX_sUp778oXR3deGh59KIlmEP3nTcDPymiuZZ7SmDG8Z97FSn7dysrCZu8CEoUUU2ppAN/s2048/4a14d173-7bd8-4db1-b0fb-006fd1a7ba36.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfi8Er8tbVn4ljGclQzFF7ZpAgHkRJn8gRPRp6YRaYiiNJDqsNWZkyT9J1n2i45aUefcmORLoLS8fWdu7ksiTFZPP-4hYgT7Ki4lK-QDwb2UGsNqYdX_sUp778oXR3deGh59KIlmEP3nTcDPymiuZZ7SmDG8Z97FSn7dysrCZu8CEoUUU2ppAN/s320/4a14d173-7bd8-4db1-b0fb-006fd1a7ba36.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even with all the work, we were still smiling.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />This morning, Saturday, we are back with the SM for our morning session. We're taking a look at what our recent General Chapters have to teach us about formation. <div><br /></div><div>We are free for the rest of the weekend (except for communal prayer and meals). Although, I think we have a social planned for this evening. We do not have an outing planned for this afternoon or tomorrow. So, laundry day for me, maybe? And maybe I can read something...? Or sleep?? All good options. We'll see what happens. 😊</div><div><br /></div><div>At this point in our time here, I am reflecting on lessons I'm learning outside of our sessions. I'm learning a lot in terms of content. This is true. But there are many other things not included in our sessions. Here are a few things (in no particular order):</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The higher the cotton content of clothing, the easier it is to wash by hand, the faster it dries, and the softer it is when dry. Why I brought so many things with polyester and spandex is an annoying mystery to me.</li><li>Speaking a common language does not guarantee a connection. A common language does not necessarily indicate a similar sense of humor, perspective on life, or value system. Building a connection takes work and can be exhausting.</li><li>My social awkwardness, which is a normal fact of life, is magnified when I'm in an unfamiliar context. It's off the charts without others who share my home context.</li><li>Singing in a different language is a lot easier than reading that same language out loud or understanding someone speaking. I've learned I can sing in a few languages and understand what I'm singing. But don't ask me to read the same words out loud... It's so much harder! 🤔 Why can't I use my signing brain at other times?</li><li>I know so little about the history of different countries on the African continent. </li><li>The sun is more intense when you're closer to the equator. I know that. But I've experienced it in new ways.</li><li>The narratives we play in our minds make a huge difference in terms of attitude and behavior... and can either build bridges or walls between people. There is a choice involved. </li></ul><div>That's all for now. Now I'm off to embrace a free afternoon.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Many blessings,</div><div>Sr. N</div><div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Sr.Nicole Trahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512754704919427700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33390806.post-58523197379042336152023-09-18T06:40:00.000-04:002023-09-18T06:40:24.862-04:00Tell me... what does commitment look like to you?<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><i>The Lord’s call – let it be said at the outset – is not as clear-cut as any of those things </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><i>we can hear, </i></span><i style="color: #274e13;">see or touch in our daily experience. God comes silently and discreetly, </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #274e13;">without imposing on our freedom. Thus it can happen that his voice </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #274e13;">is drowned out by the many worries and concerns </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><i>that fill our minds and hearts.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><i>We need, then, to learn how to listen carefully to his word </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><i>and the story of his life, </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><i>but also to be attentive to the details of our own daily lives, </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><i>in order to learn how to view things </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><i>with the eyes of faith, and to keep ourselves open to the surprises of the Spirit.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Pope Francis</b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Message for the 55th World Day of Vocations</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;">2018</span></div></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;">Recap of the week...</h2><div>Last week - week 5 - was quite the week. The topic was consecrated life, which is rather broad. We looked at each of the vows. We looked at what makes religious life "radical" in our world today. We read parts of Vatican documents on consecrated life and our own Rules of Life. We spent time meditating on beautiful pieces of art each morning. We also had group presentations. Thank you to our facilitator for the week, our own Bro. Tim from New York. </div><div><br /></div><div>The real "meat" of the week, though, came from our group discussions about cultural context and the challenges we face in living committed lives. I heard from some of our SMs about being held at gunpoint - churches being bombed - fear of extremists - religious women being raped (not our FMIs, but women they know). Priests who have been jailed for nothing more than baptizing someone without government permission. We talked about challenges to the vow of poverty when the religious live better than the candidates' families. We shared about family and societal expectations of adult children. We talked about clericalism, the sins of the Church, and how religious are misunderstood around the world - regardless of context. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>No doubt, a heavy week. But so, so good. I have learned a great deal. And understand in a more complete way (although, not completely) what a commitment to Marianist life means for our Brothers and Sisters in different parts of the world. I will be unpacking those conversations for a while.</div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;">Weekend...</h2><div>Saturday was a relaxing day. The afternoon was free, so I went to the mall across the street with two of our Brothers and had a lovely fruit smoothie. Then that evening we had a social with lots of dancing. </div><div><br /></div><div>On Sunday we had another excursion. This time to Lake Naivasha. What a fun day - after the heaviness of the week, it was good to be outside, laugh, walk alongside someone and chat for a bit. </div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Great Rift Valley and Lake Naivasha</h3><div>The lake is about a 2.5-hour drive from our retreat center. We left Sunday after breakfast and returned about an hour before evening prayer. </div><div><br /></div><div>About midway through the drive, we stopped at a scenic overlook. From this point, you see a beautiful view of the Great Rift Valley. This rift extends from Jordan along eastern Africa to Mozambique. According to Brittanica.com, the "East African Rift System, also called Afro-Arabian Rift Valley, one of the most extensive rifts on Earth’s surface, extending from Jordan in southwestern Asia southward through eastern Africa to Mozambique. The system is some 4,000 miles (6,400 km) long and averages 30–40 miles (48–64 km) wide."</div><div><br /></div><div>Because of the fossils found in the Great Rift Valley, it is believed that this area is the birthplace of humanity. Let that soak in for a minute...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzlOwfLfQns-UR25bmsYAtC2tjv8sN57pvMjPAEEMQG4cnbT_zEB5oNMQMhXYXuaOrbfeVGSvcuf6s' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If this video loads, you'll see the panorama.</div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZF_S5TShQTS9eXkxLnnK5zG3nyHotI7V1zEncO38C1OSGnWKZmHHZECnZVYGKJR6mPmWhhCFVf9yBmVnAkPztQ1XTgYmG01rjSlLNG43gTQcH_ikxL-qB7HVgdwrfpIDLwyPuQeZnET0Yyl3MYQ9VXK-lgUBLmzlM2bdE4MLMG9k4DTA2GK4-/s1280/8a59d944-8371-42e5-b7bc-b602ed05e8e1.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZF_S5TShQTS9eXkxLnnK5zG3nyHotI7V1zEncO38C1OSGnWKZmHHZECnZVYGKJR6mPmWhhCFVf9yBmVnAkPztQ1XTgYmG01rjSlLNG43gTQcH_ikxL-qB7HVgdwrfpIDLwyPuQeZnET0Yyl3MYQ9VXK-lgUBLmzlM2bdE4MLMG9k4DTA2GK4-/s320/8a59d944-8371-42e5-b7bc-b602ed05e8e1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Joel, SM and Jinu, SM<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmsYKL_FgnPvoVCDjh0NjkEaK5DHQ3Q0dDrOTpNT61U7YmfE8hQorvPm339CtJDv8cAz_5rJ46zrII9yMYQ0-5fWpZ3Aod1R2Y8PaObSfjD4wM4ZfSflN_iyjrWrXjdx9gKEtDlNnostU6MNKKdaMOIlMl0o5mkxPrjHTH7etx6bAsKJlN7xq/s1280/71073440-e3b6-44dc-8f2a-cfc6a19edb09.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmsYKL_FgnPvoVCDjh0NjkEaK5DHQ3Q0dDrOTpNT61U7YmfE8hQorvPm339CtJDv8cAz_5rJ46zrII9yMYQ0-5fWpZ3Aod1R2Y8PaObSfjD4wM4ZfSflN_iyjrWrXjdx9gKEtDlNnostU6MNKKdaMOIlMl0o5mkxPrjHTH7etx6bAsKJlN7xq/s320/71073440-e3b6-44dc-8f2a-cfc6a19edb09.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Sisters Terese and Prudence</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjYlbpMJDIf5V1zI2T-M5KD-PmvwGlDSYihPfbuHZMaC_hIsjgnMs5E5y-VYcVUzR_rE-6yqfdVpBH7CfmTwWmegGNkGgyuu6Y0flOfuVsrHT24FWWw1K0GEfY59yYXu4kt2sW8hlV0Y6v7VIbh8yTEeIEo3VuOHLY3ZzaOOrkysa7qJAw7Tw/s4032/IMG_6060.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjYlbpMJDIf5V1zI2T-M5KD-PmvwGlDSYihPfbuHZMaC_hIsjgnMs5E5y-VYcVUzR_rE-6yqfdVpBH7CfmTwWmegGNkGgyuu6Y0flOfuVsrHT24FWWw1K0GEfY59yYXu4kt2sW8hlV0Y6v7VIbh8yTEeIEo3VuOHLY3ZzaOOrkysa7qJAw7Tw/s320/IMG_6060.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvR5EJhU4tglx7vbdWCWRjpI9grJVC5Z0O2rK37QwRIvGDhdqHzdVA1C-kIlDFAdsBy9BXfVdfrBUwRMQVlxKx4sT7L4oD5hIkVvu2-pSUrEp7b99YAAWVaOrf8UT-ygG0C44RPAXmwOR_CNFobsqAsoXxtR-cQtpfGkERT9qGP-iXcabPsV5/s4032/IMG_6063.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvR5EJhU4tglx7vbdWCWRjpI9grJVC5Z0O2rK37QwRIvGDhdqHzdVA1C-kIlDFAdsBy9BXfVdfrBUwRMQVlxKx4sT7L4oD5hIkVvu2-pSUrEp7b99YAAWVaOrf8UT-ygG0C44RPAXmwOR_CNFobsqAsoXxtR-cQtpfGkERT9qGP-iXcabPsV5/s320/IMG_6063.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning views</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKPPRuLn3nwok_eqxYbuT9dIlRjmJcUTZU9DqFlhGCpCbLK-jcQ7RbflgJSTHVOaD3oosroMVtWE3lDNkJBzsNwQe32GnS7NTN0zITFnl4W9JhvyZJJF5gtsH5FLwf74o-CmouFyFIyyDFzwn3eLilsgdtGDV6e44Jl-LuVniW1MaScMGPrdr/s4032/IMG_6065.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKPPRuLn3nwok_eqxYbuT9dIlRjmJcUTZU9DqFlhGCpCbLK-jcQ7RbflgJSTHVOaD3oosroMVtWE3lDNkJBzsNwQe32GnS7NTN0zITFnl4W9JhvyZJJF5gtsH5FLwf74o-CmouFyFIyyDFzwn3eLilsgdtGDV6e44Jl-LuVniW1MaScMGPrdr/s320/IMG_6065.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Terese</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0tdXGXWyrYKtDC-lzZDimIjhtTWtctTfk09bj704DAx-bVyrZLh63CGukhQVOkOZL5QvpMMBo77Mra-_si2GWN7QRIzwzSaAePyNf-iUXPSQtBnYa5-W5qOP8k-Lsx4ZNSExmS3CSQ9khryApM2HcJQ-hr0STPHQT7P7wSlfv3PZ2Q7_Djt6/s1600/c4bef56f-aef9-474c-a175-5a8935acb099.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0tdXGXWyrYKtDC-lzZDimIjhtTWtctTfk09bj704DAx-bVyrZLh63CGukhQVOkOZL5QvpMMBo77Mra-_si2GWN7QRIzwzSaAePyNf-iUXPSQtBnYa5-W5qOP8k-Lsx4ZNSExmS3CSQ9khryApM2HcJQ-hr0STPHQT7P7wSlfv3PZ2Q7_Djt6/s320/c4bef56f-aef9-474c-a175-5a8935acb099.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So, also there were these very aggressive vendors<br />at the overlook. Fr. Pablo and I resisted very well!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">Crescent Island</h3>When we arrived at Lake Naivasha we took boats out to <a href="https://www.crescentisland.co/lake-naivasha" target="_blank">Crescent Island</a>. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnD_dM3TNqEJ_Adg4pPgVUitt8ehEv70KNOcoirifJGdxXAGApqmswrTGsfq9ygUYpgI5yI43Y7zkVKpibsG4dzj6IT6oHrUyIx89xhqyknZtxy2xxaS-1dr3xFA8cbHpiSgjkqMHS0q5Oa5ZL6c1CFVO9UaS9KCU_LqY5Xpz0LgLAHMBus41/s4032/IMG_6071.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnD_dM3TNqEJ_Adg4pPgVUitt8ehEv70KNOcoirifJGdxXAGApqmswrTGsfq9ygUYpgI5yI43Y7zkVKpibsG4dzj6IT6oHrUyIx89xhqyknZtxy2xxaS-1dr3xFA8cbHpiSgjkqMHS0q5Oa5ZL6c1CFVO9UaS9KCU_LqY5Xpz0LgLAHMBus41/s320/IMG_6071.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are a lot of dead trees in and<br />near the water. We were told that it's <br />because of too much rainfall -<br />roots were unable to get enough O2.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kC6E2EhSYceyjx19F_eJdLywn3BWilzkQXuXv5kLesj-T2WiKV1gQjsOv08cCFTqshT6irWSgNRGPr1__R9r2OSBkKHGzQykDMJnN0vuAiILBumcf7RvwaG2cWUtz9vFCWVeuCmj0lsnIaQbjDVOB7HMpkHUQ_xw6UpkXeHIoURfkqy9W2B6/s4032/IMG_6080.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kC6E2EhSYceyjx19F_eJdLywn3BWilzkQXuXv5kLesj-T2WiKV1gQjsOv08cCFTqshT6irWSgNRGPr1__R9r2OSBkKHGzQykDMJnN0vuAiILBumcf7RvwaG2cWUtz9vFCWVeuCmj0lsnIaQbjDVOB7HMpkHUQ_xw6UpkXeHIoURfkqy9W2B6/s320/IMG_6080.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cows on the shore before boarded <br />the boats.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JXCLwSgM9wKn63S3hPL9Tk6xWIVro0FI4_MgWyYT7kw0CTRpKcFMEFVfWbFLFC15679KzR4I_vA9SyoHA3DGvgVHwTYxXS0d4XP5730u8Lws3Q0LeorsgJMoKD488i-ACpF3_FtYLq0jGmXrm6i2AVluFQH2Sh-nHPMBqD0BgqkqSP5_Scfp/s4032/IMG_6083.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JXCLwSgM9wKn63S3hPL9Tk6xWIVro0FI4_MgWyYT7kw0CTRpKcFMEFVfWbFLFC15679KzR4I_vA9SyoHA3DGvgVHwTYxXS0d4XP5730u8Lws3Q0LeorsgJMoKD488i-ACpF3_FtYLq0jGmXrm6i2AVluFQH2Sh-nHPMBqD0BgqkqSP5_Scfp/s320/IMG_6083.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7 people per boat for the 10-minute ride</td></tr></tbody></table><div><div><br /></div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3M0gNV2VnF9hsQaloXeakUZVZHMzM0BUukgKuHoFepld_-TG-t7MIThyS2T5T3vkM0iXsq36zhmzUdAaYSYr4NW4ZiORqVhtMnkWhyR_crquFKS1_vRw6ElOObCwVSZi3k-AwM0ZhYo5i9pgl8U0daNL8-n7OJaoBteRMEv65I8xSHAi6SvZ8/s4032/IMG_6070.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3M0gNV2VnF9hsQaloXeakUZVZHMzM0BUukgKuHoFepld_-TG-t7MIThyS2T5T3vkM0iXsq36zhmzUdAaYSYr4NW4ZiORqVhtMnkWhyR_crquFKS1_vRw6ElOObCwVSZi3k-AwM0ZhYo5i9pgl8U0daNL8-n7OJaoBteRMEv65I8xSHAi6SvZ8/s320/IMG_6070.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the trees</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3WQuxuHpOuNd7M1dUOvKi-811F3-hgSHK5OjP3HIIdom1W847K96tA-yJBlBJMGcggM15bwun9szPeu0j0qIeC7pDRtE186UmNKEu4JVLj8lStgAREauWNZkmwCJLurfgy1h2FRB9RTiOGBK1bob0maU0LgXUGm77qFLWwk_7pC3PhHHPiDv/s4032/IMG_6076.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3WQuxuHpOuNd7M1dUOvKi-811F3-hgSHK5OjP3HIIdom1W847K96tA-yJBlBJMGcggM15bwun9szPeu0j0qIeC7pDRtE186UmNKEu4JVLj8lStgAREauWNZkmwCJLurfgy1h2FRB9RTiOGBK1bob0maU0LgXUGm77qFLWwk_7pC3PhHHPiDv/s320/IMG_6076.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All aboard!</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2B1iNqJEanQI1eE_b7HfDOsa2z3NgCI1JErGaPBuOOJHoxFlNE89QG2BE9nRyy2YmUNfVorLoemCbmKMXOSxUfPDkogcdQZbWtLLlc0w8RG9WMVGpxBSAAAj_vHu1X7sej_mkAENQTerNgZB7_SWP-zG76ouG0l0HDicFJiztekZIrL537wa/s4032/IMG_6078.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2B1iNqJEanQI1eE_b7HfDOsa2z3NgCI1JErGaPBuOOJHoxFlNE89QG2BE9nRyy2YmUNfVorLoemCbmKMXOSxUfPDkogcdQZbWtLLlc0w8RG9WMVGpxBSAAAj_vHu1X7sej_mkAENQTerNgZB7_SWP-zG76ouG0l0HDicFJiztekZIrL537wa/s320/IMG_6078.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Marianist boat<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwmxKQleY1-32DzfrmsP2gXrmCpP8Pf4w5tENcGYZeTamG57ccivpCvVZihY7mYDx2sGywj62Dd6cs' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My first time seeing pelicans in person (you'll see them, too, if this video ever loads)...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On Crescent Island...</h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEhsOU-_xvDvFhQfJn9oataXTOBUEoevWQonIDPashg_XrjZvjhCB9gyeMzmA0-o-kn32rmWzq4VE4vRK5N3-KOdszdEiD6wQWTg2luZ0xIz6O8uwmoBKQRGH6Pu026-vFzKjabkmBqeMP8VE5ZO-wHvn8QKc3jJmhbtoQQUYBFDAxE0gwYu6/s4032/IMG_6092.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEhsOU-_xvDvFhQfJn9oataXTOBUEoevWQonIDPashg_XrjZvjhCB9gyeMzmA0-o-kn32rmWzq4VE4vRK5N3-KOdszdEiD6wQWTg2luZ0xIz6O8uwmoBKQRGH6Pu026-vFzKjabkmBqeMP8VE5ZO-wHvn8QKc3jJmhbtoQQUYBFDAxE0gwYu6/s320/IMG_6092.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots and lots of cactus</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8z2lPQuoIBTk_UiFSb0OxE7Wdpq4EJOgp9RK9N7uuwqnonw11myyHAITGJtC9STDzkkbKSdMgnyY2URqsDU6uPDtiUaqtuG_w4rpQNHO6HasMKlhS6tYaFtYQf1PBncufAqz1mlKpibko7aUYOavPn3JyduCbZByIBspNyXOULylHpJgmQIxl/s4032/IMG_6094.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8z2lPQuoIBTk_UiFSb0OxE7Wdpq4EJOgp9RK9N7uuwqnonw11myyHAITGJtC9STDzkkbKSdMgnyY2URqsDU6uPDtiUaqtuG_w4rpQNHO6HasMKlhS6tYaFtYQf1PBncufAqz1mlKpibko7aUYOavPn3JyduCbZByIBspNyXOULylHpJgmQIxl/w480-h640/IMG_6094.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you look closely, you can see a monkey in this tree... Super cute!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGEdN38bBQFsSocPys5pJC6U8Nyt9Al6w4E5EqHCuIki30vVjxfUyqwHql9TaKaS74W_A8sQTnam-mSoJ424ZJewkMoP9Yyov4S8p9ltYpWGPEsx9p48_SgjmKKMDR7KdL07Qd5M2qlWuTFOgH2GYXdQcx1RI2wS33vSMziU9vgbS4lj8iAo9/s4032/IMG_6099.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGEdN38bBQFsSocPys5pJC6U8Nyt9Al6w4E5EqHCuIki30vVjxfUyqwHql9TaKaS74W_A8sQTnam-mSoJ424ZJewkMoP9Yyov4S8p9ltYpWGPEsx9p48_SgjmKKMDR7KdL07Qd5M2qlWuTFOgH2GYXdQcx1RI2wS33vSMziU9vgbS4lj8iAo9/s320/IMG_6099.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ostriches are used to people and <br />not as mean as others</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiy2onUQzLlrxPVVj73GRxkOHMqbyq4s1fmbwAIWuAFr6AcAHmjyy3IwtVBpNpDgl-BHKm6r-WMBey9_h2wdyvzyKeYUNUNK1hZhZ2d30eKO17OvTwTwWdsJcEFySO_G4AcEUxI17sGUAmsNpChv4Ef6xEpdQy3Akd-wc4wWsXDvwheP6iylZA/s4032/IMG_6101.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiy2onUQzLlrxPVVj73GRxkOHMqbyq4s1fmbwAIWuAFr6AcAHmjyy3IwtVBpNpDgl-BHKm6r-WMBey9_h2wdyvzyKeYUNUNK1hZhZ2d30eKO17OvTwTwWdsJcEFySO_G4AcEUxI17sGUAmsNpChv4Ef6xEpdQy3Akd-wc4wWsXDvwheP6iylZA/s320/IMG_6101.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antelope</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhDQjEMVazmh4kEK0-tWgSxxrEm3nsGvjGWjv4fXJMt7cEdO4zGUoXULrr0B-n9XOeWmSQfXlzqXQ70CAJ5PJv_aNUR6kuURMGBEq8x7OKGnneqtZv2iqGyB9u7JCmcbL-v8ZrQl-LZ6O7XSk-7IsBTE7-YLrpbJLlDdZTiK46_abwnmca4Rn/s4032/IMG_6102.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhDQjEMVazmh4kEK0-tWgSxxrEm3nsGvjGWjv4fXJMt7cEdO4zGUoXULrr0B-n9XOeWmSQfXlzqXQ70CAJ5PJv_aNUR6kuURMGBEq8x7OKGnneqtZv2iqGyB9u7JCmcbL-v8ZrQl-LZ6O7XSk-7IsBTE7-YLrpbJLlDdZTiK46_abwnmca4Rn/s320/IMG_6102.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFn3JzsAGQ3IbbRx2txHD1qE2d4g7i2dNsdWvs-qPRhe3ul4QmZXxPhwEEfz5gogRtbnn4wq8YwaWf3Bi5Ns5DIWfn3UOmJ5uq667G3FWHI6CuCQpP0V7cuAr4wgUB7R2QnPV83BJerYWrygG_dZyxi6Owch5JFsn7kgVOgBPLQqhWkyjEoe62/s4032/IMG_6118.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFn3JzsAGQ3IbbRx2txHD1qE2d4g7i2dNsdWvs-qPRhe3ul4QmZXxPhwEEfz5gogRtbnn4wq8YwaWf3Bi5Ns5DIWfn3UOmJ5uq667G3FWHI6CuCQpP0V7cuAr4wgUB7R2QnPV83BJerYWrygG_dZyxi6Owch5JFsn7kgVOgBPLQqhWkyjEoe62/s320/IMG_6118.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wildebeasts... Our guide called them one of the "ugly 5."<br />They're not what I would call cute...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NnRzXldeHILW66-4yFJCgOZ2yb_KLGAcExN-9ut1IIelNhhkymQeYFP8QIoJjx9WwyO39R9J7RMbDDSY46L91R7UuwLTy9PQTDgjN6jBjrOh8uhRdgD6k9HEnSoTi2gTaLHXz0L2rm5cASHcS3-DNhuwi5NyWAIqdylqyGl-IUgeLluZFnVD/s4032/IMG_6120.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NnRzXldeHILW66-4yFJCgOZ2yb_KLGAcExN-9ut1IIelNhhkymQeYFP8QIoJjx9WwyO39R9J7RMbDDSY46L91R7UuwLTy9PQTDgjN6jBjrOh8uhRdgD6k9HEnSoTi2gTaLHXz0L2rm5cASHcS3-DNhuwi5NyWAIqdylqyGl-IUgeLluZFnVD/s320/IMG_6120.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More wildebeasts... We saw zebras <br />and impalas, too but no pics...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">Return to the mainland... and hippos!