To Sunny California!

"This land is your land, this land is my land, from California, to the New York Island ..." As I sang these words along with the kids yesterday morning, I thought, "Hey, I know these places now!" Thanks to the last year of formation near NYC and now beginning this journey of our 2nd year in Bellflower, CA, I can relate to this song in a whole new way. It is a beautiful country we live in, and I'm grateful to experience more of it.

Chelsea and I with our 4th of July Brownies!

We are getting settled in to our house here in what could affectionately be called "Salesian country". Our house is across from the convent, which is next to the gradeschool (K-8), followed by the Salesian parish that is run by our Salesian Priests, Brothers and Sisters. Down the block is the all boys High School that the Priests and Brothers staff and the guys in their first year of formation live next to. I'll have to take some pictures so you can get a more accurate idea of just how thriving this Salesian community is. Our second night here we were able to attend the Mass of one of our Brothers making his first profession. It was beautiful after seeing our Sisters just a few weeks ago take their vows and be able to share in the joy of celebrating their consecrated lives. So many people from the community introduced themselves and welcomed us. It was strange, but really nice, that they knew who we were: soon to be Postulants; not orphans, flight attendants, Amish or any of the other random lifestyles we've been asked about.
On Wednesday the kids started school and it has been really wonderful to be a part of the morning welcome! We "assist" in the mornings by helping the children cross the parking lot safely and then just hanging out with the kids in the playground before morning announcements. I've been really enjoying that they have their all school assembly outside and all outdoor hallways. :) The kids are really friendly and open, willing to talk and share - I love elementary school!
Yesterday we celebrated the feast of the Queenship of Mary, and Sr. Carmen challenged us to share our love for her with others. She shared a reflection on our own image of Mary Help of Christians who is depicted very much as a Queen Mother. She is wearing a crown, a symbol of royalty. She's holding a scepter, a sign of her power to intercede for us and pray for us. And she is holding little Baby Jesus, but not close to her. It's as if she's holding Him out to us, offering her son and willing us to take Him and draw Him close to our hearts. She always wants to give us the best - Jesus! It was a goal for me to share with a few of the children before school. What a beautiful witness they are for us, so simple, uncomplicated, innocent and joyful. They know what it means to really love with all your heart and mind and strength. At camp this summer and again here I'm beginning to realize just how much my spirit is lifted being around the children and how they really draw me to praise God for calling me to live among the young. It's a beautiful life and I couldn't ask for more.