To Trust

"Be Not Afraid." These words, I have heard so many times this week, the Gospel reading during Mass, other books I'm reading, in speaking about perseverance our theme for the week at camp, and in it all I hear Christ speaking to my heart. 'Trust me.' he says. 'Do not be afraid.' In my meditation this week about the scene where the Apostles are convinced their boat will sink as Jesus sleeps through the storm it commented, "It's as if Jesus had said, 'Don't you realize that I am with you, and that this should give you an unwavering steadfastness even though you are surrounded by difficulties?' The he rebuked the winds and the sea and there was a great calm." It made me realize how often I focus on the storm, the wind and the waves instead of taking comfort and finding peace in the fact that God is with me.
This past month has offered me a lot of time to reflect on this first year in the convent. The end of our regular classes, a wonderful visit home and now being back for camp has given me a little distance, and with that a new perspective. At home I began to see how following this Vocation has already begun to affect those in my family and close friends. I felt the separation more than ever from the world and the great contrast the simplicity our life here allows. I also was able to see the beautiful bonds that God has allowed to be formed in many relationships that are deeper than the circumstances that originally brought us together. They allow me to look beyond the surface, not just in living in the same state, liking the same kind of sports or working in the same place, but in recognizing the kind hearts, genuine self-giving and peaceful spirits that drew me to these souls in the first place. My heart was so full in being able to share a little of the reality of our life and receive so much support and encouragement from those I love.


Nothing says Home like a sea of gold and wide open sky!

 When I think about those difficulties that are storms in my life, my desire to be in control, my fear of imperfection and begin to feel the panic the Apostles experienced, I remind myself to trust and really believe that God is with me. There are so many examples of this in my daily life. Last weekend we went to an ordination for two of our Salesian Priests. It was such a powerful experience during the Litany asking for the Saints' intercession as we sang the names of so many Salesian Saints who are interceeding for us all the time, I could really sense their presence and knew that we were all truly united, praying and praising together. We began camp last week and are currently working with about 200 energetic campers. We have an awesome high school and college staff of counselors who do a wonderful job encouraging their kids, motivating them to climb the hill and play all sorts of crazy games that we dream up to help them have fun while learning to be Good Christians and Good Citizens. They all really give me great hope for the future of the Chruch. The eagerness to learn and ability to put into practice what we're sharing is incredible. I am so thankful for this opportunity to be back in a summer camp setting and really striving, as my friend Brandon says, to make each day the Best Day Ever!