</h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sa7NExQyIlV8ShLYKntvHkFucYO5llyMIjVf0Pv5gTTUT35PDPizs1RzfY8AK43GXJWIPmeLvpoj2pxx44yqkRF6wrSe1bH6gM_Lna4I4VPM5Thdb63hA_jN7IyqaEjVh3G6gLetd47MBypvBri_4ZaOxzQbbV5If-DqzpY9YeKdPgkqqp89/s4032/IMG_6126.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sa7NExQyIlV8ShLYKntvHkFucYO5llyMIjVf0Pv5gTTUT35PDPizs1RzfY8AK43GXJWIPmeLvpoj2pxx44yqkRF6wrSe1bH6gM_Lna4I4VPM5Thdb63hA_jN7IyqaEjVh3G6gLetd47MBypvBri_4ZaOxzQbbV5If-DqzpY9YeKdPgkqqp89/s320/IMG_6126.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you look closely, you can see 2 eagles.<br />They look a lot like the American bald eagle, <br />but they are African Fish Eagles<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcSMh_bNhllnRnlMhMN-0o8VsbLApGKVQzNy4XpqybkR7r_ujJz_LkbbyQvOaAU5pnUFRwYKyJ7AyVog9WQrXYmc17mGNlvE_zxlubz9-NsB5s8Wrqlw5hph-5GRH5h2VRbS5GXLJszskFIXw56d5TBd_Y9HpfxOqFD7GG2cp2heTG4y3DdFz/s4032/IMG_6130.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcSMh_bNhllnRnlMhMN-0o8VsbLApGKVQzNy4XpqybkR7r_ujJz_LkbbyQvOaAU5pnUFRwYKyJ7AyVog9WQrXYmc17mGNlvE_zxlubz9-NsB5s8Wrqlw5hph-5GRH5h2VRbS5GXLJszskFIXw56d5TBd_Y9HpfxOqFD7GG2cp2heTG4y3DdFz/s320/IMG_6130.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course, I don't know the name of this mountain</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRl8EMyQVE8ffY_kdScFyEhaOPZIHlTzOyRgOKBRayS0gHrI7rJmAGuhaCmcVmKi9VjR5TMHnZ5OCCer6RYAoyyhVgdrpa7F1eT4ngf2tbEG_glv7DOvzIP6u2V9d_L-_uFgXihhGbSRZZmxIeff6q1SxFWbXBvBiOIs02YL-wpUgw7yV1Ehc/s4032/IMG_6135.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRl8EMyQVE8ffY_kdScFyEhaOPZIHlTzOyRgOKBRayS0gHrI7rJmAGuhaCmcVmKi9VjR5TMHnZ5OCCer6RYAoyyhVgdrpa7F1eT4ngf2tbEG_glv7DOvzIP6u2V9d_L-_uFgXihhGbSRZZmxIeff6q1SxFWbXBvBiOIs02YL-wpUgw7yV1Ehc/s320/IMG_6135.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw many hippos... some from the island and more from the boats</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjed9dX4STge_woQebHi8xWi5wsfAuNGqU8dhyC2U3aRmJZtv8rrHjAeOlVwJoqkbNI2yxdy3AcM3Jw6b5UR7y_FtjVwfamd20MACKTV-Aj9UKyXeFyLMXYs69ikn0LWqL7thpnZ3UkAU96-r1qLiAI1wpH2uo7STUjVkCbvCz6-6DepkRsDKes/s1979/IMG_6141.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1979" data-original-width="1628" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjed9dX4STge_woQebHi8xWi5wsfAuNGqU8dhyC2U3aRmJZtv8rrHjAeOlVwJoqkbNI2yxdy3AcM3Jw6b5UR7y_FtjVwfamd20MACKTV-Aj9UKyXeFyLMXYs69ikn0LWqL7thpnZ3UkAU96-r1qLiAI1wpH2uo7STUjVkCbvCz6-6DepkRsDKes/w526-h640/IMG_6141.jpeg" width="526" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was pretty proud of the timing of this pic</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSx1YUa_O5TiAwvvqk7yqZwgfiShG7JfsGafD2KC8u5eFzsdqUWUOCQXPQhhb1377JZhAQFEL06KTGgoW0mx3Jroi6_avFhGQZFK7BWB5Wn3SSGrCOR0iJ2DqSieees6cS85wsRvhEsj2yfHIqXdPsx50okjbSdMSojatjmv_DHGkmq-ao0PP9/s4032/IMG_6143.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSx1YUa_O5TiAwvvqk7yqZwgfiShG7JfsGafD2KC8u5eFzsdqUWUOCQXPQhhb1377JZhAQFEL06KTGgoW0mx3Jroi6_avFhGQZFK7BWB5Wn3SSGrCOR0iJ2DqSieees6cS85wsRvhEsj2yfHIqXdPsx50okjbSdMSojatjmv_DHGkmq-ao0PP9/s320/IMG_6143.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hippos, although vegetarians, can be aggressive if you get too close.<br />So... we were feeling just a little nervous.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB92bIeNU2np67MCCazugqk03Th0RRLZJl3SFyUJDkNci9Ke8HplpwfWDxvZBwN8SdgNK9b8RDZw6hQo32jsipKloMsLBAzvKHghV-Q6Qb_wssbYexEqzZ3mofcolu4z6r-eNWGPhMP9dq_u0tHpsf-nMcZ0cKE3EpfllzBhXY3mS_W5jxQC6E/s4032/IMG_6144.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB92bIeNU2np67MCCazugqk03Th0RRLZJl3SFyUJDkNci9Ke8HplpwfWDxvZBwN8SdgNK9b8RDZw6hQo32jsipKloMsLBAzvKHghV-Q6Qb_wssbYexEqzZ3mofcolu4z6r-eNWGPhMP9dq_u0tHpsf-nMcZ0cKE3EpfllzBhXY3mS_W5jxQC6E/s320/IMG_6144.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Once we made it back to the mainland, we had a wonderful buffet lunch - I was so happy to have baked chicken and mashed potatoes! And then it was back to get ready for another week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for reading this long (and delayed) blog.</div><div>Many blessings!</div><div>Sr. N</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Sr.Nicole Trahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512754704919427700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33390806.post-26777423346541356912023-09-10T14:19:00.000-04:002023-09-10T14:19:41.774-04:00Sometimes the most important lessons happen outside the classroom...<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Grant Allen</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small;">(Often attributed to Mark Twain)</span></div><p style="text-align: left;">What a week. We have focused in our sessions on the French School of Spirituality, Mariology (the study of Mary), and the spirituality of St. Joseph in the writings of Blessed Chaminade. This has all been good... but the gem moments of the week - the ones that will stick with me into the future - have been away from our meeting room... hence the quote from Grant Allen.</p><p>Last weekend we didn't have any official excursions. But we had optional outings on both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday we went into Nairobi. We visited Holy Family Basilica, a market downtown (no pics), and a local cultural center (I didn't write down the name... so, I don't remember anymore what it was called.</p><p>Here are a few pics from last Saturday (Sept. 2)...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="576" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nmd4D_Ua9XMKPTXy35dneF6ltVea81BWiUlhP5x1zMcyJaZiJ6JvyaVfzYz0rQyFU6cfxjabYO38CQz6LgCOQ4oofCIY-qmPObCJZ36HUHBbpB_CgH6ewjXdhZMlzTnpn0V8HnOTswJh7ztR1wQH3cRie2nmGtsuTYurhcAMm61uUOjhMraN/s320/8f8f0fc7-661e-4bb5-8a5c-0c84404fa749.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="180" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The FMIs at the Bascilica</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3r7kbGB5CnCryRg2w72O8GPm4JHnayHXVH7D2CG4e2N58iNuN3Mwl3XE31agxCilbWxdmEfmKB_7QNlvEkT_CiET0z8kklAoGB8Ner47uDJdf7Hj7jc3FnrcUpGBOjg6sZmVJrTpF8SYDOdxbXBqe3Rood5feOyatzxsMAgLvDV2LEEU2T_NI/s4032/IMG_5817.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3r7kbGB5CnCryRg2w72O8GPm4JHnayHXVH7D2CG4e2N58iNuN3Mwl3XE31agxCilbWxdmEfmKB_7QNlvEkT_CiET0z8kklAoGB8Ner47uDJdf7Hj7jc3FnrcUpGBOjg6sZmVJrTpF8SYDOdxbXBqe3Rood5feOyatzxsMAgLvDV2LEEU2T_NI/s320/IMG_5817.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nmd4D_Ua9XMKPTXy35dneF6ltVea81BWiUlhP5x1zMcyJaZiJ6JvyaVfzYz0rQyFU6cfxjabYO38CQz6LgCOQ4oofCIY-qmPObCJZ36HUHBbpB_CgH6ewjXdhZMlzTnpn0V8HnOTswJh7ztR1wQH3cRie2nmGtsuTYurhcAMm61uUOjhMraN/s1024/8f8f0fc7-661e-4bb5-8a5c-0c84404fa749.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJufEXL2MPQptdsohJoQSzkglcMFNBQ_0gW0xqELwEj0D8SbajOctPs4u7fLSwpU-SuRkzPg-JlAlUzmk1XE4Lnu4m-4ggTKn9eJaE7yZcN7HSzG_PZPHmodkC_Mo3P7_IAylAre0wX2LIW-CekT_q82abAxHa3AzNxRQ1NQRokL8YjQHA_GjN/s1024/5fd4f110-58a7-4e33-9db5-470152b3e10f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJufEXL2MPQptdsohJoQSzkglcMFNBQ_0gW0xqELwEj0D8SbajOctPs4u7fLSwpU-SuRkzPg-JlAlUzmk1XE4Lnu4m-4ggTKn9eJaE7yZcN7HSzG_PZPHmodkC_Mo3P7_IAylAre0wX2LIW-CekT_q82abAxHa3AzNxRQ1NQRokL8YjQHA_GjN/s320/5fd4f110-58a7-4e33-9db5-470152b3e10f.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>You'll notice, that I had on an Ohio t-shirt. Needless to say, this made me a bit of a target for vendors at the street market who thought they could sell wooden spoons to me for the equivalent of $110... I may be American, but I know what the Kenyan shillings are worth in US dollars... Next time, I won't wear a shirt that screams "Tourist!" lol</p><p>Here are a few pics from the cultural center we visited:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1kMcXwTLJU1QcNMf_COx78uV-VxNK6c2BqE_CnbgSL_BpQYL7grFcKlcl53Riqh3OHuI2c913RH29cAnGsqrGV2JloZMGxFI3gTVUxjFsR5R9wLmlKbMLSb_jti4Hh8AZHqMkp40CRi9lywAa9SDEombJRgurKwsX_imenouxFmhwJCwAXiO/s1024/1e329d0c-f490-4070-b61f-687e34371344.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="577" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1kMcXwTLJU1QcNMf_COx78uV-VxNK6c2BqE_CnbgSL_BpQYL7grFcKlcl53Riqh3OHuI2c913RH29cAnGsqrGV2JloZMGxFI3gTVUxjFsR5R9wLmlKbMLSb_jti4Hh8AZHqMkp40CRi9lywAa9SDEombJRgurKwsX_imenouxFmhwJCwAXiO/s320/1e329d0c-f490-4070-b61f-687e34371344.jpeg" width="180" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBwMXehOEwKFRZkMCwrgZI__lS1gEBhqwEEsuebiScma3bQusmn3tjM2R1EUfOWVsvhJd8whrpx-c7S9q6D7f8YCGqBgBGyS7aIyY3azS8vO0WfER4rZ-kZAypolVmy4oFs6lA_zE2tPUKFxRyhtPCufe5Ua0YK2MQxFq63jLkmz12mY_semc/s1024/2dd3615f-b410-4e8a-9b2a-c69d5b161ae3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="578" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBwMXehOEwKFRZkMCwrgZI__lS1gEBhqwEEsuebiScma3bQusmn3tjM2R1EUfOWVsvhJd8whrpx-c7S9q6D7f8YCGqBgBGyS7aIyY3azS8vO0WfER4rZ-kZAypolVmy4oFs6lA_zE2tPUKFxRyhtPCufe5Ua0YK2MQxFq63jLkmz12mY_semc/s320/2dd3615f-b410-4e8a-9b2a-c69d5b161ae3.jpeg" width="181" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkoJ6XR2AfnVhDCodKSWnPV86NUHooKlb_SOgxXiJa3f7OvFRN6IFHiiSzcN9e0FeipIlfCyMLt00w1Rrpi5DRmTpgv_UEhtBPJkJTVQBzbg9ADj-PXKJcIaolE43QQ5mT3IBVY22TJ01bg8rwqfOZKUF9C6khXFFPP9BVw03f34aFFC3eEZ2/s1024/ae433593-7180-46fe-a185-5a2b19b55b17.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="576" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkoJ6XR2AfnVhDCodKSWnPV86NUHooKlb_SOgxXiJa3f7OvFRN6IFHiiSzcN9e0FeipIlfCyMLt00w1Rrpi5DRmTpgv_UEhtBPJkJTVQBzbg9ADj-PXKJcIaolE43QQ5mT3IBVY22TJ01bg8rwqfOZKUF9C6khXFFPP9BVw03f34aFFC3eEZ2/s320/ae433593-7180-46fe-a185-5a2b19b55b17.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NvHBnrD8IcC77tiGtIJuWH7HL82lDpNur53x_Bs4SyWeWyGWUov714OXgUQMU_f3GiX82At63BOSpXdgZdLr4JxgLD4ExP7u7WckavmaDHGDWHy4oda8NfrX_aoSClaHsxRdY-9mZlxvMyeT0hiEkchHipKaeNwvqADshlkL7RvdD2IpZjcv/s1024/b00d6ffe-7c4b-4e2c-a24b-2b2b763b9a87.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NvHBnrD8IcC77tiGtIJuWH7HL82lDpNur53x_Bs4SyWeWyGWUov714OXgUQMU_f3GiX82At63BOSpXdgZdLr4JxgLD4ExP7u7WckavmaDHGDWHy4oda8NfrX_aoSClaHsxRdY-9mZlxvMyeT0hiEkchHipKaeNwvqADshlkL7RvdD2IpZjcv/s320/b00d6ffe-7c4b-4e2c-a24b-2b2b763b9a87.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes... I am taller than the majority of Marianists gathered here...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On Sunday, we visited a place called Resurrection Gardens. This large property is a place for prayer and retreat. There is a retreat center on the property as well as what looked like hermitages, but I couldn't see them very clearly. It was so beautiful and peaceful. The paths were lined with large bronze sculptures of the Stations of the Cross... larger-than-life-sized colorful mosaics of images depicting Scripture passages... quotes from the Psalms or Gospel parables... There were multiple chapels (with seating for about 50), and benches on which to sit. There were signs everywhere reminding people to remain silent on the grounds, so all you could hear was the breeze moving through the trees. There were people praying and reading - in the chapels, under trees, on various benches, etc. Our time there was definitely time well spent. Unfortunately... along with the signs reminding folks to keep silent, there are signs that ask people not to take pictures. So, once you pass through the entrance, that's it. No more pictures. But here are pics from the entrance and the parking lot. 😊 </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmMd-SUfjcUklOl7yL7ULwlHEmkfImXQ0I3DXEyMvzAFsoBSKNIoATkMzwAaDqWjhECPKWa1F_aMDFlmMCreMt1GdPNlYxygeyLo4jJPgD717zO4CgjpXWoipu0w59K3R2l-3Dj-PoIc51wW79-X_rwOkY4DZf3jyJjKQbvS4uy65k-U8kyZj/s1000/f805ed95-195d-4611-9889-be1350d0b876.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmMd-SUfjcUklOl7yL7ULwlHEmkfImXQ0I3DXEyMvzAFsoBSKNIoATkMzwAaDqWjhECPKWa1F_aMDFlmMCreMt1GdPNlYxygeyLo4jJPgD717zO4CgjpXWoipu0w59K3R2l-3Dj-PoIc51wW79-X_rwOkY4DZf3jyJjKQbvS4uy65k-U8kyZj/s320/f805ed95-195d-4611-9889-be1350d0b876.jpeg" width="320" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pbsws1kG5EGtED8r8R33Q4ahuzfDcUEaV41H2MbBDWTq9FY3xku2-Yn0sqvG4CUQ5tCc5azJRwmXqkjLw5XHh60btsIqncozaoQEtWMqc6GtHPDb27FupcErACVoqY996bPLg4Zq_vn_dZaM-gNkr3m7cPqrLrYSvb9b832IPxNtdkinSUNn/s4032/IMG_5836.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pbsws1kG5EGtED8r8R33Q4ahuzfDcUEaV41H2MbBDWTq9FY3xku2-Yn0sqvG4CUQ5tCc5azJRwmXqkjLw5XHh60btsIqncozaoQEtWMqc6GtHPDb27FupcErACVoqY996bPLg4Zq_vn_dZaM-gNkr3m7cPqrLrYSvb9b832IPxNtdkinSUNn/s320/IMG_5836.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>This weekend has also been very full. On Friday, Sept. 8, the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, we had a very full day... I could have written a blog just about this one day. <div><br /></div><div>We spent most of the day visiting Our Lady of Nazareth Primary School, the UJAMAA Family Center, and IMANI (Incentive from the Marianists to Assist the Needy to be Independent). These ministries of the Society of Mary are located in one of the largest slums in Nairobi. You can learn more about these places on the Brothers' website: https://www.marianist.com/africa-ministries</div><div><br /></div><div>The school has a student population of 2550 ages 3 years old to around 13. When we arrived, about 1/3 of the school was seated outside waiting for us. After words of welcome from the head of school and chaplain, some students danced and entertained us for a little while. Then we had a small tour, and 6 of us were pulled aside to help serve lunch to the 3 year-olds. I am so glad that I was one of those 6. The children... so well behaved and bright-eyed... Their teacher would say, "Class, how are you?" and they would reply, "Fine teacher, how are you?" Anyway, the students receive breakfast and lunch each day. We missed serving breakfast, which is a cup of Kenyan porridge called uji. A very nutritious soup, kind of purple-ish in color, made from millet. We have it each day at the retreat center, too. I like it. It tastes a little like grits to me, but thinner. Anyway, for lunch the little ones have rice and beans. The older children have beans and corn (called maize here). </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy7SkdAFTg3_r9M7cK4X42bBU9vpltVIPiCVW-oGTWTjcSPxUfxYTcMOpkWLa7izyWv0Ugz0afLQwE' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4cfvLo-QV_3lYeKoZLUw2vbAC7uQUQdjPS-J3IbzJ6ulzCNCFrfh-4y-pDaHABUDA0E3-6CaRqVAwN5VgUGUCTvfnxN0-rmMOzy72YwJLKY470KBaIExztU6L119CgJnOruBTChgwTJboSvlvEz4t_3xQMEaA60YzXdDEXp1OxY9NTxwsbse/s4032/IMG_5859.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4cfvLo-QV_3lYeKoZLUw2vbAC7uQUQdjPS-J3IbzJ6ulzCNCFrfh-4y-pDaHABUDA0E3-6CaRqVAwN5VgUGUCTvfnxN0-rmMOzy72YwJLKY470KBaIExztU6L119CgJnOruBTChgwTJboSvlvEz4t_3xQMEaA60YzXdDEXp1OxY9NTxwsbse/s320/IMG_5859.jpeg" width="320" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XGZqZNHWD_3zvAqPf6v8I4a-ZKY8_B-r_L5zTpg3bqSGnUTtV1oxdB7iGh12gF9tFS6KHVfNKq2T_Kjv0tugJJi_jA7-1klDrDRsk7aFO0XRjpMWHZJKGDnnBNvBJemPnzjcsPzwA1uMLfuEKLkwErK44EgYzx9dNGFUwkLlnvMC6C18b9DC/s4032/IMG_5860.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XGZqZNHWD_3zvAqPf6v8I4a-ZKY8_B-r_L5zTpg3bqSGnUTtV1oxdB7iGh12gF9tFS6KHVfNKq2T_Kjv0tugJJi_jA7-1klDrDRsk7aFO0XRjpMWHZJKGDnnBNvBJemPnzjcsPzwA1uMLfuEKLkwErK44EgYzx9dNGFUwkLlnvMC6C18b9DC/s320/IMG_5860.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-bFJaN78vxc5hUXbuWXwXuXzI2FLcqeo45Aljt2zPxLIsax-BFWRQt3lHUHTikH__gDBStOp8mCIKwi6wrSfw6ZHJSs6W2Y4e4-Nx-4oy4BiREt9DPoen6NPeXpwFWniHuJkQJmfB-14Gnlbag2J2rJHnN5LiOlcQuJK6La7DTe0jCmjHfBG/s4032/IMG_5885.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-bFJaN78vxc5hUXbuWXwXuXzI2FLcqeo45Aljt2zPxLIsax-BFWRQt3lHUHTikH__gDBStOp8mCIKwi6wrSfw6ZHJSs6W2Y4e4-Nx-4oy4BiREt9DPoen6NPeXpwFWniHuJkQJmfB-14Gnlbag2J2rJHnN5LiOlcQuJK6La7DTe0jCmjHfBG/s320/IMG_5885.jpeg" width="240" />. </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6EbltLw9zAfhV9hjV5brv9vj9QPwF3iVZg7BhfCG8aMokH7Xu9bbsMVcK7ATdEo_tXzKSitcbXxL9GH1qfvdhD1j5Ui0dVg81QczU2CUxsSW-_F-JDhQNmGX3hfHG4oW7hQHtzRbY6KIhNysDybq9-UObln5rEQYuJdUUmdFGz1anYYrKyUr/s4032/IMG_5892.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6EbltLw9zAfhV9hjV5brv9vj9QPwF3iVZg7BhfCG8aMokH7Xu9bbsMVcK7ATdEo_tXzKSitcbXxL9GH1qfvdhD1j5Ui0dVg81QczU2CUxsSW-_F-JDhQNmGX3hfHG4oW7hQHtzRbY6KIhNysDybq9-UObln5rEQYuJdUUmdFGz1anYYrKyUr/s320/IMG_5892.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After, we toured some more and then had another set of children perform for us and give us gifts. Each of us received a piece of artwork created by a child. The child artist gave it to the person. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsc1jppaUuJMtwZL33BA2n_6mlIPy0L_gcOm73lc9-WPaGy0af6fp0_uQA5ihVbGuCMdZ8IR4hUi73hhqISImRVRfThlH7tJGnUMpkefo_vAKAPs6ChVxoh6Th-Y1BndQj0lMr9Ght7JlLtHeAQAj0kVVaUBD-MqxJ67gtQj0c-Bxl13ancFHg/s4032/IMG_5890.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsc1jppaUuJMtwZL33BA2n_6mlIPy0L_gcOm73lc9-WPaGy0af6fp0_uQA5ihVbGuCMdZ8IR4hUi73hhqISImRVRfThlH7tJGnUMpkefo_vAKAPs6ChVxoh6Th-Y1BndQj0lMr9Ght7JlLtHeAQAj0kVVaUBD-MqxJ67gtQj0c-Bxl13ancFHg/s320/IMG_5890.jpeg" width="240" />. </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTx6rO7iOFJYBEFJlYtLoF-abGbxj7nYx1ppd3pHBd9HkQTpYT8Rv4XEO-_ze3jaWCvXiHXtaaxHHzy5oRBdzZcNgnGJgne4jPMClvgue-JxFkl2IfoRnQ88WcZLXmXWhByFqdXEKhsRHc3Z4mF92UigoKfh1tz4wr9YtKMbxNlnTVZ5N211D/s4032/IMG_5891.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTx6rO7iOFJYBEFJlYtLoF-abGbxj7nYx1ppd3pHBd9HkQTpYT8Rv4XEO-_ze3jaWCvXiHXtaaxHHzy5oRBdzZcNgnGJgne4jPMClvgue-JxFkl2IfoRnQ88WcZLXmXWhByFqdXEKhsRHc3Z4mF92UigoKfh1tz4wr9YtKMbxNlnTVZ5N211D/s320/IMG_5891.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Then we toured the UJAMAA Family Center and IMANI. These ministries work with the families of the students at Our Lady of Nazareth (adult literacy, etc.) and with other adults (both from the slum and from other areas) in skill development (catering, metalwork, textile work, cosmetology, etc.). This is where we had lunch - catered by the young adults at IMANI. I took no pictures, but I'll carry the images and conversations in my heart.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since Friday was the Nativity of Mary, we had a celebration for her birthday once we returned to the retreat center... Mass, dinner, dessert, and a social complete with dancing. I've tried to post videos here, but they are just too large. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="text-align: center;">Saturday a small group of us traveled to the Nairobi National Museum. </span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQtCC4IC67DgjVQTviZ4Jh0fEVQhRT2VAAXXcJ68MaYl7670w1PFbSL834NihN3i8NJzXncVWkO1jfHLw7FloU8IW4Y19lJbgwhjx5kjWeldDBbl4HwbKbFB4eyoTzlDYmjIjqhndGJrlVQzwac-8hin1HWUrsmd0kPlfOtBsLya4OX9XJImZm" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQtCC4IC67DgjVQTviZ4Jh0fEVQhRT2VAAXXcJ68MaYl7670w1PFbSL834NihN3i8NJzXncVWkO1jfHLw7FloU8IW4Y19lJbgwhjx5kjWeldDBbl4HwbKbFB4eyoTzlDYmjIjqhndGJrlVQzwac-8hin1HWUrsmd0kPlfOtBsLya4OX9XJImZm" width="180" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjn0NM6X7vnyOnYrQr42PPwlVwT1LKJhkh5kNcN5TpRNjn5O4qIEzFlZ_PciONuolYg5LO6PvZ8XE0LJf6YU12a0VWPF1Qx9BWX_9T9C5EV0midy29SVE0CpMXVhwDaeWVdc_JUtb6hksPNTyxICFgq6qkWpo9qD1wNvC3ahxhNUJmk3j1gR3RU" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjn0NM6X7vnyOnYrQr42PPwlVwT1LKJhkh5kNcN5TpRNjn5O4qIEzFlZ_PciONuolYg5LO6PvZ8XE0LJf6YU12a0VWPF1Qx9BWX_9T9C5EV0midy29SVE0CpMXVhwDaeWVdc_JUtb6hksPNTyxICFgq6qkWpo9qD1wNvC3ahxhNUJmk3j1gR3RU" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMnYoWtotQ1w-1DjU-sbgLmRLjnC3lOeA2I_je5HYGPv93nDIRM1afKtwoY48HUmnjrZ_ByzxFmYPCfseqsLdSonwx5hv1zzu2PR3kERy3kyWANAGyjuHRhi5MqhJZ70nx4I2lSpvReCO_-hObnwWmcn8UfGUw88Q-3whAltq5kel9LQOY606K" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMnYoWtotQ1w-1DjU-sbgLmRLjnC3lOeA2I_je5HYGPv93nDIRM1afKtwoY48HUmnjrZ_ByzxFmYPCfseqsLdSonwx5hv1zzu2PR3kERy3kyWANAGyjuHRhi5MqhJZ70nx4I2lSpvReCO_-hObnwWmcn8UfGUw88Q-3whAltq5kel9LQOY606K" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And there you have it. Today, Sunday, Sept. 10, has been a rather low-key day. We did have some visitors, though. Fr. Michael Chiuri, SM is a Marianist in Los Angeles and a member of the US Province. He was born in Nairobi, though, and his immediate family is still here. Today his brother, sister-in-law, and their two children came over for Mass and lunch. I hadn't seen them since 2016, so it was nice to visit with them again.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibQUUA2hNaJhTQTHxgzUJ3eLZ5MfyfEN8dFlSRT1e0W3j0cBNnJBHDCWwRrVBFhoStq1gui6oeNmUjjmA4BGIDAochlD6CkBT62SCQ6NSY9BSrmKaZZuAFvgUcSL9gaxX47DGOjvbkxSGGBJ6Rm9EL38o_InrfMMKqjnT9LnOtF4N2rKPhISfe" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="769" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibQUUA2hNaJhTQTHxgzUJ3eLZ5MfyfEN8dFlSRT1e0W3j0cBNnJBHDCWwRrVBFhoStq1gui6oeNmUjjmA4BGIDAochlD6CkBT62SCQ6NSY9BSrmKaZZuAFvgUcSL9gaxX47DGOjvbkxSGGBJ6Rm9EL38o_InrfMMKqjnT9LnOtF4N2rKPhISfe" width="180" /></a></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Now, off to sleep to get ready for week 5!</div><div>Many blessings,</div><div>Sr. N<br /><p><br /></p></div>Sr.Nicole Trahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512754704919427700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33390806.post-8889162193611767462023-09-02T05:28:00.000-04:002023-09-02T05:28:30.179-04:00The paradox of long days and short weeks<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">"Time moves slowly but passes quickly." </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;"><b>Alice Walker, <i>The Color Purple
