Until next time...

How lucky am I to have something

that makes saying goodbye so hard.

Winnie the Pooh

What can I say? I'm not sure what to say. There's too much... 

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... 

My weekly lectio divina group... family.
7 AM every Wednesday.

My sharing from yesterday (slightly edited):

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...

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.

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. 

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...

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.

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.

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.

And now... I will allow myself a few tears. 
Many blessings,
Sr. N

"Oh... we're halfway there! Oh-oh living on a prayer!"

“Focus on the journey, not the destination.

Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.”

Greg Anderson

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. 

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.

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. 

Secretaries hard at work on the document.
I loved the fact that we were both wearing purple.
She didn't notice until I said something. 

The FMIs at work

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...

Even with all the work, we were still smiling.

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. 

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. 😊

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):

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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?
• I know so little about the history of different countries on the African continent. 
• The sun is more intense when you're closer to the equator. I know that. But I've experienced it in new ways.
• 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. 

That's all for now. Now I'm off to embrace a free afternoon.

Many blessings,

Sr. N

The paradox of long days and short weeks

"Time moves slowly but passes quickly." 

Alice Walker,  The Color Purple

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. 

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.

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. 

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!

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!!!

Chatting before lunch

With 2 scholastics and the SM Superior General, Andre Fetis

FMI smiles

The artwork around the Brothers' community - in and around their chapel and just around the house - BEAUTIFUL!

A carved image of Pentecost on the back wall of the chapel.
Each of the pictures shows the ministries the
SMs have in the region.

The ambo in the chapel.

Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well - 
This is outside the chapel

Jesus heals the blind man, Bartimaeus. 

Lovely fireplace with Adele and Marie Therese

The Last Supper

Madonna and Child

The Chapel doors - the story of Jesus' birth

Then, we traveled to Bomas of Kenya. 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."

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!! 

Not the best picture I've ever taken...

Carmen, FMI invited to dance

More dancing FMIs (Prudence and Annick)

"When I was a young warthog..." 
IYKYK

Brothers outside an example 1st wife's hut

Me and the baboons

So, last Sunday was a long day, but so full of laughter and joy!

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.

There are more outings planned for this afternoon (Saturday) and tomorrow... And then week 4!

Many blessings,

Sr. N

Visitors for the week

Even those who devote their entire lives to living in holiness 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.

Fully Human, Fully Divine: An Interactive Christology

M. Casey

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... 

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!  

The larger group...

In the randomly assigned seats,
we just happened to be seated together...

 

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. 😉

Of the dozens of pictures we took, there is not one
in which everyone is looking at the camera.

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. 

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. 

Crazy hair, don't care... Movie time!

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. 

Models of Formation

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. 

 

       

And although this has been a heavy week, we also had light-hearted moments. We celebrated another birthday, which was fun!

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. 

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... 

Okay. That's enough for now. Eventually, I will share with you about the food. But, that'll come later.

Mutual prayers!

Nicole, FMI

Stop. Sabbatical time!

For six years you may sow your field, and for six years prune your vineyard, gathering in their produce.
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.

Leviticus 25:3-4

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...

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. 😁😁

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. 

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.

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. 

We're staying at the retreat center of the Dimesse Sisters - 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. 

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 Giraffe Centre (British spelling, of course). I'm looking forward to seeing more of the area. 

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...

• 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: 
  
  
• The margarine set out each day at breakfast has as its description, "Fat Spread." How's that for truth in advertising!
• 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. 😏
• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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). 
• 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. 📱

Okay, that's more than enough for now.  😀

Know of my prayers for you.

Blessings,

Nicole, FMI