</i></b></span></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Here we are at the end of week 3. How did that happen? It really does seem that the days go by fairly slowly... We have 2 sessions each day - 3.5 hours in the morning and 2.5 hours in the afternoon. During the sessions, there are lectures, small group conversations, sharing in pairs, coffee breaks... mostly sitting. By 4 or 4:30 PM I feel ready to take a nap or take a walk or read something mindless. </div><div><br /></div><div>But, it's amazing to me how quickly the weeks are going by. Yesterday, which was Friday, Sept. 1, I kept thinking, "How did it get to be Friday already? Wasn't it just Tuesday?" And yet, here we are. Crazy.</div><div><br /></div><div>The focus of week 3 has been the "Life of Faith." We've looked at the Marianist founders - their teachings on faith and prayer, the history of spiritual movements in the Church and where the Marianists fit, various forms of prayer and methods of discernment, sharing our faith journeys, and teaching people to pray. A full week. We heard from the current SM superior general, Fr. Andre... two former superior generals via Zoom (Sr. Marie Joelle Bec and Fr. Quentin Hakenewerth), and also Fr. Sebastian Abolado (via Zoom) and Fr. Marty Solma. </div><div><br /></div><div>You might recall that on weekends we have excursions (well, on Saturday morning we start with a session). Sunday of last week was a very full day. What a day!</div><div><br /></div><div>We traveled to the Brothers' scholasticate community. This is the community for Brothers who have professed 1st vows and are students at the university. We joined the community for a joy-filled Mass and a very large lunch. What a joy!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxe0AwXunJFNkuIWSguZJr7dyC3ie3XsLdY6hP9HXalT5QKalUogrcS1UjVQys4s5Cns3xveuDLv_6ch_37gzX8XaVDrqGwRyyCgny-cZj_qTV4kXJCNLRXzrkMRjNcOFU6PdFHx8nUcN5Vn6nr6zovjtznl61k49HYuMd6XwYEuJ2S3d0B73V/s2048/bf624392-c710-43bd-b629-8cfa955dcf91.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxe0AwXunJFNkuIWSguZJr7dyC3ie3XsLdY6hP9HXalT5QKalUogrcS1UjVQys4s5Cns3xveuDLv_6ch_37gzX8XaVDrqGwRyyCgny-cZj_qTV4kXJCNLRXzrkMRjNcOFU6PdFHx8nUcN5Vn6nr6zovjtznl61k49HYuMd6XwYEuJ2S3d0B73V/w270-h153/bf624392-c710-43bd-b629-8cfa955dcf91.jpeg" width="270" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chatting before lunch</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZiklrAeq19CDJBaES-pBRmVLzXIVSPzJcoRtC3rp3QY9lgQYuuGDHDgdBcBGDaNiCxT8nG5ZWznOrt_K1IYz3rRvAPZtyVEUVsNR8va2Q_To8hsTvSAAmnqJLB9IwSRoXygxvfm89R6wtD05xOdBEQI6iTE3pDJFUSwKY24idd5zwN6ok-SUF/s1280/c02dc32f-e10a-4d70-8cd8-84896280a550.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1280" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZiklrAeq19CDJBaES-pBRmVLzXIVSPzJcoRtC3rp3QY9lgQYuuGDHDgdBcBGDaNiCxT8nG5ZWznOrt_K1IYz3rRvAPZtyVEUVsNR8va2Q_To8hsTvSAAmnqJLB9IwSRoXygxvfm89R6wtD05xOdBEQI6iTE3pDJFUSwKY24idd5zwN6ok-SUF/w272-h204/c02dc32f-e10a-4d70-8cd8-84896280a550.jpeg" width="272" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With 2 scholastics and the SM Superior General, Andre Fetis</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIQuMklDjkMvGXookVMpleBPQVd7gp9sATSlY5MuYdAKzCVLICDecJe8EQoVgqTRYNj81fh6zlI-xwG3DhhgOIM79d0PxeartacKInXY01d_GQ14OTSl-tjZxvIwpuwIB2ErgeMT-PW6WVHYVDe9ruANqW11T6ukixWAEZhWt7Cp2ckPYcdTD/s4032/IMG_5633.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIQuMklDjkMvGXookVMpleBPQVd7gp9sATSlY5MuYdAKzCVLICDecJe8EQoVgqTRYNj81fh6zlI-xwG3DhhgOIM79d0PxeartacKInXY01d_GQ14OTSl-tjZxvIwpuwIB2ErgeMT-PW6WVHYVDe9ruANqW11T6ukixWAEZhWt7Cp2ckPYcdTD/w268-h201/IMG_5633.jpeg" width="268" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FMI smiles</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The artwork around the Brothers' community - in and around their chapel and just around the house - BEAUTIFUL!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuui38of4ZIoU2Rnf1SRTwziJYvh-FNipwq6ZJJ6OxA0P4neu7DS8vnNHOVz_mqN_lNcHCPqsraDwH3boGYgC1RDqo_hAqZoKAmLPqe_zQ-Awmkw8YGGqTC0TRrjF58yvBdS5HQ6YbBsEJ-uSLGmTrUEI8Wrj9iA56UmsJjf1Egm8K4bxEjyE/s2048/02c5365a-0f16-4cf9-830c-1662fe669f2d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuui38of4ZIoU2Rnf1SRTwziJYvh-FNipwq6ZJJ6OxA0P4neu7DS8vnNHOVz_mqN_lNcHCPqsraDwH3boGYgC1RDqo_hAqZoKAmLPqe_zQ-Awmkw8YGGqTC0TRrjF58yvBdS5HQ6YbBsEJ-uSLGmTrUEI8Wrj9iA56UmsJjf1Egm8K4bxEjyE/w283-h166/02c5365a-0f16-4cf9-830c-1662fe669f2d.jpeg" width="283" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A carved image of Pentecost on the back wall of the chapel.<br />Each of the pictures shows the ministries the<br />SMs have in the region.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-RChau8VERsH2YdUsX0cpbL1yRDFq6LFwxUCl6xuAtZFtNAXj-MssqSUQdviCmC0LMcqRuxZhpzjGJ5cP-2qJrXGs1iCWcP4MdnRyDgT6xgHIKz3ev_WaeW1E112gs05b2YnGApJz2oM7xhD8LpqPBAR76k4_swGh65Wv_NUxhWSkCj-jeGY3/s2048/98f0c34b-4f10-4b78-bf1e-6e5d828f55f8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-RChau8VERsH2YdUsX0cpbL1yRDFq6LFwxUCl6xuAtZFtNAXj-MssqSUQdviCmC0LMcqRuxZhpzjGJ5cP-2qJrXGs1iCWcP4MdnRyDgT6xgHIKz3ev_WaeW1E112gs05b2YnGApJz2oM7xhD8LpqPBAR76k4_swGh65Wv_NUxhWSkCj-jeGY3/w171-h305/98f0c34b-4f10-4b78-bf1e-6e5d828f55f8.jpeg" width="171" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ambo in the chapel.</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsY6U47h35btPN1NgfR-6zfd8cZHG2EJl62egWNloeQj0leVtjWTHrLmf4QnH8jpVy-sUKvMxM6OxCdD7es5BVUUSc1Pu_xkkJhdQjwK7fY3ngG5-Yo_g4LaUWr8bgbmmvOG_zlkJNx2fHvcUVaYjRRCPyZf_FjZg36B1e3hQwygoqJe-aBBt5/s2048/bb330739-98f9-47c9-9b59-098824d66e69.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsY6U47h35btPN1NgfR-6zfd8cZHG2EJl62egWNloeQj0leVtjWTHrLmf4QnH8jpVy-sUKvMxM6OxCdD7es5BVUUSc1Pu_xkkJhdQjwK7fY3ngG5-Yo_g4LaUWr8bgbmmvOG_zlkJNx2fHvcUVaYjRRCPyZf_FjZg36B1e3hQwygoqJe-aBBt5/w279-h157/bb330739-98f9-47c9-9b59-098824d66e69.jpeg" width="279" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well - <br />This is outside the chapel</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYvw3_7bzygmExIZRXMF0lyRCzfl4p0-ZHTF_dRiQNFFBiUv_-2YBw6BQ4xziKLcvz9Hyf_i1c4KSSBXecigGl_1VcJrXEbcs_l-A9gxiALSrDdgds2mRlHNfehoNvFP5nVCVa7kvbZDM95K-I-cLbl9rU63Z9UGhTkZ1_QVHyJ3EP80MwXJN/w199-h265/IMG_5620.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="199" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesus heals the blind man, Bartimaeus. </td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZzL7KjgMIfHE2FupWA6eiYpECRSGf_GYhWn5qrhXVIL0vCRJV8LCAEQr5el5vHzqf7yweuhX0ZxK685zqHAGdKBf1HpQ-hXQ-BzvvcnJt49yDwasig1lCdXmCYk_5GrWVi1_UJUPESZzI03NI2aux-MKVgFWou70ZAtonb0DFjLb03cgtgEH/s4032/IMG_5622.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZzL7KjgMIfHE2FupWA6eiYpECRSGf_GYhWn5qrhXVIL0vCRJV8LCAEQr5el5vHzqf7yweuhX0ZxK685zqHAGdKBf1HpQ-hXQ-BzvvcnJt49yDwasig1lCdXmCYk_5GrWVi1_UJUPESZzI03NI2aux-MKVgFWou70ZAtonb0DFjLb03cgtgEH/w184-h245/IMG_5622.jpeg" width="184" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely fireplace with Adele and Marie Therese</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaJ9w4wj6zBt-FWuyvJ1vD709XiQmBTQw36T3XFqbC4xmkCWcj8sP9sPT63EctxgiE5I0mXf-N2o2lD4XXd4V5GSOfF8KpLbMPmRWpDbatCuB7pj60qz6ucpDpOhEvKtUuCq5tf591lf1YkO1g0-4Lhkh566KFsLs6bQaCDebJxsQEd8f5g9c/s4032/IMG_5628.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaJ9w4wj6zBt-FWuyvJ1vD709XiQmBTQw36T3XFqbC4xmkCWcj8sP9sPT63EctxgiE5I0mXf-N2o2lD4XXd4V5GSOfF8KpLbMPmRWpDbatCuB7pj60qz6ucpDpOhEvKtUuCq5tf591lf1YkO1g0-4Lhkh566KFsLs6bQaCDebJxsQEd8f5g9c/w176-h234/IMG_5628.jpeg" width="176" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Last Supper</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYvw3_7bzygmExIZRXMF0lyRCzfl4p0-ZHTF_dRiQNFFBiUv_-2YBw6BQ4xziKLcvz9Hyf_i1c4KSSBXecigGl_1VcJrXEbcs_l-A9gxiALSrDdgds2mRlHNfehoNvFP5nVCVa7kvbZDM95K-I-cLbl9rU63Z9UGhTkZ1_QVHyJ3EP80MwXJN/s4032/IMG_5620.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8Wjs2WJ1TU8xPtnJelTTf09dde5NgfnNN7WK3cid3N0vNehTwsU4p9eDJPjfdT24-tvhB-H46afpK48CDlm-JT6YsA8b_dsN6mh4y3z6qkKmyciNjlMziVyYg-Pg-ZQIttfpLtINFL5Cb3NDOFkU5OlJv-rR_KaHkmjwkGT8C_nx3FigjTId/s4032/IMG_5630.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8Wjs2WJ1TU8xPtnJelTTf09dde5NgfnNN7WK3cid3N0vNehTwsU4p9eDJPjfdT24-tvhB-H46afpK48CDlm-JT6YsA8b_dsN6mh4y3z6qkKmyciNjlMziVyYg-Pg-ZQIttfpLtINFL5Cb3NDOFkU5OlJv-rR_KaHkmjwkGT8C_nx3FigjTId/w199-h265/IMG_5630.jpeg" width="199" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madonna and Child</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8_bl25X2IEzQ3FRXTIbPWTCOGAE7kLqanltPUSzKxiJNcXv9WEUYaHEd5sssCJn1XhN93c10dB0uPWVNBfYHnTpCyiyCRbwmRM8KfYUiJaH5sJ_CLVUVf5uwGC2vlx60oTEjXFRBFRmqg09Y_MtEdyMiyzo75o6eJlFob0GFnZOHQhV2SDYa/s4032/IMG_5644.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8_bl25X2IEzQ3FRXTIbPWTCOGAE7kLqanltPUSzKxiJNcXv9WEUYaHEd5sssCJn1XhN93c10dB0uPWVNBfYHnTpCyiyCRbwmRM8KfYUiJaH5sJ_CLVUVf5uwGC2vlx60oTEjXFRBFRmqg09Y_MtEdyMiyzo75o6eJlFob0GFnZOHQhV2SDYa/s320/IMG_5644.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chapel doors - the story of Jesus' birth</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then, we traveled to <a href="https://www.bomasofkenya.co.ke/" target="_blank">Bomas of Kenya</a>. According to the website, Bomas is run by the Tourism Finance Corporation which, "was established to Preserve, Maintain and Promote the Rich Diverse cultural values of various ethnic groups of Kenya and to act as a tourist attraction centre thus Bomas of Kenya is expected to preserve the authenticity of Kenya’s Cultural values and to portray them in the pure form."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here, we saw various dances, acrobats, and we toured traditional dwellings of various ethnic tribes. We had a great time! And we saw warthogs and baboons!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwfykO8rrmTbJ0yRPP1vHssIlLKnCWxJJ-L-SM3cZcwnakNlawAvryfKgaz_yOI1z5YzeKhVOACjo2j9_5Ud0tTR0rvAnlj15vQOLhqaBB3CndpwGoaRj7PcZv3BbQwrztWDN4riKmlsTm9zoFmm3hbTJtyslmNp8gtovX7f3-XugHSJlcx_E/s3088/IMG_5650.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwfykO8rrmTbJ0yRPP1vHssIlLKnCWxJJ-L-SM3cZcwnakNlawAvryfKgaz_yOI1z5YzeKhVOACjo2j9_5Ud0tTR0rvAnlj15vQOLhqaBB3CndpwGoaRj7PcZv3BbQwrztWDN4riKmlsTm9zoFmm3hbTJtyslmNp8gtovX7f3-XugHSJlcx_E/w220-h293/IMG_5650.jpeg" width="220" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not the best picture I've ever taken...</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEe0y5TAUv9dRCU5sZ_8uYVBwps_KITE1AayU6IiXbryb74opEbldNtObF3CGw510DwKjQ4sYZLCR6d3Ij8gO_mN0G9PhdCb9q3cgcFTIVDkAUN0wMfZq3aj7PMSuqHXIBRcdTNgvlHlJsdd3PG0VVmBRxZsGIU3AeW3Pl2GV3h_RHz94-obB/s4032/IMG_5658.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEe0y5TAUv9dRCU5sZ_8uYVBwps_KITE1AayU6IiXbryb74opEbldNtObF3CGw510DwKjQ4sYZLCR6d3Ij8gO_mN0G9PhdCb9q3cgcFTIVDkAUN0wMfZq3aj7PMSuqHXIBRcdTNgvlHlJsdd3PG0VVmBRxZsGIU3AeW3Pl2GV3h_RHz94-obB/w188-h251/IMG_5658.jpeg" width="188" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carmen, FMI invited to dance<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0RJNqvMHm9qC-mJf9a1qpc2U0GUH-qtkE4rrtnlkCiYe_caRtaZFNRDbYaalHvJvDd1k0sDcourRz9BvmN5bayTf0VEUVqRRYJk6sOgVBuOOozX5hZOP31brwQz811NsfkOI5epT43hBsaalTW7UK5KcJ5dU8Y9ex03bG8clgpDFKwlIC5e9/s4032/IMG_5665.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0RJNqvMHm9qC-mJf9a1qpc2U0GUH-qtkE4rrtnlkCiYe_caRtaZFNRDbYaalHvJvDd1k0sDcourRz9BvmN5bayTf0VEUVqRRYJk6sOgVBuOOozX5hZOP31brwQz811NsfkOI5epT43hBsaalTW7UK5KcJ5dU8Y9ex03bG8clgpDFKwlIC5e9/s320/IMG_5665.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More dancing FMIs (Prudence and Annick)<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tZxJEqm8QEMW-5CZtii0u4cihN_ZI0LW_8OB25NqLA7nfzaKTqyCx6eBxlQ-c56P-UAevG6sAMotDiTnNcwFq9SM-RiAv8rmAqlrsuSRz_U0c4FilswqmTp5X0tiQ0ust0iiB0-CaX7mmUmYztcOh4LzZW1_UZJr_aFuw2WzE66_BQXnHkxr/s4032/IMG_5684.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tZxJEqm8QEMW-5CZtii0u4cihN_ZI0LW_8OB25NqLA7nfzaKTqyCx6eBxlQ-c56P-UAevG6sAMotDiTnNcwFq9SM-RiAv8rmAqlrsuSRz_U0c4FilswqmTp5X0tiQ0ust0iiB0-CaX7mmUmYztcOh4LzZW1_UZJr_aFuw2WzE66_BQXnHkxr/w211-h281/IMG_5684.jpeg" width="211" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSeLlIyFV72soMeq9KZr2XbBR6DpZDeboiok_2mXqh4QObeoaN4Fc7SkxXvT3F23rZAc_bNoOnQfWvuK4N729tGtmkk-ZLw6lFxVotUBcR1L8ePB0rzqEBpvi7hUeR7Rf3-Rdj1q0_AMMnWuzNbYsmpuGJVf0zfSWAwyO-fECuLgwoGKwMLmg/s4032/IMG_5698.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSeLlIyFV72soMeq9KZr2XbBR6DpZDeboiok_2mXqh4QObeoaN4Fc7SkxXvT3F23rZAc_bNoOnQfWvuK4N729tGtmkk-ZLw6lFxVotUBcR1L8ePB0rzqEBpvi7hUeR7Rf3-Rdj1q0_AMMnWuzNbYsmpuGJVf0zfSWAwyO-fECuLgwoGKwMLmg/w219-h292/IMG_5698.jpeg" width="219" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"When I was a young warthog..." <br />IYKYK<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7k_ImTyEO_lS0vgjf7dtr4Q8-fzfvKtFrKFjruthXXcu1mJ1vak6ZDUedryUYz_H9tRunuWOnYQBk4u955nI8sjy9_xDJHuyaC1MioJqnmCwSVHnRq-DZi7NZ57uOUI91t72KoA1piIb74tu7k44iXpQ6QfTj1805-FmQn0Eif1aWc6x-raUj/s4032/IMG_5687.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7k_ImTyEO_lS0vgjf7dtr4Q8-fzfvKtFrKFjruthXXcu1mJ1vak6ZDUedryUYz_H9tRunuWOnYQBk4u955nI8sjy9_xDJHuyaC1MioJqnmCwSVHnRq-DZi7NZ57uOUI91t72KoA1piIb74tu7k44iXpQ6QfTj1805-FmQn0Eif1aWc6x-raUj/s320/IMG_5687.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brothers outside an example 1st wife's hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsLpMOvRHvHCvPXf8_LMb6i-uoOIdJq5t7aYaaRVUiB-iujGRLqEOKlfxKhJISjFYK3mgH5yKhyUW2CN6yBysrLG_zFy5R6VOIhwvc-F_fWvTrmiIZxCi2zXtxUJ9F73oLs0ECC0_PpJYQlUbqZFxl8jYP-Eqp40nn6SgSKdOfBOKLMSHsACc/s4032/IMG_5704.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsLpMOvRHvHCvPXf8_LMb6i-uoOIdJq5t7aYaaRVUiB-iujGRLqEOKlfxKhJISjFYK3mgH5yKhyUW2CN6yBysrLG_zFy5R6VOIhwvc-F_fWvTrmiIZxCi2zXtxUJ9F73oLs0ECC0_PpJYQlUbqZFxl8jYP-Eqp40nn6SgSKdOfBOKLMSHsACc/s320/IMG_5704.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the baboons</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So, last Sunday was a long day, but so full of laughter and joy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Don't misunderstand, though. Not every day is easy or full of joy. Some moments are difficult - not sharing a common language with folks with whom I want to communicate, unfamiliar foods/missing my typical foods, being the only participant from the US (so, my cultural background is very different from everyone's), and being shy/insecure/introverted doesn't help. But... this is not the predominant experience. Joy, openness, and growth are the predominant experiences.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are more outings planned for this afternoon (Saturday) and tomorrow... And then week 4!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Many blessings,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sr. N</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>Sr.Nicole Trahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512754704919427700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33390806.post-85895778281358949662023-08-25T05:16:00.001-04:002023-08-25T05:16:44.949-04:00Visitors for the week<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180;"><b>Even those who devote their entire lives to living in holiness </b></span><b style="color: #800180;">soon discover that complete integration of energies is impossible while we are still “in the body.” This inner conflict means that we remain permanently imperfect and we will pass into eternity imperfect. Our only hope is to rely on the mercy of God. In a sense, this necessary transition from self-reliance to ultimate dependence on God is the meaning and purpose of the struggle. Victory over our vices is an illusory ideal. If our sins are the only things that make us rely on God, then it seems unwise to get rid of them too quickly.</b></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #800180;">Fully Human, Fully Divine: An Interactive Christology</i></div><span style="color: #800180;"><div style="text-align: center;">M. Casey</div></span><p></p><p>Week 2 began with the arrival of visitors for the week. Seventeen members of the Society of Mary representing five different regions/areas joined us for the topic of human formation, psychosexual development, trauma, and safeguarding vulnerable persons. Not a light week! More on that later... </p><p>The 17 visitors are here because they serve on their provincial council in the office of religious life, work at the Marianist seminary in Rome, serve as novice directors, or work in vocations. Five of the 17 are from the United States - Bro. Dennis (Dayton), Bro. Mark (San Antonio), Fr. Tim (St. Louis), Fr. Danny (Long Island, NY), and Fr. Peter (Long Island, NY). It's been good to spend time with them! </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxBwLbZb1DU7FsyNkqjmfc3nOtybUfiRpopKcnwXdwujZDnVc3CCHdwt-3IrKgEnMnB1UHn8gWTZsd4OQbMBmoGIFLH3YqB79WrcPAen-pMIEI7B55a5WtSTMw6OvZXINNsh4pmcCEj7jv5ZqWB3UG9b-V_9Sri7GzjgjCJhm2VOc6k_VPnZdj" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="1024" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxBwLbZb1DU7FsyNkqjmfc3nOtybUfiRpopKcnwXdwujZDnVc3CCHdwt-3IrKgEnMnB1UHn8gWTZsd4OQbMBmoGIFLH3YqB79WrcPAen-pMIEI7B55a5WtSTMw6OvZXINNsh4pmcCEj7jv5ZqWB3UG9b-V_9Sri7GzjgjCJhm2VOc6k_VPnZdj=w259-h195" width="259" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The larger group...</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHQAbaHU6oHTedvn-U8HfUwRRDhFJH5tKSAIXWm7CLyq3btBsTxkfA_-sliu-G5kOUU_6NzFwISpf4pO6UVgroc-VyFsFwAFcY_Wc5Ep2aX36nd1JVhH6Zz_-DuRBMc1Cj1aN_llQ0QqM-fzWJcN7WfPKLkhuBFuar9LFfsyQZKvkJSQaGDMWa=w173-h231" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="173" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>In the randomly assigned seats, <br />we just happened to be seated together...</i></td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHQAbaHU6oHTedvn-U8HfUwRRDhFJH5tKSAIXWm7CLyq3btBsTxkfA_-sliu-G5kOUU_6NzFwISpf4pO6UVgroc-VyFsFwAFcY_Wc5Ep2aX36nd1JVhH6Zz_-DuRBMc1Cj1aN_llQ0QqM-fzWJcN7WfPKLkhuBFuar9LFfsyQZKvkJSQaGDMWa" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></a> <br /></div><p></p><p>I mentioned in my last blog that we were planning to visit the Giraffe Centre here on the outskirts of Nairobi. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but the place was much smaller than I imagined. But it was cool. I fed an adult giraffe and a baby giraffe. One of the Brothers was teasing me because he said I was frightened. Not true. If you know me at all you know that I HATE being licked by animals. And giraffes have really long, sloppy, thick tongues. I was NOT having that animal lick me! LOL. And you could tell by the way I held out my little bowl of giraffe food. 😉</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiliZf-gSR1Iw37IHKu_GGOaevQkwSEWHDYFt64BN-t_-qpPsKv7G81l9Iz5L3-Qd8POZYdgZ2P01QeiCPuvbRAMnqqo4slzy5uhDGXCNWzRKcueDxwBPXm9hdrD3rXWIuz1Og3k8eTZKUFxoIHST5jWxYfRxxckKikbrjEupE1nAyPTXf2PBk" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiliZf-gSR1Iw37IHKu_GGOaevQkwSEWHDYFt64BN-t_-qpPsKv7G81l9Iz5L3-Qd8POZYdgZ2P01QeiCPuvbRAMnqqo4slzy5uhDGXCNWzRKcueDxwBPXm9hdrD3rXWIuz1Og3k8eTZKUFxoIHST5jWxYfRxxckKikbrjEupE1nAyPTXf2PBk=w160-h213" width="160" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8SPR7hzR5pacN7llvcZ6Ve2DUhEg7co4Ep7HdzlSAhWt3fQIpHUcJF2OhLRWxUq34MR1GdVBvRyB-byywOafC0QGMRJjj9Tu3cEro8pl_4_8qtBG43akAzwQ6W-Y7F82aDvpFSwGZZUoNH_7vYADlIwp4O3miWgF9JqyyztwSN1miQs0lEVsA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8SPR7hzR5pacN7llvcZ6Ve2DUhEg7co4Ep7HdzlSAhWt3fQIpHUcJF2OhLRWxUq34MR1GdVBvRyB-byywOafC0QGMRJjj9Tu3cEro8pl_4_8qtBG43akAzwQ6W-Y7F82aDvpFSwGZZUoNH_7vYADlIwp4O3miWgF9JqyyztwSN1miQs0lEVsA=w152-h204" width="152" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAb4_7_96wxELHrYz8RMiGLAbmmIqNUsTFZLPa2zRmyoNBNPDzJCE7KsuKVI83sem5hfqQJ4qL3od_70l8ifHXUWC_htX1WCemDILJcoxctg1gG5dZD2UBAI1m6Ih7BlcEkcdAyBMdBhoCB-J_ECkYb_DDZK-L709SmBkON2UDRPu7xImT8fe4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAb4_7_96wxELHrYz8RMiGLAbmmIqNUsTFZLPa2zRmyoNBNPDzJCE7KsuKVI83sem5hfqQJ4qL3od_70l8ifHXUWC_htX1WCemDILJcoxctg1gG5dZD2UBAI1m6Ih7BlcEkcdAyBMdBhoCB-J_ECkYb_DDZK-L709SmBkON2UDRPu7xImT8fe4=w148-h197" width="148" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8UyUIZV0ECwNYhHPb-aJgiaQMrbU3HCsAcbX6tbQZ7BAIrVXVfRByHEzA7biwSZRCTrvqu-VduUVazp4crY_UQlqqSvd3mZjBiSq59lscfxk-ap6o-k2j_hC57uf6x0HnYbjG9i_Bx6-TqEb72H_SzCgBuSFmVckzjwe9W4VCRs7LbTEVoCnP" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8UyUIZV0ECwNYhHPb-aJgiaQMrbU3HCsAcbX6tbQZ7BAIrVXVfRByHEzA7biwSZRCTrvqu-VduUVazp4crY_UQlqqSvd3mZjBiSq59lscfxk-ap6o-k2j_hC57uf6x0HnYbjG9i_Bx6-TqEb72H_SzCgBuSFmVckzjwe9W4VCRs7LbTEVoCnP" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Of the dozens of pictures we took, there is not one <br />in which everyone is looking at the camera.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One thing I didn't know before coming (one thing among many) is that the Dimesse Sisters' property is in a place outside of Nairobi called Karen. It is named for Karen Blixen... the woman about whom the movie Out of Africa is based. Karen Blixen was a Danish author who started a coffee plantation here in the early 1900s. It was huge. So, the land she owned bears her name. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We watched Out of Africa last weekend - well, it was optional. It's a long movie, so not everyone stayed up. We watched in English with French subtitles. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6BaMODrlwo1yzpasT_KMTZ2B5p3HRl_DZ5UsAZvPdlWCelaz8DkfcT6CwZQA4iDH_qAeQoJu_f04puZQqiHJYEeys8v2V7xC8FndqxuwL355Ng6-b_j7UgDlFpo92CrsBH7zIvw0h--lh26zb_CfRiml917yVKXNl-tGw0XxfxAvc_okYy0HC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6BaMODrlwo1yzpasT_KMTZ2B5p3HRl_DZ5UsAZvPdlWCelaz8DkfcT6CwZQA4iDH_qAeQoJu_f04puZQqiHJYEeys8v2V7xC8FndqxuwL355Ng6-b_j7UgDlFpo92CrsBH7zIvw0h--lh26zb_CfRiml917yVKXNl-tGw0XxfxAvc_okYy0HC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Crazy hair, don't care... Movie time!</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Okay, now on to the topics for the week. We started the week reflecting on different models of formation... and moving towards a model of integration. It was a long day with a lot of information, but it will definitely stick with me. It's from this day that I drew the quote at the beginning of this blog. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHMEoE1MZ358XGKYfnSiGwOrRqt5bk5JYh4Alokrkr5SQge6kq4vyjBQaoSBYMuMp7jZlTVCi51_BenU-N5AxAQGHODjyP_nzdataiwZkrr65U7pix4mru2rqG4mq9yIsIefCsMmfnOIv01uxYN33csY1JvPRlEoF1SFk0dx482qpk3LUm9P0X" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="769" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHMEoE1MZ358XGKYfnSiGwOrRqt5bk5JYh4Alokrkr5SQge6kq4vyjBQaoSBYMuMp7jZlTVCi51_BenU-N5AxAQGHODjyP_nzdataiwZkrr65U7pix4mru2rqG4mq9yIsIefCsMmfnOIv01uxYN33csY1JvPRlEoF1SFk0dx482qpk3LUm9P0X=w252-h336" width="252" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Models of Formation</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then we were joined by Tina Campbell - a laywoman from Scottland who has worked with many religious congregations on safeguarding vulnerable persons. She is a therapist (although, not practicing these days) and consultant. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOcAdCXqGvzGDBjFlxb-H8llrpLxqxzTGgik6NDBWAdH3Mz2T0AziI67gqZ_VMvInSpCCMpPY27SuV8op9-44NN-ibjdMb2Dz0rLzzrHTit5QrpG4XkyoyIbrxp-qCp59L9BBQAUTWyThyVlfWXDTwJqwjtP86EMZu4VsZm64IKeNm5O2hrwCk" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="769" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOcAdCXqGvzGDBjFlxb-H8llrpLxqxzTGgik6NDBWAdH3Mz2T0AziI67gqZ_VMvInSpCCMpPY27SuV8op9-44NN-ibjdMb2Dz0rLzzrHTit5QrpG4XkyoyIbrxp-qCp59L9BBQAUTWyThyVlfWXDTwJqwjtP86EMZu4VsZm64IKeNm5O2hrwCk=w153-h204" width="153" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2SZM6oMnqRnShzIsBzsohpzZBeLxmM_uz3GAwHXO7aZ1wkRIkg6YQEK2WPMazZ9fxaGKu-nMYB7FyZ_5D5TERwP5oPf8t_uQ-10b7XxL1Cn0KFaKmQvt-Ig0lmfRjlj223H2k0qa69-OQ6g-OpI8KlY3A3jmIU5qKvV6kj5HJ_l8z8fYiINvU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="769" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2SZM6oMnqRnShzIsBzsohpzZBeLxmM_uz3GAwHXO7aZ1wkRIkg6YQEK2WPMazZ9fxaGKu-nMYB7FyZ_5D5TERwP5oPf8t_uQ-10b7XxL1Cn0KFaKmQvt-Ig0lmfRjlj223H2k0qa69-OQ6g-OpI8KlY3A3jmIU5qKvV6kj5HJ_l8z8fYiINvU=w151-h201" width="151" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjs3ocZjQ66UXNtb55fFwuR_p-ZC-6yFJuJDlQ5tOJrmLP57MhTtkjqTB6dIYQNSSrMPE3tL3YOQtaZ0lOWe7AB3lbuGwSHvbnleG_Y8Y0NQkx8u2omHeTzhShFK6LqmQ5-fDxG3F1Q1KxgZwTKRIY1wf84esEcvc6YvsYTsa23fp3Kc-6RRnM4" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="769" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjs3ocZjQ66UXNtb55fFwuR_p-ZC-6yFJuJDlQ5tOJrmLP57MhTtkjqTB6dIYQNSSrMPE3tL3YOQtaZ0lOWe7AB3lbuGwSHvbnleG_Y8Y0NQkx8u2omHeTzhShFK6LqmQ5-fDxG3F1Q1KxgZwTKRIY1wf84esEcvc6YvsYTsa23fp3Kc-6RRnM4=w152-h202" width="152" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /></div>And although this has been a heavy week, we also had light-hearted moments. We celebrated another birthday, which was fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxu87p4nxNJXAARhfs2NrKYF2QpWfTCjCGmWdbQTcg8GWYXjlT6IgSMcPypMC9K-mkhUPg7iG63B64' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div>And we had significant moments of prayer. In fact... at Mass a couple of nights ago, our Brothers from Eastern Africa sang a communion meditation song in Swahili... with 4 part harmony... amazingly beautiful. I wish I would have recorded it. <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This weekend, we will have an excursion to a place called Tribal Village (I think). At this place, we will be able to learn how each tribal group lived prior to colonization... and about traditional practices, dress, and dances. Not sure what I think, honestly. I am guessing that it is a little similar to the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii. We'll see... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Okay. That's enough for now. Eventually, I will share with you about the food. But, that'll come later.<div><br /></div><div>Mutual prayers!</div><div>Nicole, FMI<br /><br /><br /><p></p></div>Sr.Nicole Trahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512754704919427700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33390806.post-22658708794149015642023-08-18T05:26:00.000-04:002023-08-18T05:26:31.348-04:00Stop. Sabbatical time!<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180;">For six years you may sow your field, and for six years prune your vineyard, gathering in their produce.<br /></span><span style="color: #800180;">But during the seventh year the land shall have a sabbath of complete rest, a sabbath for the LORD, when you may neither sow your field nor prune your vineyard.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180;">Leviticus 25:3-4</span></p><div>I knew it had been a while since the last time I posted something on my blog, but I had not realized that it's been nearly 10 years since my last post! I'm a little out of practice, but here goes...</div><div><br /></div><div>No worries. I'm not going to give a recap of the past 10 years. I don't think you're here for that. Mostly, I thought this would be the best way to share about my sabbatical year for folks who would like updates. I thought about sending out occasional emails, but I would need to find out who wants email updates and (perhaps more importantly) who doesn't. So, it's better to put out these blog posts and let you decide whether to read them. 😁😁</div><div><br /></div><div>Before I launch into this first part of my sabbatical year, let me briefly explain the concept of sabbatical. It is the same idea as resting on the sabbath day of the week. It is recognizing that in our lives, we need times of rest, fun, rejuvenation, prayer, relationships (with God, self, and others), and renewal. A sabbatical is a more extended Sabbath day. </div><div><br /></div><div>The first part of my sabbatical is more about renewal and growth than about rest or rejuvenation. I am participating in a 10-week workshop for Marianist religious (FMI & SM) who are new to formation work or who are about to enter formation work. So, those of us who accompany or will accompany our newer religious.</div><div><br /></div><div>I left Cincinnati, Ohio, on an 11:08 AM flight on Sunday, August 13, and arrived in Nairobi, Kenya 29 hours later - around 9 PM local time on Monday, August 14. I had a scheme worked out so that the time change wouldn't be terrible for me. Basically, I left Cincinnati really tired so that I could sleep across the ocean. Even though it would be the middle of the afternoon in Ohio, it was nighttime in Nairobi, so I wanted to sleep at the time I would sleep when I arrived. I think folks thought the idea was ridiculous. But, I tell you what... it worked! I slept on the flight to Frankfurt, Germany, and was awake all day Monday so that I could sleep once I arrived at the retreat center. </div><div><br /></div><div>We're staying at the retreat center of the <a href="https://dimessesrsafrica.org/" target="_blank">Dimesse Sisters</a> - a congregation founded in Italy. Their official name... the Daughters of Mary Immaculate (FMI)! Crazy. I knew there was another FMI congregation out there, but I didn't realize that they had the exact same name. I suppose that's why we put (Marianist) after our name. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's my first time on the African continent. So, I was pretty excited about that. On Saturday, August 19, we will take our first excursion away from the retreat center grounds. We're heading to a nature reserve called <a href="https://www.giraffecentre.org/" target="_blank">Giraffe Centre</a> (British spelling, of course). I'm looking forward to seeing more of the area. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, let me give you a brief synopsis of a few things we've done, things that I've noticed, or that have struck me for some reason. In no particular order...</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Of the 29 participants, 8 are from India - 2 FMIs and 6 SMs. Our first full day here was Indian Independence Day. It was also Korean Independence Day, and we have one SM here from Korea. We celebrated at a social that evening with the Indian National Anthem (I believe) & Bosco from Korea joined in: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw6Vfl9Latu_P3d9f7d9Y-qlgFYZXbe4FlJk3JLkgS8CBjo7OdD6RQa_h_0hS5N4BJLcVUrjcdsU-4' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /></li><li>The margarine set out each day at breakfast has as its description, "Fat Spread." How's that for truth in advertising!</li><li>We have the option of paying the staff a minimal fee to do our laundry, or we can do it ourselves. Well, I'm not a fan of paying people to wash my dirty clothes, so I decided I'd do it myself. Well... I went into the laundry room and quickly realized that doing it yourself means doing it by hand. I thought, "I can do this." And yes, I can. But it took me forever, and I'm not really sure my socks and t-shirts are actually clean or that all the soap is out ... I think I'll swallow my pride and pay the fee for them to wash my socks, pants, and shirts. But I'll continue to do my intimates myself. 😏</li><li>Because many of the Brothers here have studied at the Univ. of Dayton over the years, I keep seeing Dayton-related t-shirts. This CJ one caught me off guard, but I was happy to see it. </li></ul></div><div><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1o0MVwkkUzzrVDHMTS9o6b9_42iBWwqhvLdBC57iySG3A5xlPf2tnXpVnucwgtAG325qv7LOGsJWJpqZPgEpaS0M0NJ829vYdrzdH4m8RYbmnxtPlsfKiQgB3_nIDxzl9R0ZR4mwKz7ge7Na6Jfku2NbfLRtrM0fdP_RjWzhRVJeeJABtjdK/w150-h200/IMG_5532.jpeg" style="text-align: center;" width="150" /><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We've spent the first few days getting an orientation to our time. Our second full day was a retreat focused on Mary as a model for formation and Joseph as a model of formation. The days have been good and full. We begin with morning prayer and meditation at 7, followed by 8 AM breakfast. At 9, we begin our morning session that goes until 12:30 (with a break for tea and snacks around 10:30). Then we're free until 3 PM when we begin with the 3 o'clock prayer outside around statues of Mary and John at the foot of the cross. Our afternoon session goes until 5:30 (with another tea/snack break). Mass is at 5:45, followed by supper. In the evenings, we may have something after supper, but so far, we haven't had an evening thing. Night prayer is at 8:30 PM, and when that's over, I typically head to bed. </li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMfMZ1xEoDcXYZTm4bqpG4Jm6YscUd7cC9gAf2y3X_TdNe9N2EdyDOODk-kMgudj2LqkuqmT5LqgQY6XR7ZyB5-Kw18QdlqZyr51YXti2St3Y6d4waUC4kUzzZEovIPiaZ68kmL0zW4KM_B8XyUhbku_NmcnSj8_hsUznX2kYzyxgnP9eNHAD/s4032/IMG_5538.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMfMZ1xEoDcXYZTm4bqpG4Jm6YscUd7cC9gAf2y3X_TdNe9N2EdyDOODk-kMgudj2LqkuqmT5LqgQY6XR7ZyB5-Kw18QdlqZyr51YXti2St3Y6d4waUC4kUzzZEovIPiaZ68kmL0zW4KM_B8XyUhbku_NmcnSj8_hsUznX2kYzyxgnP9eNHAD/w150-h200/IMG_5538.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>All of our prayer, sessions, and sharing have been either in English or French (we have a translator who speaks both - we wear headphones for sessions through which we hear his translations into English or into French). Most people here have basic knowledge of at least one of those. There are some people who are fluent in both - plus Italian, Spanish, etc. And there are some for whom English is their second, third, or fourth language, but English is the language of the community house in which they live (this is true in India, for instance). </li><li>We've been using the iBreviary app for morning prayer, Mass, and night prayer. It's a sign of the times that we all staring at our phones for prayer. 📱</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Okay, that's more than enough for now. 😀</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Know of my prayers for you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Blessings,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nicole, FMI</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Sr.Nicole Trahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512754704919427700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33390806.post-85442811760306363272014-08-03T09:57:00.001-04:002014-08-03T09:57:35.759-04:00God gives the increase...<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them…. </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">the disciples approached him and said, "… dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves." Jesus said to them, "…give them some food yourselves." </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">But they said to him, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have here." </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">Then he said, "Bring them here to me."…. he said the blessing, broke the loaves, </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">They all ate and were satisfied.</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Excerpts from Matthew 14:13-21</span></div>
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One year ago today I professed my perpetual commitment to serve God and our world as a Marianist Sister. It was a marvelous weekend-long celebration with family, friends, members of the Marianist family from near and far… There was a lot of joy in the celebration. And as I had the silver ring placed on my finger, the one with the inscription "God alone," I had absolutely no idea exactly how the year ahead would play itself out and how important that inscription would become.<br />
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Since that day one year ago it has been a wonderful year. But it's also had its share of challenges. But, challenges can be bearers of grace, as well. Perhaps we don't see it in the moment - as is my experience - but after the fact, if one is open one can see how grace was a by-product of challenges faced.<br />
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Yesterday I spent the day with other members of the Marianist Family at Indian Lake. It was a relaxing day of eating, talking, playing games, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and other water sports. It was a wonderful day. In the evening we gathered to celebrate Mass outside facing the lake. It was beautiful and the temperature was perfect. But the highlight was the homily given by our presider, my friend Fr. Chris. I found the homily perfect to pull together some thoughts I was having about the anniversary of my perpetual vows, the year gone by, and today's readings ...<br />
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In our Gospel the disciples are faced with people in need. The disciples know they do not have what it takes to meet the needs of the crowd. There's too many of them and disciples are so few and have so little. Who hasn't felt like that in their lives? The needs of the world are so great…. The needs in our own communities or families are often too great for what we can offer. Maybe we don't have enough time or enough resources… enough compassion or enough patience… Maybe we're not organized enough or intelligent enough… Maybe we feel that our mistakes have been too great. Whatever our reasoning, most of us can find a reason why we are simply "not enough" to meet the needs around us.<br />
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For sure I have felt that way many times myself - especially in the last year. I can list many traits and skills that I simply do not have enough of to meet the needs or complete the tasks expected (whether that's my own expectation or the expectation of others). People are often overly aware of what they lack. And I am no exception!<br />
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What is Jesus' response? "Bring what you have to me." And they do. He blesses it, breaks it, and gives it back to them so that they can meet the needs. This is a model for us, yes? It's true. We will never have enough or be enough to meet all the needs we see. We can't save the world. But that's not the call, really. I've said it before and I'll say it again - the world has a savior and it's not us. The call is to allow God to meet the needs and to bring salvation by using what little we have. God blesses what we offer - breaks it open (our very lives if we allow it) - and gives it back to us so that God can work through us.<br />
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This is perhaps something we can know intellectually. However, if we do not take it to heart and base our lives on it, the life of discipleship can be disheartening or discouraging. Our first reading tells us though that if we listen and follow… if we continue to bring our meager offerings to God… if we keep doing what we are called to do… we will be renewed. But the trick is in offering what we have to God - not pretending that everything depends on us or living with the illusion that we have what it takes. We don't.<br />
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It reminds me of a prayer often attributed to Archbishop Oscar Romero (but was actually written by an American bishop - Ken Untener):<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">It helps, now and then, to step back and take a long view. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts, it is even beyond our vision.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">enterprise that is God's work. Nothing we do is complete, which is a way of</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">saying that the Kingdom always lies beyond us.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">No statement says all that could be said. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">No prayer fully expresses our faith.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">No confession brings perfection.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">No pastoral visit brings wholeness. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">No program accomplishes the Church's mission.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">No set of goals and objectives includes everything.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">This is what we are about.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">We plant the seeds that one day will grow. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">We lay foundations that will need further development.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">This enables us to do something, and to do it very well.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">opportunity for the Lord's grace to enter and do the rest.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">builder and the worker.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">We are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">We are prophets of a future not our own.</span></blockquote>
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If there is anything about which I need to keep reminding myself it is this prayer. And our readings for this weekend. There are many things that call for our attention in this world, in our everyday lives. And we simply cannot meet them all. But it is God who gives the increase and it is God who meets the needs. Perhaps we just need to offer what we have to God and then get out of God's way!<br />
<br />
Many blessings to all who read this!<br />
Sr. NSr.Nicole Trahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512754704919427700noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33390806.post-35474011974361374002014-07-14T08:23:00.001-04:002014-07-14T08:24:42.488-04:00Calm in the midst...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><i>Nothing in all creation is so like God as stillness.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Meister Eckhart</b></span></div>
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What a whirlwind summer it's been so far! It has been a summer full of blessings (which I said about last summer), but completely different from last year. The day after school was out I left for Rome (see last blog post)… Then it was off to St. Louis for a service immersion trip with students… Then Frankfort/Chicago for retreat and a workshop on Ethics in Vocation and Formation Ministry… Yesterday I arrived back to Chicago for the weeklong Orientation for New Vocation Directors. When I get home from that I'll prepare for a trip down to my beloved San Antonio for the Marianist Lay Network of North America Assembly. Then it's off to be on retreat with our 2 pre-novices. By the time that's over I'll have approximately 10 days before going back to school. So, as you can see, whirlwind is an appropriate moniker!<br />
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In the midst of the craziness I am reminded of a line from the first poem I memorized in its entirety - <span style="color: blue;">"Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence."</span> The <i>Desiderata, </i>a prose poem<i> </i>by Max Ehrmann, was a gift to my 8th grade class from our language arts teacher. I have never forgotten that first line. This line, and the entire poem really, has been a constant refrain in my life. It brings peace and calm in the midst of whatever is going on. If you are not familiar with the poem, please see it below.<br />
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As mentioned above I had the opportunity to make my annual retreat in Frankfort, Illinois this summer. I moved into a hermitage on the property of the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart on a Tuesday afternoon… and immediately felt a sense of peace. The quiet and the lack of clutter provided space to reflect, pray, sing, and sleep - all the important pieces of a good retreat (for me, anyway).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GOTl6tqUm_w/U8KMePPcT8I/AAAAAAAABfs/epUuMl454ms/s1600/IMG_1074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GOTl6tqUm_w/U8KMePPcT8I/AAAAAAAABfs/epUuMl454ms/s1600/IMG_1074.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hermitage - Rivo Torto ("tortuous stream" in Italian)<br />
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While in my hermitage I had a few reflections, some mundane/trivial and others not so much…<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ff_8XoZ1Bq8/U8KRC-jLylI/AAAAAAAABh0/cNjgessB0XE/s1600/IMG_1085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ff_8XoZ1Bq8/U8KRC-jLylI/AAAAAAAABh0/cNjgessB0XE/s1600/IMG_1085.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how I spent most of my mornings… </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kimqV-eWM-g/U8KOQPFXaOI/AAAAAAAABf8/HA7k-iJW91M/s1600/IMG_1089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kimqV-eWM-g/U8KOQPFXaOI/AAAAAAAABf8/HA7k-iJW91M/s1600/IMG_1089.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Book recommended by my spiritual director</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #252525; line-height: inherit;">I met with a spiritual director on 3 afternoons of the 6 1/2 days I was there. In our first meeting after she asked me to tell her a little about myself, she went to her shelf and pulled down a book - </span><i style="color: #252525; line-height: inherit;">Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in Our Busy Lives</i><span style="color: #252525; line-height: inherit;"> (pictured above). What an eye-opening book. In this book there is a quote by Thomas Merton (the full quote is not in the book, but I find the full quote to be quite challenging), </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #252525; line-height: inherit;">"To allow one's self to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too many demands, to commit one self to too many projects, to want to help everyone in everything is to succumb to </span><span style="color: #252525;">violence. Frenzy destroys our inner capacity for peace. It destroys the fruitfulness of our work, because it kills the root of inner wisdom which makes work fruitful."</span></blockquote>
<span style="color: #252525;">Let that soak in for a minute. Violence to one self. It's strong language, no? In a world that currently has so much violence, it is difficult to see that our culture's addiction to busyness is also doing violence. I sat with that quote for a long time. I sat with the book for a long time. The book made a case (a good case) for incorporating Sabbath back into our lives. To really "Keep holy the Sabbath" - a commandment we typically ignore. Sure, going to Church on Sunday is something many of us do, but how many of us actually allow the day to be different from the other days? Allow it to be a time for renewal, friends, family, fun, relaxation? With so much to do - laundry, groceries, cleaning, yard work, grading (for those who are teachers), homework (for those who are students) - how can it be that we can incorporate Sabbath? It doesn't seem practical, does it? But the alternative is doing violence to ourselves. Wow. My hope is that moving forward I might be able to embrace the Sabbath differently moving forward - as a first step to being a person who brings peace to situations and people.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #252525;">Also in this book was an Hassidic Poem that resonated with me…</span><br />
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<span style="color: #252525;">The insight?</span><span style="color: blue;"> "All of your words each day are related to one another. All of them are rooted in the first words that you speak."</span><span style="color: #252525;"> It makes perfect sense, no? </span><br />
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<span style="color: #252525;">A mundane thing I learned while on retreat? What to do if you buy too much fresh spinach to eat in a week…</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks gross, but sooo good!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmmm… liquid salad! </td></tr>
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Yes I finally learned to make a smoothie with a vegetable. I know I'm a little late to this craze, but I was skeptical. But this ugly concoction of blueberries, strawberries and spinach (what would normally be a salad for me) was amazingly good - and a great way to not let spinach go to waste.<br />
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I have always known that music is an important part of my spirituality, but one thing I didn't realize is how much I would long to pray in song while living in a hermitage. Why didn't I bring my guitar?! That was the question I could not figure out how to answer. But… my spiritual director came through with a special delivery one day… Her guitar! No music, but that's okay. I was able to play things I remembered from memory (many, many songs I learned early on while working with Aggie Awakening) and a few I could figure out by ear.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her guitar and a nice note to accompany it...</td></tr>
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Something else I learned? How to unlock this kind of lock:<br />
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That has this kind of key hole:<br />
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I had all the windows open and the ceiling fan going one day. And the breeze was strong enough to shut the bathroom door. I didn't mind that. That is until I tried to go to the bathroom and realized it was LOCKED! No key… no people around… I was worried. I still had days of retreat to go - what the heck was I going to do without a bathroom!? The more things I tried the more I really needed in that little room. Luckily I'm pretty handy with a pair of scissors. That was an adventure…<br />
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I spend time with Pope Francis on retreat as well. I finally finished reading <i>Lumen Fidei</i> and re-reading <i>Evangelii Gaudium</i>. And I think it would do me a little good to read them again. Some things you can't read enough times.<br />
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And so, there you have it. A small update on summer and some insights gained. As promised the poem <i>Desiderata</i> is below my signature.<br />
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I pray that each of you may be richly blessed.<br />
Blessings,<br />
Sr. N<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><i>Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.<br />As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i><br />Speak your truth quietly and clearly; </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i>and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; </i></span><i style="color: blue;">they too have their story.</i></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i>Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i>If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;<br />for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i>Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.</i></span><i style="color: blue;">Keep interested in your career, however humble; </i></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i>it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i><br />Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.<br />But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;<br />and everywhere life is full of heroism.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i>Be yourself.<br />Especially, do not feign affection.<br />Neither be critical about love; </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i>for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i>Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.<br />Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i>But do not distress yourself with imaginings.</i></span><i style="color: blue;">Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. </i></div>
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<i style="color: blue;">Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.</i></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i>You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;<br />you have a right to be here.</i></span><i style="color: blue;">And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.</i></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i>Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,<br />and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.<br />With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i>Be careful. Strive to be happy.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">© Max Ehrmann 1927</span></div>
Sr.Nicole Trahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512754704919427700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33390806.post-53560323135604625852014-06-20T23:31:00.001-04:002014-06-21T07:25:48.161-04:00Italy 2014… A great way to start the summer!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><span style="color: blue;"> <i>A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter,</i></span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="color: blue;"><i>he who finds one finds a treasure.</i></span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="color: blue;"><i>A faithful friend is beyond price,</i></span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="color: blue;"><i>no sum can balance his worth.</i></span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="color: blue;"><i>A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy</i></span></o:p><span style="color: blue;"><i>…</i></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="color: blue;">Sirach 6: 14-16a </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Currently, I am on a plane heading back to Dayton, Ohio from
10 days in Italy. Part work, part play… a great way to begin the summer. What a
gift! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">First, my meetings…. I am on a team of Marianists who have
been asked to plan an international gathering of Marianists Brothers and
Sisters that will happen in the summer of 2016. This gathering is called
Horizons and it is a 25-day formation program for those who have been perpetually
professed for 1 to 10 years. The planning team consists of 2 Brothers from the
US, 1 Brother from Spain who is a priest, 1 Brother from Kenya and me. We are
quite the group – diverse skill sets and backgrounds, different ways of working
on projects, and very different personalities. But, we did very well together
and I look forward to our next meeting in July 2015.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Horizons team celebrates Mass in the crypt of St. Peter's.<span style="color: blue;"> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue;">I decided to stick around for a few days after the meetings to
spend time with friends… One of our Sisters (my former novice director) from
the US serves on our General Administration in Rome, 2 friends of mine are
Marianist seminarians living in Rome, and another American Marianist Brother
serves as vice rector for the seminary. We had a great time! A day in Florence…
a day touring Rome… a close encounter with Pope Francis… and a day in Assisi.
What a week!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">There were many highlights from my time there. To list them
all would be too much – and perhaps a little boring for the reader. However, on
this trip I can say that I did gain a little insight. Allow me to share some of
these (in no particular order)…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Churches, parks, museums, oh my!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Some people are thrilled by big cities – all the sights, sounds,
impressive buildings, and fast moving people going a thousand different
directions. Big cities are fine and I can enjoy them. However, when I’m in one
I always crave or seek out the places that offer some sort of refuge from the
noise – Churches, parks, museums… or an out of the way café/restaurant
somewhere. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">On this trip to Italy I didn’t get to any museums… there were too many
Churches to see! But I saw some magnificent Churches… St. Peter’s, St. Maria
Maggori, the Duome in Florence, St. Maria degli Angeli outside of Assisi… <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, it’s not all the gold or the size
that impresses me. It’s the smaller, quiet places that bring a sense of peace.
Take St. Alphonsus Liguori for example. No tourists. No crowds. Just quiet pews
with people praying. The image of Mary there is the original icon of Our Lady
of Perpetual Help. It’s a beautiful icon and a lovely place for prayer. Or St.
Maria di Trastevere… also a quiet Church and the only place I’ve seen an image
of Jesus with his arm (apparently) around Mary’s shoulders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Alphonsus Liguori</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kldz4wGmXo4/U6T3i_Xkd9I/AAAAAAAABeA/RHOtEckkOaU/s1600/IMG_0887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kldz4wGmXo4/U6T3i_Xkd9I/AAAAAAAABeA/RHOtEckkOaU/s1600/IMG_0887.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Maria di Trastevere</td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue;">One afternoon my friend, Bob (one of the seminarians), and I walked in a
park in Rome I had no idea existed - the Villa Borghese. This was after our
visit to St. Alphonsus Ligouri. Anyway, the park, set on a hill with beautiful
views of the city down below, is a true gem. There were not a whole lot of
people there. Maybe because it had rained most of the morning, but regardless…
I was happy to know a place like that exists in Rome – fresh air, beautiful
trees, away from many of the tourists… I highly recommend it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sXP5Q3nfqjM/U6T4P0o92cI/AAAAAAAABeI/zAX-IsM4kGQ/s1600/IMG_0857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sXP5Q3nfqjM/U6T4P0o92cI/AAAAAAAABeI/zAX-IsM4kGQ/s1600/IMG_0857.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of Rome from Villa Borghese.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Some places are holy and there’s no other way to
describe them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue;">My favorite place by far was Assisi. The place oozes peace. It’s a small,
quaint kind of place – more like a village than anything – set in the mountains
of Italy’s Umbria region. Walking through the city and its Churches felt like
walking through a museum and a park. There was an overwhelming calm that set in
while praying at the tomb of St. Francis… taking in the breath-taking beauty of
the hillside… walking up and down the narrow cobblestone streets… praying in
the tomb of St. Clare and before the San Damiano cross (in front of which St.
Francis received his call). It is difficult to describe. I will visit Assisi
again someday. Maybe then I can find the words to describe it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_vCRa2kFgA/U6T4oGujlvI/AAAAAAAABeQ/kZpme5nnTHY/s1600/IMG_0896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_vCRa2kFgA/U6T4oGujlvI/AAAAAAAABeQ/kZpme5nnTHY/s1600/IMG_0896.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Assisi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Being in close proximity to someone “famous” can
cause a serious <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>case of being
star-struck<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">Pope Francis is a good example of
that. Bob and I went to the audience on Wednesday morning. We had fantastic
seats right on the aisle (because we arrived 3 hours before the audience was
scheduled to start). The Pope drove by us not once, but twice. And I mean… very
close. I couldn’t speak. I barely remembered that I was trying to take a
picture or video. And I almost cried because I was so excited. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-isuqEdmVBz0/U6T5Ht72azI/AAAAAAAABeY/hsylhYyH9Jw/s1600/IMG_0873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-isuqEdmVBz0/U6T5Ht72azI/AAAAAAAABeY/hsylhYyH9Jw/s1600/IMG_0873.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a great morning this was! (excuse the finger at the top…) :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->There is such a thing as a social introvert. But
there is a limit…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">For many years people have
questioned whether or not I am really an introvert. Being a person who enjoys spending
time with friends, people confuse that with extroversion. It’s not. There is
such a thing as a social introvert – I am one. And there comes a definite point
at which I hit my wall and maybe speak 2 words in the space of an hour. I
suppose that’s appropriate if you’re headed to Assisi for the day… but a little
unfortunate for the travel companions. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Thirty-nine years old feels the same as
thirty-eight as did thirty-seven. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">While in Italy I turned 39 years
old. THIRTY-NINE! One more year of my 30s left. This is about the time that
most people call “midlife,” (well between 39 & 45). Seriously? I hardly
feel older than 30! And yet, here I am. I am older. Wiser? Who knows? One can
hope, I suppose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">One great thing about my birthday
happening while I was in Rome with many different people is that I celebrated
it at least 3 different times. Our meetings were held at the General
Administration community of the Marianist Brothers in Rome, which also houses
the seminary community. The second night we were there the seminarians were
celebrating the June birthdays. Being the hospitable people they are, they
included me in the celebration. I have a card and a picture of the seminary
community – so that I remember to pray for them. … Our meetings ended the day
before my birthday. So the team with which I was working went out to a
neighborhood pizzeria to celebrate. Then on my actual birthday I traveled to
Florence (or Firenze as it is known in Italy) with 3 wonderful people. It was a
fantastic way to begin my last year as a 30-something.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>I am naturally a skeptical person – especially
when it comes to legend and lore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue;">Some people might call this cynicism. I don’t think that’s accurate. While
in Rome I saw many things that made me roll my eyes and say “Really?” To be
honest with you, I feel a little guilty about it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->I must ask 1000s of questions everyday – not all
of them are spoken out-loud.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue;">When I was in middle school my classmates teased me some. One of the
names I was called was “Pinocchio.” Not because I lied, but because people thought
I was nosey and asked too many questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes, I know this doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but they were middle
school children. Often as middle school kids we did not make sense… and often
we were unkind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue;">Anyway, at some point my filter got a little
stronger. Well, to make a
long story shorter I think the pendulum swung too far in the other direction.
So, my inquisitive nature only comes out when I’m in a very comfortable situation.
Then I ask more questions per hour than most people ask in a day… “What’s the
symbolism of that?” “What is the translation of that word?” “Why would someone
do thus-and-such when it’s not logical?” “What does that statue represent?” “How
come all the cars are hatchbacks?” “How long has this Church been here?”
“What’s the derivation of that word?” “Why are there booths on the shore of the
Tiber (or Tevere as the Italians call it)?” “What’s that building?” “What were
those ruins?” “Who is that poet?” “Who wrote that?” “What’s story behind that
painting?” I want to know and to understand everything, it seems. It’s
insatiable, really. (Too bad my memory holds on to almost nothing of the
information I am told)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue;">Yes. This is a part of who I am. I’ve come to accept it. I hope that I
don’t drive too many people crazy! And if I do, these people should be thankful
that not all of my questions actually get verbalized. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue;">But here’s a question that must get asked… See the picture below:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESnzfGx-UZI/U6T7kWhW4YI/AAAAAAAABek/ykZvRs1-Fl4/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESnzfGx-UZI/U6T7kWhW4YI/AAAAAAAABek/ykZvRs1-Fl4/s1600/photo.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What does this sign mean???</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue;">I saw 3 or 4 signs like this walking back to the train station from San
Damiano in Assisi. Can anyone please tell me what it means? It’s driving me
crazy…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Friends are a gift from God and important for a person's well-being.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue;">This statement is self-explanatory. I am extremely grateful for the wonderful people in my life that I am blessed to call friend. And although I do not have the opportunity to talk with them as much as we would like and I don't have the opportunity to see some of them very often, they are a great blessing to me. I should tell them that more often…</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I tried for 10, but came out with 8. That’ll have to do. :)</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Many blessings on all who read this!</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Sr. N</span></div>
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Sr.Nicole Trahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512754704919427700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33390806.post-63466964172298877332014-05-07T15:15:00.002-04:002014-05-07T15:15:39.680-04:00Resurrected life...<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #f1c232;">Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #f1c232;">Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #f1c232;">Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #f1c232;">with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God....</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #f1c232;">Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #f1c232;">Then the God of peace will be with you.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>Philippians 4:4-6, 9</b></span></i></div>
<br />
Happy Easter!<br />
<br />
I pray that each of you is experiencing the grace of this season - 50 days of unbounded joy!<br />
<br />
To say that I love Easter - and spring - is a huge understatement. Recently, I was reflecting on new life and hope for the April Giving Voice Newsletter. (note: For those of you who are not familiar with Giving Voice, it is a national network of women religious in their 20s, 30s and 40s. This network of women is a very important part of my life. But, that's a reflection for another time.) In the newsletter I wrote,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Our joy has its source in the love of God poured out so generously in the selflessness of Jesus. Jesus came into this world to give us life, love, and an opportunity to enter into a new relationship with God. We celebrate in this time of Easter the fact that life, love, God always has the last word. The stone was rolled away. Death does not have the final say...</span> </i></blockquote>
Easter is the reason that we can look forward in hope. However, for some reason, I find myself looking back. This Easter I find myself reflective on months gone by. Easter is not a natural time for reflection for me. Perhaps I should clarify. Each day gives me an opportunity to reflect. However, it is typically during the seasons of Advent and Lent that it seems natural to take a step back, consider how things are going, what I've learned, how I've grown or where changes should happen etc. Easter doesn't typically carry the same intention. So far, though, this Easter is different.<br />
<br />
It's been just over 10 months since I professed final vows as a Marianist Sister (time flies!). The academic year at the high school in which I teach is coming to a close. The academic year at the university where I staff a vocations office has already ended. Soon the two discerning young women who live with us at Annunciation House of Discernment will be entering the first stage of initial formation with our Province (after they take a fantastic 2-week road trip to do some camping, hiking and backpacking). And my role in our Province will soon take on a few added facets. So, it seems this is an appropriate time to reflect.<br />
<br />
This academic year has been a year of transition. If you've followed my blog for any length of time you will see that transition is one of the few constants in my life. It's the paradox of life, I suppose. Transitions...<br />
<br />
I am no longer in formation with the Sisters. I am a finally professed Sister - with all the responsibility, stability, freedom, worries and joy that comes with that. My teaching load increased this year, while the amount of time I spend at the high school has decreased. This year was my first year to coordinate vocations efforts at the university... my first year to serve on the core team of Giving Voice... and my first year to serve on a number of committees (a new building at one of our Marianist properties, a planning team for an international Marianist program...). It is my first year to be a part of a Marianist community outside of the home - a group of committed younger adults (all younger than me) who share faith, prayer, hopes and life. Then there is our little community at home (Annunciation House) - We were a community of 2 who became 3 and then 4... will be 5 for several weeks this summer... this community challenges and supports each of us on our journeys of being who God has called us to be.<br />
<br />
In the midst of all this, I can say that this year has been one lesson in humility and gratitude after another. I am deeply grateful for the months gone by... with all their ambiguity, failures, laughter, good conversations, growing relationships, prayer and challenges. I am grateful for the grace of God that works through (or in spite of?) my limitations. I am grateful for our little community at Annunciation House - filled with such laughter, trust, prayer, and support. I am grateful for co-workers who support and pray for each other and are deeply committed to the mission of educating youth for service, justice and peace. I am grateful for the friends in my life - the people who listen, advise, commensurate, and pray with/for me.<br />
<br />
And this is truly what it means to live the resurrection - to have hope in the midst of challenges, being grateful for the lessons learned, recognizing and trusting in the love of God so generously shared. This is the source of my Easter joy!<br />
<br />
Many blessings to all who read this!<br />
Sr. NSr.Nicole Trahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512754704919427700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33390806.post-75026250179736341582014-04-18T08:28:00.002-04:002014-04-18T08:28:41.562-04:00<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-86iP6ZCguI4/U1EaQISNG6I/AAAAAAAABa4/HiD0piXuuM4/s1600/Mary+and+John+at+the+Foot+of+the+Cross.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-86iP6ZCguI4/U1EaQISNG6I/AAAAAAAABa4/HiD0piXuuM4/s1600/Mary+and+John+at+the+Foot+of+the+Cross.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: red;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: red;"><i>When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved</i></span></span></div>
<span style="color: red;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 18px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.”</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 18px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Then he said to the disciple,</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 18px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
“Behold, your mother.”</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 18px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.</div>
</span></i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: red;"><b>John 19: 26-27</b></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Last summer I had the great blessing of being on retreat for 30 days in preparation for my final vows. The retreat is designed to help a person enter into certain times in the lives of Jesus and Mary in order to strengthen one's relationship with them both. In that way a person's "yes" has a foundation in something solid. The mysteries on which one meditates are the annunciation, the crucifixion, Pentecost and Cana. Today I return to my time on Calvary.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Of my 30 days of retreat the time I spent contemplating the scene on Calvary were the most meaningful - and the longest. The retreat, while guided by a director, was somewhat self-paced. This morning, as we enter into the mystery of Good Friday, I thought it would be appropriate to share with you some of my reflections from the days I spent "on Calvary" last summer… </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">(The thoughts are a little disjointed because they were written on different days… and I've removed some things… Also, the image above is not the image written about below).</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Today, I return to Calvary. The place where Jesus asks us to take Mary as our Mother. The place where both Jesus and Mary give of themselves completely for love of us.</span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: red;">This morning I am sitting in the Chapel at the Marianist Residence and trying to contemplate the image before me - Jesus is being lowered (presumably from the unseen cross) into the arms and lap of Mary who is gazing into the face of her dead son.</span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Can there be any image more sad than a mother gazing at the face of her dead child? It's a heartbreaking image. What must be on her mind? What anguish - what heartbreak - what sorrow….</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had not realized it until now - Jesus uses the same word (at least in the English translation) that Mary used at the Annunciation, "Behold." … "Woman, behold your son." "Behold your mother." Look and see with the eyes of love. Look and see with the eyes of your heart. </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am the beloved disciple. I am the one whom Jesus loves. … At the foot of the cross Mary takes my hand. Both of us filled with sorrow - her sorrow much deeper. And yet, there is strength in her stance and faith in her gaze - it shows through even the deepest grief. Love. That is what I see. Love for Jesus and love for me. I want to drink that in.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: red;">Imagine how she held the broken and bruised body of Jesus after his death. This speaks to me in saying that she will also hold me in moments of need. But, it also says that in imitation of her, I should hold those who are crucified today - in the many ways people are crucified in our day. </span> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <span style="color: red;">"Mary, behold your daughter. Love her as you love me." This is essentially what Jesus is saying, "Help her become the person you helped me to be. Teach her, guide her, listen to her, speak to her heart. Love her as you love me and as I love you."… "Nicole, behold your mother. Love her. Learn from her. Have her concerns as your own. Allow her to nurture my life in you so you can become more like me." </span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Looking at the suffering Christ - I see love. "No greater love has one than this, to lay down one's life for a friend." That is what the call is - to be love. To give - not counting the cost. To sacrifice for the good of others…. Mary who taught Jesus all of what it means to be human in this world - teach me, as well, how to be more like Jesus - to be a better human being - to be love.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yes, this is where my Good Friday prayers take me… to the foot of the cross with Mary. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">May each of you be blessed with the graces of this day as we contemplate the great love of Jesus poured out from the cross into our world… and into our lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Many blessings to all who read this,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sr. N</span><br />
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Sr.Nicole Trahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512754704919427700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33390806.post-72355291185860346662013-12-31T13:20:00.001-05:002013-12-31T13:21:04.432-05:00Gratitude for 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>1 Thessalonians 5:18</b></span></div>
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Grace and peace to you today!<br />
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It's been a while since I've sat down to type a few thoughts here in my blog. This is certainly not because I've run out of things to say! You may know that when I write, I'm fairly verbose. It's more because my life is much more full than it was when I began this blog. Those of you who have been reading my blog for a while may recall that I started this blog when I was a first year novice. Back then I blogged nearly once a week about my prayer life, what I was reading, living in community etc. It's now been about 7 1/2 years since I began this blog (under a different name) and life has changed a great deal.<br />
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Being that today is the last day of 2013, I've been reflecting this morning on the gifts and blessings of the year gone by. It's been year full of travel, wonderful people, extended moments of silence, deep prayer, deepening in my understanding of my various roles etc. And I've composed a list of moments/lessons/events/people for which I am grateful. I thought I would share. By the way, these are in no particular order.<br />
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1. Friends<br />
I am grateful for the many people in my life who challenge me to see things from a different perspective. Those who offer support when I feel overwhelmed by life. The ones with whom we share with one another our struggles, joys, hopes and dreams. The people who send random texts just to give me an update on their lives or to say they prayed for me that day. Many of these people do not live in the same city that I do and it is often difficult to maintain friendships across the miles (at least, that's true for me). However, there are those with whom the friendship is very well maintained. I am grateful for these people.<br />
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2. Saying "no" can feel very selfish at the moment, but sometimes it is the best thing - for everyone.<br />
Of course, this is not a new lesson for me. In fact, it is one that I seem to learn over and over again. I suppose I'm a slow learner. Somewhere in my life I learned that to be a "good person" you had to say yes to everything that is good and everything that might be helpful to others. Serving on a committee? That's a good thing to do - "yes." Giving a talk at a conference? That's a good thing to do - "yes." There are more good things/opportunities in this world than any one person should ever say yes to. Sometimes, it is better to say no - even though it might feel selfish or self serving. Because what can happen if someone is over-scheduled with many good things, is that that person can no longer do a good job at any of them - something has to give. And if the only person "hurt" was the person who says yes to everything, it wouldn't be as big of a deal. But, often others lose something also. Lesson learned? Goodness, I hope so.<br />
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3. "Pope hope" (as one of our Sisters often puts it)<br />
Over this past weekend a friend of mine said, "You have a crush on the Pope!" And I, with head bowed, replied, "Yes. Yes, I do." I have always been drawn towards people who challenge me to be better in ways I had not previously considered. No one is challenging me more these days than Pope Francis. The more I read of what he's written or said, the more I feel called to conversion of heart. Conversion in my attitudes towards ministry. Conversion in my prayer life. Conversion in the way I live the vow of poverty. Conversion in the way I care for the poor and the marginalized of our communities. Lately, I've been reading (and praying with) the Pope's Apostolic Exhortation,<i style="font-family: inherit;"> </i><span style="background-color: white;"><i style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Evangelii Gaudium. </i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">It seems that every word of this document cuts right to the heart and is causing me to ask some serious questions of myself. The true test will be, however, whether or not the document propels me to some sort of action beyond myself. That's </span><span style="color: #222222;">the true test of conversion, no? </span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;">4. The summer of 2013 </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;">There are no words to capture the grace that was the summer of 2013. I am not sure there has ever been a time in my life that I have felt more grounded, free, at peace, and filled with joy. There was a 30-day retreat that brought me into deeper relationship with Jesus and with Mary - and a greater commitment to the Marianist mission. There was the celebration of my 38th birthday with some of my closest friends. There was the day I walked MILES all over San Francisco with one very close friend and one new friend. Then there was the time spent with about 70 other "young nuns" - deep in conversation about charism and the future, dancing for hours with no shoes on (and very sore muscles the next day!), praying together and having a blast. There were the days spent at Indian Lake with other "younger" Marianists - praying night prayer on a boat in the middle of the lake as the sun set will always be a highlight of those days - as well as Marianist karaoke and late night conversations under the stars. All of this was capped off by the celebration of my perpetual vows in August. What a glorious weekend that was! So full of joy. Definitely a wonderful way to bring an end to a summer full of grace.</span><br />
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5. 2013 was the year of publicity… I'm not a fan.<br />
With newspaper articles, magazine interviews, photo shoots, and sharing my bio numerous times, it seemed that my picture and my story were "everywhere" (at least in my small world) for a while. This has never been true in my life until 2013. And, I think I will be happy if it is not a major part of my life moving forward. The most awkward thing was the photographer who came to CJ to take pics for St. Mary's Univ. alumni magazine. I have never been so uncomfortable in my life! My students in my 5th period class seemed very amused, though. The lesson here? That's not the kind of life I want to live - I much prefer being under the radar.<br />
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6. Retreat work seems to be in my blood<br />
In the spring of 1990 I attended my first retreat. From 1990 until this very day I have had a hand in planning and/or attending more than 5 retreats a year. I have come to the realization this year that this part of my life is probably not going away any time soon. Not that I ever wanted it to, but I suppose I assumed that I would "grow out of it" or "move on." Nope. It's in my blood. And I think it's a good thing.<br />
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7. Ideas and dreams are good things. However, bringing them to fruition may not happen or may not happen in my way or with my timing. And that's okay.<br />
When I dream - when I think about the future - I tend to dream big. For the most part, in my everyday life, I am a realist - fairly practical and objective. However, every once in a while an idealistic side of me takes over and with wide-eyes and a bit of naiveté I want to change the world. My response to those who are more realistic than me is often, "Why not?" or "Who says I/we can't do thus-and-such?" And while there is a time and a place for such wide-eyed idealism, there is also a need for the balance of realism. That's a bitter pill to swallow for someone like me. But, it reminds me that I'm not actually the one in charge - thank you, God! I am grateful to those who do not laugh at the ridiculousness of my dreams, but gently pull me back down to earth and reality. But, the dreams are still there. And who knows. Maybe someone else will bring them to fruition at a later time. Or not. And that's okay.<br />
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8. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.<br />
With that being said, sometimes even when an idea seems preposterous or when the roadblocks seem insurmountable, we may be called to do it anyway. Trusting in God and taking a risk on an impossible dream may sometimes be what we are called to do. Of course, there is a certain amount of discernment that has to go into this. But, if one never tries… never steps out of the box… never takes a risk… then one will never know what could happen. This was made more evident to me in the purchasing and establishing of our discernment community, Annunciation House. Sometimes, you just need to take a risk - and trust that God will guide, provide and sustain.<br />
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9. Never underestimate people's capacity for generosity.<br />
In relationship to #8 I would be remiss if I did not mention how grateful I am for the generosity of so many people in helping us establish Annunciation House. From all those who gifted us with dishes and bedding… small appliances and gift cards… to those who gave innumerable hours in cleaning walls, power washing the deck, moving furniture, etc. We are so very grateful. Personally, I was overwhelmed with people's generosity. I still am when I sit back and consider how much was given to us and how much practical support we received. Thank you all!<br />
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10. Community.<br />
This year I am grateful for community. We are small, but that's okay. It allows for flexibility and deeper relationships. Perhaps it would be very difficult for someone to live in a community that is always in flux. However, I have found a lot of grace in that. We started with 2 - then we grew to 3. Now we are at 4 and may grow to 5 in 2014. And it's good. God has gifted us in many ways. It is a blessing to live in a community whose sole purpose is to be a place of discernment. Who doesn't need that in their lives, right?<br />
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And so, there you have it - random thoughts on the year 2013. Today I was considering the tradition of making New Years resolutions. I haven't done it in a long time. As of yet, I haven't made a decision about it for 2014. However, my hope is that in 2014 I will continue to learn and grow more and more into the person God created. Our world needs people who are perfectly themselves - it is only in this way that we can cooperate with God and one another in establishing God's kingdom.<br />
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Blessings of peace and joy to all who read this!<br />
Sr. NSr.Nicole Trahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512754704919427700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33390806.post-10692775582721332212013-10-18T10:11:00.000-04:002013-10-18T11:28:01.108-04:00...nor shall they train for war again.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i>... they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks;</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i>one nation shall not raise the sword against another, </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>nor shall they train for war again</b>.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>Isaiah 2: 4b-c</b></span></div>
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Would you believe me if I wrote that I've started several blog posts in the past month... but never had the time/took the time to finish them? It's a little ridiculous, really. I'm not sure I can name why I seem to put off blogging. Maybe it's because I treat my Facebook account as a blog. I suppose it serves the same purpose on some levels. However, as long as those posts can be (and those that follow me know that I am quite verbose!) they can't really take the place of a longer blog.<br />
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To say that there has been a lot going on in life, ministry, community, etc. would be an understatement of major proportions. What's been occupying my time? Glad you asked... Some of this may be a recap for you, but bear with me.<br />
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Some of you may be aware that I moved into a new community a little over 7 months ago. This community, Annunciation House, is a house of discernment - a place where women who are discerning the possibility of Marianist religious life can live for several weeks up to a year. And while this is our main ministry as a community, we also have our fair share of short term (2 or 3 days) visitors - most of whom are discerning with our community. This has been a graced development in the life of our Province. We currently have a discerning woman living with us and will soon have a second... plus several short term discerners. Our community life is rich - with shared meals and conversations about many things (poverty in the US, the call of the Gospel, faith, prayer, the news, ministry, work etc), prayer, Mass, and many community outings (AppleFest anyone?). We do live a grace-filled life.<br />
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Also, I am now working at 2 part time ministries. And in case you were not aware, this is a case where 1/2 plus 1/2 actually equals 1-3/4. It's crazy math, I know, but it's true! I currently teach 3 classes of 10th grade religion... which I love! I so enjoy teaching Scripture. I wouldn't consider myself a Scripture scholar, but I am a lover of Scripture and therefore have studied and prayed with Scripture a lot. My students do not always share my love of Scripture, but that's okay. At least many of them find some things in class interesting or challenging or even inspiring (although, that doesn't happen as often as I would like!). My other part time ministry is serving as vocations director for our Sisters and vocations coordinator for the Marianists in Dayton (both for the Sisters and for the Brothers/Priests). That's been really good, too, I think. I enjoy it and it's been fulfilling.<br />
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So, that's a brief update on life these days. Mix that in with traveling for conferences, vocation discernment events, getting together with friends, grading papers, going for morning walks (or the occasional run), and trying to motivate myself to finish writing thank you notes (I will be done by Christmas) you can see it's a full life. But it is a rich and blessed life. I wouldn't have it any other way.<br />
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And in the midst of everything, there is peace - a sure sign that God is part of this life I live.<br />
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Now, finally, I come to the quote at the top of this blog. This quote has been playing in my mind over and over again since yesterday. Allow me to explain...<br />
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Our community typically goes to a 7 AM Mass Monday - Friday with a community of Marianist Brothers/Priests at the University of Dayton (a Catholic Marianist university). Yesterday morning, just like everyone morning, I was chatting with someone on the way out of the chapel. As we walked towards the parking lot we saw a line of about 10 ROTC guys in their BDUs (camouflage uniforms) with automatic weapons. They were doing an exercise whereby they stealthily cross an area, then drop to the ground and practice firing by raising their weapons and yelling, "bang, bang, bang-bang-bang." It was a very disturbing post-Mass site. As we crossed the parking lot, one of our Sisters was standing in the parking lot - very still - and watching the men. I asked if she was waiting to talk to someone. Her response, "I'm praying for those guys."<br />
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Leaving campus on my way to the high school, I passed another Marianist community. The Brothers were gathered in their chapel praying morning prayer together. As I drove by I thought that at that moment they might be praying the Benedictus. One line of the Benedictus states, "In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace."<br />
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Peace. God will guide us into the way of peace. When, O Lord?<br />
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As I continued my short morning commute, it struck me that what I saw on my way out of Mass may have been disturbing, but what about people who see this everyday - and the weapons are not empty? It reminded me of being in El Salvador a few years ago and how common it is to see military men with loaded automatic weapons standing around on street corners as if it's no big deal. It reminded me of all the places in our world that face violence and war constantly. They live in fear - constantly. Again, I thought of the line from the Benedictus and asked, "When?"<br />
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Last night I finished reading a novel set in World War II Germany. The novel is written from the perspective of death personified. Death was the narrator. And while the book was very well written and a good read, I couldn't help but think of the fact that for so many people in our world, death is a daily part of living. And that fact does not sit well with me.<br />
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There is now a peace pole on the campus of UD. It seems odd that the peace pole and the ROTC guys share the same campus. My prayer is that peace will prevail... and we will train for war no longer.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3xvdG59rLTA/UmFBJBML87I/AAAAAAAABUM/9Nnml6OnbUQ/s1600/UD+peace+pole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3xvdG59rLTA/UmFBJBML87I/AAAAAAAABUM/9Nnml6OnbUQ/s320/UD+peace+pole.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of the University of Dayton</td></tr>
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Many blessings to all who read this,<br />
Sr. NSr.Nicole Trahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512754704919427700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33390806.post-54996579591520423212013-09-06T10:09:00.001-04:002013-09-06T10:10:06.561-04:00What is the peace for which we pray?<br />
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Peace is not the product of terror or fear. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Peace is not the silence of cemeteries.</span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"></span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Peace is not the silent result of violent repression.</span></span></i></div>
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Peace is the generous, tranquil contribution of all to the good of all.</div>
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Peace is dynamism. Peace is generosity. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is right and it is duty</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oscar Romero, Martyred Archbishop of El Salvador</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Today marks a month since my last blog post. There has been so much good and so many things that I've wanted to share with you through a blog post. The past several weeks have certainly brought their share of blessings : the beginning of the academic year - on 2 campuses, the growth of our community at Annunciation House of Discernment, thoughtful conversations with friends both near and far, and more about my summer adventures. Oh, so much to share with you!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">However, today I find myself unable to focus on those things - as good as they are. No. Today I am contemplating peace and the lack thereof. Contemplating why there is so much trouble in human hearts, violence in many places of our world, young people in our schools and on our streets who do unthinkable acts of violence out of boredom (...or depression... or rage), the lack of respectful discourse in our political landscape... and the list goes on.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">For many years these things have troubled and saddened me a great deal. This is not the way God intended our world to be. This is not the Kingdom of which Jesus said, "the Kingdom of God is in your midst." Don't get me wrong. There is a lot of good in the world and in my life. And for that, I am more grateful than words can adequately express. It is the good in our world and in human hearts that can allow us to hope. And "hope does not disappoint."</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">There is a saying, "The Kingdom of God is already and not yet." And while I've always understood this from an intellectual, theoretical point of view, I never thought much about the practical implications. But it is true. The Kingdom of God does exist here wherever there is goodness, love, compassion, faith and peace. But to the extent that there exists violence, hatred, war, oppression, indifference to the suffering of others, then the Kingdom has a long way to go.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">In his Angelus address on Sunday, September 1, Pope Francis asked that all people of goodwill take tomorrow (Saturday, September 7) as a day of prayer and fasting for peace. He called us to be men and women of peace and to ask God to grant us the great gift of peace in our world. </span></span><span style="color: #181818; line-height: 18px;">Indeed. However, what is this peace of which we speak? </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pope Francis went on to state, "It is neither a culture of confrontation nor a culture of conflict which builds harmony within and among peoples, but rather a culture of encounter and a culture of dialogue; this is the only way to peace." A culture of encounter and a culture of dialogue. How can we begin to build this culture and promote its growth? Cultural change is never easy, nor is it swift. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I am reminded of a song from GIA (the publisher of the ubiquitous Gather hymnals), <i>Do Not Fear to Hope.</i> Allow me to share with you a few lines:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>Do not fear to hope! Though the wicked rage and rise. </i></span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>For God sees not as we see. Success is not the prize. </i></span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>Do not fear to hope! For though the night be long,</i></span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>the race shall not be to the swift, the fight not to the strong.</i></span></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">No. The culture of encounter and of dialogue that leads to lasting peace will not happen quickly - especially if we always seek to "win" or to "succeed." The win-lose mentality is not one that promotes peace. Nor is the culture of peace build by people who only seek their own success regardless of the implications for others. These mentalities are so prevalent all around us, but it is certainly not a hopeless situation...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">If we feel it is hopeless, we are underestimating many things. One, we underestimate the power of prayer. Sometimes people become discouraged in prayer - "I prayed for thus-and-such and nothing happened." And perhaps it's true that a situation doesn't change immediately. But what always happens is that those who pray are changed - hearts are opened, insight given, courage and strength to continue to do the right thing.... Second, I believe we underestimate what a small group of people can bring about. Sociologist Margaret Mead once wrote, "</span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." People say it so often that it's become cliche, but just because it's cliche doesn't mean it's not true. Lastly, it seems to me that people can sometimes underestimate what God can do. For what might seem impossible to us, is possible for God. Do we have the courage to trust that?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">Tomorrow evening I will gather with faculty, staff, students and other Marianists (lay and religious) at the University of Dayton for a vigil for peace. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16px;">And as we pray for peace in our troubled world and peace in human hearts, I will also pray that we not forget our role in building peace. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;">Peace to the hearts of all who read this.</span></div>
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Sr.Nicole Trahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512754704919427700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33390806.post-86297080513525689012013-08-06T15:42:00.002-04:002013-08-06T15:42:05.211-04:00<div class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In response to the call of Christ, for the glory of the Holy Trinity, </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">the love of the Virgin Mary and the service of the Church, </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">in the hands of Sr. Franca Zonta, FMI, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Superior General, </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I,Nicole Denise Trahan, </span></i></span><i style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">freely vow to observe during my entire life </span></i></div>
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<i style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">chastity, poverty, obedience and stability </span></i></div>
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<i style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">according to the Rule of the Congregation of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate </span></i></div>
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<i style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">and in union of life with my Sisters.</span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Marianist Sisters - Vow Formula</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Professed on Saturday, August 3, 2013</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It hardly seems possible that a person can feel as much joy and peace as I have felt for the past several weeks. This past weekend, in the presence of over 200 friends, family, Marianists (both lay and vowed) I put my right hand on the Book of the Gospels, my left hand around a lit candle and spoke the above words. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The day - indeed, the whole weekend - could not have been </span><span style="color: #222222;">more perfect. So much joy! It is difficult to put it all into words and it almost seems too big to really take in. There is much for which I am grateful and so much that I could say. It's hard to know where to start... However, I think a good place to start would be to share with you my comments from the dinner that followed the Mass on Saturday. It won't be exactly what I said - because I ad libbed a little here and there - but the general gist is there.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>What does one say on the occasion of her final vows? Where does one start? The first thing on my mind and in my heart is an overwhelming sense of joy and of gratitude. There are so many things and people and events for which I am deeply grateful.</i></span> </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>First of all - thank you to all of you. One for being present on this joyous occasion, but more than that thank you for your support, friendship, companionship, challenge, and affirmation over the years. While all of you have played and continue to play an important role in my Marianist life and faith journey, there are certain groups of people present here that I'd like to acknowledge. </i></span> </span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The first would be my family. I am so grateful for your presence here and also fro the ways that you have been supportive - challenged me - and helped me to become the person that I am (At this point, I introduced my family that was present). One thing that is somewhat difficult is the physical absence of my mom who passed away in 1999. However, I know very well that she's here. I'll tell you a little story that helps me to know that.</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>I don't often remember my dreams. Truth be told, I don't remember much of anything usually. But I remember one dream very clearly from my pre-novitiate year. In my dream I walked into the living room of our old convent in San Antonio. And there in the living room was my mother - asleep on the couch. She rolled over and woke up and I said to her, "When did you get here?" And she said to me, "Don't you know? I've been here the whole time..." So, I know that she is present here with us now.</i></span> </span></blockquote>
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<i style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Secondly, I am deeply grateful for and indebted to the Marianist LIFE Program. LIFE, for those of you who may not be familiar, is the program for high school students that has a number of objectives. One, is to immerse students in the Marianist community and charism - to teach them what it means to be a follower of Jesus as a Marianist. Second is to help them examine the relationships in their lives with self, others, and God. The last objective is to give them the tools and help them develop the skills necessary to be Marianist leaven in their home contexts. </span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I first became acquainted with Marianist LIFE in 2001. And my first reaction was, "Who are these crazy, super liberal people?" But the Spirit of God and of Mary are stronger than my biases and these people became like family. And for the next 11 years I was associated with the LIFE program - serving on the coordinating team for 9 of those years. Every summer I moved to Camp TECABOCA in the hill country outside of San Antonio for 14 days of hard work, sweat, laughter, tears, prayer and living community. It is because of Marianist LIFE that I was drawn to the Marianist family. It was at LIFE that I made a public commitment as a lay Marianist. LIFE changed my life. And it was because of LIFE that I am here today (at this point, I asked all those associated with LIFE to stand and I said...) Thank you for teaching me what it means to be Marianist.</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>As Sr. Gretchen alluded to, the path from when I entered the Sisters to this day is relatively long. I entered in the summer of 2005 - 8 years ago this month. And in those 8 years so much has happened that perhaps would not have if not for those who had a hand in my formation. Working as pre-novitiate or novice director or serving as a mentor for those who are temporary professed is most likely not an easy thing.... especially if you're working with someone as independent and opinionated as I am. So, I want to say publicly how much I appreciated the support, challenge and companionship of Gretchen and Laura. Thank you for your patience, guidance, and your listening. And in that vane, thank you to all my Sisters. Each Sister of our tiny Province has had an impact in some way on who I am as a Marianist Sister and a woman of faith in our world and in our ecclesial context. Thank you for your love. Thank you also to Sr. Franca who is here with us tonight. It is a blessing to have you here and I appreciate it a great deal.</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>As you may have noticed when I introduced my family, God did not bless me with any brothers. However, now I am blessed (said with air quotes) with 100s of them all over the world - many of whom are present here and have become dear friends over the years. I once joked that if I ever wrote a book about my relationship with the Society of Mary it would be called, "Truly My Brothers," because that is who you are for me - with your relentless teasing, coupled with your concern for me personally and for our Sisters. I am always touched by your generosity and do not know if I could have made this journey without you.</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>There is a lot more that I can say - there is so much for which I am grateful - but I think the most important thing is my relationship with God and with Mary, without which none of this makes any sense at all. It is because of Mary's presence in my life that i have the humility and courage to say "yes" to God alone.</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>In conclusion, I have a few questions for you. For how many of you is this the first time for you to witness and celebrate someone professing vows as a Marianist. (show of hands) Well I hope it's been a good experience and that we haven't scared you away! For how many of you is this the first time to be at an FMI profession (show of hands)? And for how many of you is this your first time to be a part of the final vows of a Marianist Sister? (almost everyone raised their hands, including me).</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Yea, me too! But my deepest prayer is that this is not the last one we have the opportunity to celebrate. And I have confidence that there will be others who make a commitment as a Marianist Sister in our Province. But it will take something from each of us gathered here. The most important thing is prayer. Let us pray for all those contemplating the possibility of Marianist Religious Life. For, as Pope Francis has reminded us, vocations are born of prayer. It also takes a willingness to invite people to consider this life and then to walk with them as they discern. So, even though I'm the vocations director, it is not up to me. It is up to God and is dependent on the cooperation of all of us. I look forward to collaborating with you in that.</i></span> </span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Okay - one last thing. You may have noticed a large empty space over to my right. If you guessed it's a dance floor, you've guessed correctly! After the conclusion of our program, if you'd like to join me in celebrating with a little dancing I invite you to do so! We have the ballroom until 10:30. And even if you aren't the dancing type, I invite you to stick around and talk with people and hang out for a while.</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Thank you again for being here tonight and may each of you be abundantly blessed in the ways you most need.</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For those of you who are unaware, at final vows the Marianist Sisters receive a silver ring which we wear on our right hand as a visible symbol (and tangible reminder) of our commitment. We have the tradition of inscribing something inside the ring. The words inside my ring are, "God alone" and are taken from one of the most used phrase in the writings of our foundress, Venerable Adele de Batz de Trenquelleon. Since I am no longer a "new sister" I have decided to use these words in the new title of my blog - "God Alone: The Continued Journey of Sisterh<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;">ood." </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;">Thank you to my Giving Voice friends for helping me brainstorm a new title!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 14px;">Many blessings to all who read this!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 14px;">Sr. N</span></div>
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Sr.Nicole Trahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512754704919427700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33390806.post-8889781376280427682013-07-09T23:29:00.002-04:002013-07-09T23:35:15.559-04:00A summer full of grace...<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">... it is not merely enough to piously desire holiness; </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">we have to take means to put it in motion. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">We must get rid of all that might jeopardize or destroy </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">the fullness of Jesus' life within us - </span></i><i><span style="color: blue;">a hard and long work of renunciation, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">but one that can be accomplished with the help of Mary. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">We must conform our ways of thinking, feeling, willing and acting to those of Jesus </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">- </span></i><i><span style="color: blue;">a still harder </span></i><i><span style="color: blue;">and longer task... </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">All this presupposes that we keep Mary in the midst of our spiritual work.... </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">Without her, we cannot succeed; with her, we cannot fail.</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>Fr. Emile Neubert, SM</b></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;"><b>Devotion to Mary</b></span></i></div>
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Much grace and peace to you!<br />
I hope you have a little time on your hands... this one's rather lengthy!<br />
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It's been a while since my last post. It seems that most of my posts in the past several months start with that statement. With the ending of the school year and all it that it involves, I wasn't able to post before embarking on my almost 30-day retreat. Yes, that's correct. This summer I was on retreat, in preparation for my final vows, for close to 30 days. It was mostly silent, but not completely. I talked to people at meals and had a few hours of frivolity (watching the Spurs, of course!). But mostly, I spent the majority of my days in prayer... reading... journaling... and exploring my prayer daily with 1-hour meetings with Sr. Gretchen who guided my retreat.<br />
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So, what exactly does one contemplate over the course of nearly 30 days? Well, to launch into detail, I would have to reproduce my journal from the experience. I filled almost every page of a brand new journal and used all of the ink a new pen. Therefore, I will spare you every detail.<br />
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The name of the retreat is the Spirit of Saragossa. It is a retreat designed specifically for Marianists (male and female religious branches) around the world as we prepare for final vows. The name of it comes from the fact that one of our Founders, Blssd. William Joseph Chaminade, received inspiration to found the Marianist Family while in prayer before Our Lady of the Pillar in Saragossa, Spain. The retreat, then is meant to tap into that spirit of devotion that inspired WJC.<br />
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The retreat began with a week long all-province retreat. Most of our Sisters were able to join us at the Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center in Houston (which I highly recommend - beautiful property and the best "retreat food" I've ever had). The retreat was like doing the whole 30 days in a week. It was very fruitful for us as a group and for me as an individual.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rwvcHkMATuM/Udy-ad4AaZI/AAAAAAAABP8/6UVYqHHwZ1E/s1600/IMG_1417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rwvcHkMATuM/Udy-ad4AaZI/AAAAAAAABP8/6UVYqHHwZ1E/s320/IMG_1417.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many beautiful gardens at the retreat house.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Sisters on retreat. <br />
Along with Bro. Les who was a co-presenter with Sr. Gretchen and Fr. Tim who was our chaplain.</td></tr>
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The focus of the retreat is the Marianist vow of stability - the fourth vow that we take in addition to the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience that all religious take. There are other congregations that profess a vow of stability - that is to remain in their monastery for the rest of their lives. However, being that I belong to an apostolic congregation, the meaning is different for us.<br />
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Marianist stability is about a fundamental relationship - our relationship with Mary. Mary who is our mother, our model, our support and the means through which we are brought to Jesus. Marianist vow to love and be devoted to Mary and to her mission - to bring forth and to nurture Jesus in our world. It's more than that, however. And it's the "more than that" that I find difficult to articulate.<br />
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On this retreat I spend several days on each of 4 mysteries of Mary - Mary at the annunciation, Mary at the foot of the cross, Mary in the Cenacle with the apostles awaiting the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and Mary at Cana who says to us, "Do whatever he tells you." With each mystery there was a certain focus: the call to stability as a permanent commitment (annunciation), stability as love for Mary and living as the beloved disciple (Calvary), stability as love for the Daughters of Mary (Marianist Sisters) and the importance of our relationship in community with Mary (Cenacle), and stability as sharing in Mary's mission of giving Christ to the world (Cana).<br />
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The Marianist Sisters profess stability at first vows. However, I can honestly say that stability means more to me now than it did at that time or at anytime during temporary vows. The book I quoted at the top of the page, <i>Devotion to Mary</i>, was written by a French Marianist Priest in the 50s. I read it while I was on retreat because it fit so well into the purpose of the retreat. That book, combined with the grace-filled times of prayer, has had a significant effect on my spirituality and my relationships with both Jesus and Mary, but Mary especially... I will leave it at that.<br />
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On a few occasions, during the private portion of my retreat, I ventured from our house in San Antonio, to other locations for prayer. On one such day I went to Boerne (pronounced "burn-ie"... it's German, I think). It was during one of the days that I spent with Mary in the Cenacle - praying for openness to the Spirit and for union with our Sisters around the world.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting at Cibilo Creek...<br />
this was before I got lost trying to find the car. </td></tr>
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You have to know... Boerne is one of my favorite little Texas cities. While there, I went to Cibilo Creek Nature Center and sat by the creek for a while... watching the butterflies and enjoying an atypical cool breeze. I saw a deer on my way to the creek and beautiful wildflowers. Then... on what should have been my 10 minute walk back to the car, I got totally lost... and ended up walking for an hour. But it was okay, had I not gotten lost, I never would have stumbled upon a great little "water fall"...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zOwNGsZ3kO8/UdzH1OFGCoI/AAAAAAAABQc/nc2XiwB7m1Q/s1600/IMG_1529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zOwNGsZ3kO8/UdzH1OFGCoI/AAAAAAAABQc/nc2XiwB7m1Q/s320/IMG_1529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture does not do it justice.</td></tr>
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Isn't that a great metaphor for life? You can have plans... and if you follow your plans exactly, you might miss something beautiful.<br />
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Once I finally left the park and had some lunch. I went to pray in one of my favorite Churches in Texas - St. Peter the Apostle in Boerne. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cD1Rdr_ysn4/UdzJwkjtxmI/AAAAAAAABQ0/-xNeZR7-a50/s1600/IMG_1534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cD1Rdr_ysn4/UdzJwkjtxmI/AAAAAAAABQ0/-xNeZR7-a50/s320/IMG_1534.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The openness, the sound of the baptismal font... it 's a very peaceful place.<br />
It's a great place to contemplate being open to the Spirit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fO8NFsPBHhs/UdzKK1ujjkI/AAAAAAAABQ8/0veuIxUEDfo/s1600/IMG_1541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fO8NFsPBHhs/UdzKK1ujjkI/AAAAAAAABQ8/0veuIxUEDfo/s320/IMG_1541.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the Eucharistic chapel at St. Peter's..</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJb0X9jDLcU/UdzNOajtxoI/AAAAAAAABRM/3KmfA9uNKzI/s1600/IMG_1542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJb0X9jDLcU/UdzNOajtxoI/AAAAAAAABRM/3KmfA9uNKzI/s200/IMG_1542.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While I was praying - asking for openness to the <br />
Holy Spirit, I looked over my should to the left... and this is what I saw.</td></tr>
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When I was a novice, on my "desert days" I would sometimes drive out to Boerne just to sit in this Church while I prayed. The windows on the left side of the picture face out onto large hills (or small mountains?) - a beautiful site.<br />
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Before I knew it, the retreat was over. A month can go by very quickly. Especially when it is full of grace and many blessings. I finished the retreat exactly one month before my final vows. That was a significant day. One month before I say "yes" for the rest of my life to Mary's mission, to Jesus, in union of life with our Sisters. </div>
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Both Blssd. William Joseph Chaminade and our Foundress, Adele de Batz de Trenquelleon said that as daughters (and sons, for the Society of Mary) of Mary we should be ready to go to the ends of the world if God so calls us. <b><i><span style="color: blue;">To this, I say yes!</span></i></b></div>
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I had planned to discuss other aspects of my summer in this blog... but it is already quite lengthy. I will blog again soon. However, this is probably the last time my blog will carry this title "The Life of a New Sister." As my friend, George, pointed out to me, "New sister?? Don't you think it's time to change the name? I mean, you've been around forever!" So, the name will change... </div>
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Many blessings to all who read this,</div>
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Sr. N</div>
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Sr.Nicole Trahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512754704919427700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33390806.post-39581100182034292102013-05-19T11:55:00.001-04:002013-05-19T11:55:56.390-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><i>.. Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><i>"Peace be with you.... As the Father has sent me, so I send you." </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><i>And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><i>"Receive the Holy Spirit."</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>John 20:19b, 21b-22</b></span></div>
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Happy Pentecost!<br />
Grace and peace, love and joy to you on this great feast of the Holy Spirit!<br />
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As far back as I can remember, I've had a special affinity for the Holy Spirit. My prayer has often been directed to the Spirit. I pray for the Spirit's guidance and wisdom, for strength and right-judgement. I pray that others may be open to the Spirit. And I have a strong sense of when the Spirit is active in my life.<br />
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This weekend has been one of those weekends during which I have been keenly aware of the work of the Spirit. Yesterday one of our Brothers professed his first vows in the Society of Mary (the Marianists Brothers and Priests). Celebrating someone's vowed commitment is always a joy-filled occasion. Yet, this entire weekend has been permeated with a certain spirit both tangible and difficult to describe.<br />
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As I consider why this might be true, several things come to mind...<br />
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First, because our newest temporary professed brother is originally from a city not far from here and he graduated from the University of Dayton not that long ago, the celebrations this weekend have been filled with the laughter and conversations of many of his friends and family. I had the greatest conversation last night with some of his younger cousins at the Novitiate... dozens of fairly recent UD grads were present, adding to the vibrancy of the celebration.<br />
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Second, the homily given by the Director of Novices was very well balanced between humor and sincerity. He told wonderful stories about our brother and also made a beautiful connection between the profession of vows and the Feast of Pentecost. It was simply beautiful.<br />
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Personally speaking, it was very good to be surrounded by so many people who are important in my life. Anytime the Marianist Family gathers it is a moment of great grace for me. I was constantly reminded this weekend of how truly blessed my life is that I share it with the Marianist Family.<br />
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The Mass was held at Queen of Apostles Chapel on the property of Mount Saint John - down the hill from the Novitiate. The Chapel is build in a completely circular fashion with fantastic acoustics. There were more than 200 people gathered in that Chapel - all of them fully participating in the Mass with their enthusiastic responses and full-voiced singing. That combined with the fact of the brass quartet, cello, violin, and flute... AWESOME. How could a person not be aware of the Spirit's presence there?<br />
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I cannot let this blog go by without mentioning the wonderful spirit of the Brother who professed. He is truly a Marianist Brother in every sense of the word. I consider it a great blessing to know him, to have worked with him when he was a student at UD and to have been a small part of his discernment journey. The Marianist Family is richer for his presence.<br />
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Finally, it cannot be ignored that this celebration of vows was on Pentecost weekend. I realize that the Holy Spirit is always present and active in our lives and in our world. However, I also believe that there is a special grace associate with the Spirit on this particular feast. It was evident in every way this weekend.<br />
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Yesterday, during the sign of peace, one of our Sisters says to me, "You're next," referring to my final vows on August 3. This is a perfect weekend to begin praying that the Spirit might bless and guide the final stages of this part of my journey.<br />
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Blessings of great peace and joy to all who read this!<br />
Sr. N<br />
Sr.Nicole Trahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512754704919427700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33390806.post-75622583253887714312013-03-13T21:07:00.000-04:002013-03-15T06:48:35.891-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Habemus Papam! - Habemus monialis!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><i>We have a Pope! - We have a nun!</i></span></div>
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What a day today has been! 3-13-13... It has been a very moving day, actually. <br />
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This morning, while my students were working on proposals for their group semester project, I was typing an e-mail. I noticed that an e-mail came in. Being the curious person I am, I made sure the draft was saved and went to my inbox. I had received an e-mail from our Superior General, Sr. Franca, in Rome. The subject line? "Good news." I knew what it was immediately.<br />
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It is difficult for me to describe the emotions I felt as I read that I have been accepted for Perpetual Vows as a Daughter of Mary Immaculate. The Sisters have said yes to my humble request to remain a Marianist Sister for the rest of my life. Wow. Just typing that is exciting and makes me smile. I think the best way to describe how I felt was joy. Plain and simple. No more hypothetically speaking... no more "if I am approved..." That's fantastic. :)<br />
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Then, while meeting with 2 coworkers in the library, another co-worker who had CNN.com open on her laptop turns to tell us, "White smoke... we have a Pope." Thankfully, I didn't have a class during the last period of the day. So I spent the next hour staring at my computer screen with yet another co-worker waiting for the announcement. In fact, I'm not sure many people at school who were not actually in class got any work done during the last period of the day. In our office, everyone's live feed kept freezing (rebuffering? rebuffeting?). It was exciting and nerve wracking. The hour seemed to pass very slowly.<br />
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Then... there was a shadow... a movement behind the white curtains on the balcony. Here it comes. The news feed all of us were watching, NBCnews.com, was odd. The translator said, "We have a Pope." Then there was silence. After the silence, he heard that his name would be "Francesco." Who was it? What's the name? What did they say? Then, we saw his picture and his name. An Argentinian none of us had ever heard of. He had not been in any of the lists of Papabili I had seen. After his comments, prayer and blessing, I Googled him (of course!). I wanted to know something about our new Pope.<br />
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I didn't do any in depth reading, but what I did read was edifying.<br />
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Our Sr. Laura said it well on her recent Facebook update: <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">As Cardinal, Bergoglio became known for personal humility, doctrinal conservatism and a commitment to social justice. A simple lifestyle has contributed to his reputation for humility. He lives in a small apartment, rather than in the palatial bishop's residence. He gave up his chauffeured limousine in favor of public transportation, and he reportedly cooks his own meals.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
This was backed up by everything I read. He was an Archbishop "of the people." Someone who traveled to the parishes to get to know the people he served. He was pastoral and concerned about the poor of his country. Our Sisters in Argentina have met him and have been in meetings with him. Their sentiments are positive. To sum it up, "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;">Bergoglio is known for a simple lifestyle and for dedication to social justice."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;">This disposition was evident in his comments from the balcony. His prayers for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. His request for the prayers of all of us... his comments about the journey all of us travel together... and his appeals to unity. Lastly, I read (again on Facebook) that he took a city bus tonight back to the hotel (not really sure that's true, but it fits what I've read).</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;">Therefore, it makes sense that he would take the name of Francis after St. Francis of Assisi. Francis who loved poverty. Francis once said, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Poverty is the way to salvation, the nurse of humility, and the root of perfection. Its fruits are hidden, but they multiply themselves in infinite ways." Francis was also a man of peace and humility. And the one to whom God gave the mission of rebuilding the Church.</span><br />
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There is more that I can say. However, there are others who have said it better...<br />
I got a phone call this afternoon from a friend in Rome who happened to be at St. Peter's for the announcement. I invite you to check out his blog: <a href="http://marianistadventures.blogspot.com/2013/03/incredible.html?spref=fb" target="_blank">Bro. Bob</a>'s blog.<br />
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I leave you with Pope Francis' final words from the balcony, "Good night and sleep well."<br />
Blessings to all who read this!<br />
Sr. NSr.Nicole Trahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512754704919427700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33390806.post-44151808628150522782013-03-01T14:35:00.002-05:002013-03-01T14:35:30.215-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">Life moves</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"> pretty </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">fast</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">. </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Ferris Bueller's Day Off </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: blue;">(i.e. one of my favorite 80s movies)</span></span></div>
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March 1... March 1. ... Maybe if I keep repeating that, the reality will soak in...</div>
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Would it surprise any of you if I said I have no idea where February went? If you have tried to keep up with what's going on in my little corner of the world, then there's no way you could be surprised. </div>
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In the course of the last month I have traveled from one coast to the other (within a 7 day period, actually), led two retreats, attended a conference, participated in a number of meetings, completed an interview for Vision Magazine, and tried to keep up with life at work, in community, and in vocations ministry. Needless to say, it was quite the month! Not just for me or for our community, but for our whole Church as we move into this time of transition. Oh, I forgot to mention... WE BOUGHT A HOUSE! Woo hoo! </div>
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Today I am a little reflective about the month gone by. That is, what did I learn aside from the fact that it's probably not a good idea to go from New Jersey to California in a week....<br />
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1. There is a lot in my life for which to be grateful. Top among those are the people with whom I am blessed to share this journey. And even though my friends and family go weeks without hearing from me (in some cases, months!), I do not take them for granted. They keep me grounded... they pray for me (thank you!)... they help me laugh, to process, and in general help me stay faithful.<br />
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2. Were it not for prayer, I would be a crazy person by now. Perhaps I should say, I would be a <i>crazier </i>person. :) Each day I wake up at a ridiculously early time (by most people's standards). Why? If I don't spend time in personal prayer alone in the morning, I won't do it once the day gets started. This time of prayer gives me a focus... a grounding for my day. In response to someone's question about how much one should pray, St. Francis de Sales offered this word of advice, <span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">"<span style="line-height: 19px;">Every Christian needs a half-hour of prayer each day, except when he is busy, then he needs an hour." To be fully honest with you, I do not spend an hour in the morning. However, I do recognize the need for a deeper prayer life when the externals of life are chaotic and/or busy. Otherwise, how would someone make it?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #f6f0e7; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 19px;">3. Being with the Marianist family ~ other vowed religious and lay Marianists ~ is very important to my sense of being a Marianist. No matter where I am or what I'm doing, working with other Marianists always seems right. I suppose another way to say it is, "I am because we are." When the Marianist family is working together in a common mission, ministry or endeavor it seems to me that it is the way it's supposed to be. </span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 19px;">4. Buying a house is a very involved and slightly stressful process. I lived on my own for several years before entering religious life, but I was a renter. Truth be told, I didn't mind apartment life, but my dad was always on my case about "throwing money away" and having nothing to show for it. Well, I am very glad that I didn't try to purchase a house when I lived alone ~ it's overwhelming! Thank you, God, for the fact that we are a community moving through this process and not just two Sisters left on their own (which brings me back to point #1).</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 19px;">5. Every change in the community creates a new community. In the past month, our community has seen a lot of change... and that's not going to change anytime real soon. One of our sisters, Mary Louise, moved to San Antonio. It's an odd thing not to have her around the house anymore. I could always count on her for a good laugh and playful (and often snarky) banter. She always "got" my sense of humor. Not only that, though, she is such a wise & practical presence. Then, just this past weekend, another of our sisters, Audrey, moved into assisted living at Mercy Siena - the same place to which the Marianist Brothers in the area retire. Audrey is a model for many of prayer, living the vow of poverty, and always seeking growth. So, to be without both of them is... different and I miss them. However, we also have Sisters Marcia and Estella living with us now at least for the next several weeks, which has been very good. Next week, a Brazilian Sister from our General Administration in Rome will move in with us while she studies English at the University of Dayton for a few months. Meanwhile, Marcia and I are soon to move into our new community to start our house of discernment - at which point, Estella will return to San Antonio. We're all about adaptation and change these days! And while change can be challenging and adaptation can be slow, it doesn't mean it's a bad thing. Good things are often challenging. That's my experience, anyway.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 19px;">6. I am moved by the example set forth by Benedict, Pope Emeritus, stepping down from the Papacy. For me, this has been an extraordinary example of humility. I realize that opinions on his Papacy run the gamut, but I would venture to say that few Catholics have not been effected by this almost unprecedented event. Let us continue to pray for our Church in this time of transition.</span><br />
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And so, there you have it. The past month in a nutshell. And while it was a full month, it was also a blessed month that was full of graced moments. I'm glad I stopped every once in a while to look around - otherwise I may have missed it.<br />
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Blessed Lent to you all!<br />
Sr. N<br />
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Sr.Nicole Trahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512754704919427700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33390806.post-17070244808800629442013-01-27T08:36:00.001-05:002013-01-27T08:36:39.881-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i>Take Lord, receive all my liberty, my memory, understanding, my entire will.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i>Give me only your love and your grace. That's enough for me.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i>Your love and your grace are enough for me.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>Song by John Foley, based on the Suscipe, a prayer of St. Ignatius of Loyola</b></span></div>
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Wow. A lot can happen in a month. This is something I've always known to be true, but it hit me in a different way yesterday.<br />
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It's been a month since the last time I blogged. That was not my intention when the new year began. I thought to myself, "I'm going to update my blog more often." But since I've been doing the daily Facebook reflections, which are really sort of mini-blogs, I haven't had the words (or the time) to write something longer. However, today I woke up with the realization that I have a lot to say!<br />
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You may be wondering what's been going on. Of course, there's my typical travel schedule with retreats, presentations, and visiting friends. However, there's been so much more than that. I believe that all of the goings on of the past several months came to their climax yesterday. Yes, we're now in the <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">dénouement</span></span> stage of many things (thank you to my 7th and 8th grade English teacher for that word!). And although my friends all know that I have a terrible memory for some things, January 26 2013 will be a day that I remember for the long term...<br />
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As many of you know, our community in Dayton has been planning for some transitions for a while now. One of our Sisters was asked to move to San Antonio and two of us are planning to start a new community. This has all been months in the making. Well, years, really.<br />
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Sr. Marcia moved to Dayton from San Antonio to be a member of a new community with me. The new community will be a house of discernment. A place where women can do long term live ins (anywhere from 2 weeks to a year) as they discern the possibility of Marianist religious life. We've been searching for a house for a long time. And every house we've looked at we've always come away with, "Yeah... it could work, but..." and then a long list of reasons why it wasn't the right house. Now, some people believe me to be a patient person. However, after several months of not much, patience was wearing thin. Then came Thursday. We went out with our realtor and a contractor to look at 2 houses. I was surprised to find out that we were actually going to look at four. Well, thank God! The 2nd house we went to, which had previously been my favorite, we could not see. The owner told us they had 2 offers on it. I was disappointed. The 3rd house did not strike me as appropriate - a little too small, cold feeling, inhospitable, odd floor plan... So, I was not expecting a whole lot from house #4. But as soon as we walked in I said to myself, "This is it." ...<br />
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Fast forward to yesterday morning. After a few e-mails from Sr. Marcia and I with our Council, a phone call to our realtor and the contractor, we were sitting at our realtor's office signing paperwork to make an offer on the house. I've never been involved in buying a house before. It was a little stressful. What if our offer is too low? What if they don't like the terms? What if we could get it for lower than our offer are we going to pay too much? What's fair? What's just? What's reasonable? What makes sense for a Religious Congregation? We finally settled on an offer and left it in the hands of God....<br />
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When we returned home it was time to bid farewell to Sr. Mary Louise who was soon to board her plane for San Antonio. It was difficult. She has been mentor and friend for all of us here in Dayton. She will be missed tremendously. However, we trust that God is with her and with us in this time. We are in the hands of God...<br />
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After Mary Louise's departure, I sat down to finish a very important letter. Right after the new year I went on a private, silent retreat. It was on that retreat that I began writing my letter to our Superior General to request Perpetual Vows as a Marianist Sister. I didn't finish the letter on retreat because I needed to wait until I had "official" verbal support from the community. Then life just got a little too full and I didn't feel like I had the interior space to compose such an important document. But, yesterday I decided was the day. I finished my letter and e-mailed it off. It is now in God's hands...<br />
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Just when you think the day cannot possibly have more important things going on, I got a phone call from our realtor. The sellers of the house accepted our offer and all the terms. If all goes well with inspections etc. we could be ready to move in 6 weeks. SIX WEEKS!!! After months of searching and some set backs, we now have 6 weeks.<br />
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And so, perhaps now you'll see why haven't posted in a while. It's been a whirlwind! And each of the events of yesterday reminds me of why I can say with confidence, "Give me only your love and your grace. That's enough for me."<br />
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Many blessings to all who read this!<br />
Sr. NSr.Nicole Trahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512754704919427700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33390806.post-19360200128137592302012-12-25T10:24:00.000-05:002012-12-25T17:13:30.543-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: red;">The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: red;">upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: red;">You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing....</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Isaiah 9:1</b></span></div>
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Merry Christmas!<br />
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When I was younger, maybe in late middle school and through high school, I loved going to Midnight Mass. It didn't matter whether I went to my home parish of St. Mary's or the parish of many of my friends, St. Francis of Assisi. I loved that Mass. There was something magical and special about it.<br />
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Last night I was sitting in our Immaculate Conception Chapel at the University of Dayton at the "Midnight Mass at 10:30 PM" reflecting on the celebration. I was reflecting on something that I didn't quite get growing up. What's special about celebrating the incarnation so late at night? Why does it speak to me so? We gather during the darkest hour to celebrate the fact that into the darkness has come the greatest of Lights. God has chosen to enter our world. Our world is good, for all things created by God are good. However, our world has its share of dark moments and people who walk in darkness. Our own lives have their share of dark days or dark times. And it is into this reality of ours that God enters. If we let that soak in... touch our hearts... it's an awesome reality.<br />
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And what does that mean for us today? Meister Eckhart, a late 13th / early 14th century German Dominican priest, philosopher and theologian once wrote:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.949219); font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>We are all meant to be mothers of God. What good is it to me if this eternal birth of the divine Son takes place unceasingly, but does not take place within myself? And, what good is it to me if Mary is full of grace if I am not also full of grace? What good is it to me for the Creator to give birth to his Son if I do not also give birth to him in my time and my culture? This, then, is the fullness of time: When the Son of Man is begotten in us.</b></span></i></span></blockquote>
Indeed, how Marianist of him!<br />
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Our world and our lives are still in need of light - of joy - peace - comfort - love. What good is it if Jesus came then, but does not also come through us now? This is our call: to be Christ-bearers in our world today. That is very much in keeping with a Marianist perspective. For, as Marianists, we see our mission as continuing the mission that is Mary's - manifesting Christ in our world.<br />
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Celebrating today is important. It is important for us to remember that God became one of us out of God's great love for us. However, it does us no good as a people if our celebrations end today and have no lasting meaning into the days ahead. So, let us carry the celebration of Christmas forward so that Christ might be born in each day.<br />
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Many blessings for a peaceful and joy-filled Christmas,<br />
Sr. NSr.Nicole Trahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512754704919427700noreply@blogger.com0Dayton, OH, USA39.7589478 -84.19160690000001139.5637908 -84.5143304 39.9541048 -83.868883400000016tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33390806.post-269167070417284022012-12-08T08:45:00.001-05:002012-12-08T08:45:47.418-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="background-color: white;">Let us imitate the love of our heavenly Mother and, like her, let us cheerfully render to all our brothers and sisters all the services we can, both for the body and for the soul.</i><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Ven. Adele de Batz de Trenquelleon</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Foundress of the Marianist Sisters (Daughters of Mary Immaculate)</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today is a special day for the Marianist Sisters. For this is the feast from which we get our name (Daughters of Mary Immaculate) and from which we gain our inspiration for mission. Mary - chosen from the moment of her conception, especially graced by God, completely open to the Holy Spirit - so that she might bring the presence of Jesus into our troubled world, nurture the life of Jesus and teach him what it meant to be a faithful Jewish child, and point others to Jesus in order to say, "Do whatever he tells you." For us as Marianist Sisters we take Mary as our model of discipleship, our inspiration for how to be in our world, and our partner in continuing her mission.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Each morning all Marianist Religious (male and female) make an act of dedication to Mary. There are several different ones for use on different days. They all inspire me in some way, but one stands out as my favorite - the one for Sundays of Ordinary Time. It reads:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Mother of Christ and Mother of the Church,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>today we join you in praising our God,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>and rejoice with you in Christ our Risen Savior.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>We, your Marianist Family,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>seek to imitate your faith in God's promise,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>your openness of heart,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>and your listening to the Holy Spirit.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>We joyfully dedicate ourselves to you</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>and to your mission in the Church.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Taught by Christ's example,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>may we receive grace and courage</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>to minister to all people.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For me, this captures it all. We collaborate with Mary, we imitate Mary, and we dedicate ourselves to carry on her mission in the Church and in our world ministering to (and with) all people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last night we celebrated this feast liturgically with a vigil Mass at the University of Dayton. It was the closing of the University's "Christmas on Campus" - a day on which university students adopt children who live in poverty, bring them to campus and share with them in the traditions of the Christmas. The Mass last night was beautiful. The chapel, named for the Immaculate Conception, was packed. The choir was large and amazing. What was particularly moving for me was the music that was chosen. The choir led us in singing 3 different versions of Mary's Magnificat (2 during the prelude and one during communion). And the Mass began with what is quickly becoming my favorite non-Magnificat Mary song. It is appropriately titled "Song of Mary" by Dan Schutte. Some of the lines that always get me are: "Let us sing the praises of Mary, chosen as blessed from the least.... woman of strong and steadfast love.... friend of the poor in every age.... Blessed be the name of Mary, she who trusted the love of God."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Indeed. On this day in which we celebrate Mary, let us each learn from her to be strong and steadfast, compassionate, concerned for the poor, and always leading people to her Son.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Many blessings to you this day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sr. N</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>Sr.Nicole Trahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512754704919427700noreply@blogger.com1