Today the sisters were talking about what is going on for the rest of the week. Today being the day after the feast is a rest day...I feel as if I've been resting since I've been here, but as I am not one to "look a gift horse in the mouth"...(what does that even mean??), I will take the rest day and be grateful for it!!!
But, anyways, as the sisters were commenting on the week, they began talking about Friday, Sept 11th. Immediately upon hearing the date, my heart saddened and I was thrown, as I always am when hearing that date, back to the day itself in my mind and remembered the visuals and intense feelings of that day. I was not in New York, although I do have family that live there, nor was I in Washington DC or in Pennsylvania on 9/11/01, I was at home, in my living room with my mother watching the second plane go into the second tower. I remember going around during the day, to ECC, to dinner at my brother's house all in a fog of disbelief and worry about what was going to happen next. I remember my parents coming back from the adoration chapel that night saying the chapel was packed with people praying. I remember friends who have stopped going regularly to church beginning to go again with renewed fervor praying for the people who died, the first responders, the people who lived and for the enemy who planned this horrible attack. Our country was in a state of shock, anger, horror and fear.
As I was talking about it with the sisters, I thought of the typhoon they suffered through last year. Definitely different experiences as here in the Philippines, the disaster was through nature, and the States, it was caused by terrorists, but the fear felt through both experiences was similar. The sisters had prepared for the typhoon as it was forecasted in advance of the storm. They had cleared out of their home in the city and all gathered at Providence Home, which is near the river, however it is relatively small and wouldn't seem capable of doing any damage. The sisters and helpers boarded up the windows and doors as best they could and saw that they had supplies to get them through the storm. When the typhoon hit, they lost power and the sound of the storm was deafening, they said. But then there was a surge of the water that caused serious flooding... I mean serious. Water began entering Providence Home around 11p.m. despite the fact that the river is small and the house was secured. Soon the water covered the floor and was increasing rapidly. The water was flowing so hard that the sisters felt the best thing would be to seek shelter in the attic where the water was unlikely to reach. However, soon that security would be broken as the water continued to rise in the house, climbing the stairs to the attic where the sisters and many children sought refuge.
There were several attempts to rescue the Oikos family. At one point, they all tied rope around each other and placed baby Abby in an open styrofoam box thinking they would have to escape out the window and pull each other to safety. But with the water raging as it was, it became clear that attempting an escape like that would prove deadly. So the sisters stayed there and turned to God in their distress. It was 3 a.m. when the sisters began praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. They were in tears, fearful for the children and for the other Oikos sisters and families not with them in the attic. They prayed the chaplet two times when they noticed the water, which had reached the top stairs of the attic, was beginning to recede. It took a few hours, but little by little, the water was lessening and soon the sisters could come out of the attic... only to find devastation downstairs.
Everything they had was gone. Computers, books, food, photographs, chairs, tables, even their cars were swept away in the ferocious current. What remained behind was a muddy mess, made dangerous for all of the glass on the ground that made further exploration into the disaster impossible as no one had shoes. With time came help, boots, canned food and rice. It took two months to clean up the properties ruined, for the two residences in the city, Nazareth Home and the Oikos office were both flooded to the ceiling as well during the surge. Days and weeks were spent cleaning and sifting through treasures that were watered down to garbage leaving even what was left behind of no use as the sewer system was over flooded as well. They told me the smell of the area was horrible and they all became sick from the stench, the waste left behind and weeks and weeks of eating canned foods.
Even now, whenever asked about the typhoon, telling the story brings them right back to the day, just as 9/11 does for me. Disasters have the power of leveling us, of stripping us of our own power or will. Whatever the cause, natural or human, the devastations and horrors that invade our lives rip control right out of our very hands. All of the trifling things that seemed so important to us melt away in the face of death and destruction. I think about all of those people who sought comfort and healing in the Lord in the days following the 9/11 attacks, and I am sure in any disaster areas, God is called upon in desperation for safety and protection. It's a wonder after a million years that He doesn't just throw up His hands and say "No way, Jose!! You didn't want me in the good times, why should I help you in the bad times??" It is good for us that God does not have a human intellect!! It is good that He doesn't hold grudges or pick favorites.
But I can't help but think that reliance on God in all times, good and bad... including Him into the mundane and frantic times of our lives...isn't the way to go. I have complete and total faith that anyone who calls out to God in any capacity or instance, whether a long-time believer or an atheist reaching out for his last ray of hope, will be saved in one way or another, whether here on earth or in Paradise with Our Lord.
For the Oikos sisters, reaching out to God is a daily occurrence. These lovely people who live so simply helping the poor rely on God's providence for everything they have. Praying to God throughout the day whatever is going on is a part of their daily lives, as involuntary as breathing. We are, even now, entering the rainy season here in the Philippines. It may happen that another typhoon will hit this area, it's even probable. The future is unknown... typhoons, terrorist attacks, devastation of any kind can hit at any moment. There is no where on earth you can go to escape it, but turning to God before disaster strikes makes the acceptance of all that happens after easier. To that way of thinking, I'm in the best place possibly I could be!! xxoo
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Happy Feast Day, Borongan!!
So, I have to say that God and Sister Minerva really planned the timing of my trip quite well!! Many thanks for that!!
September 8th is the Feast of the Nativity of Mary. It is a feast celebrated most amazingly by all of Borongan. Borongan is quite a big city and the Feast of the Nativity of Mary is the biggest celebration all year for the city. The party begins days before the actual feast with festivals and parades. Here is why the feast is so important to Borongans:
In the 1600's, there was a ship sailing along the Pacific Ocean. One of its passengers was a beautiful young woman dressed in blue. As they were passing by what is now present day Philippines, she asked to captain to be let off the boat. Not knowing of any land nearby, he refused. Hours later, he searched for her and could not find her. All that was left in her cabin was a statue of the Blessed Virgin, the very lady who was on the boat. Now, at that time in the Philippines, there was a terrible plague that was taking the lives of many children. One day, someone saw a beautiful lady bathing in a spring in the center of town. She then moved toward the church and entered it. She was followed by some villagers but upon entering the church, they found it to be empty. But the villagers all agreed that the woman looked miraculously like Mary, the mother of Jesus. So, the people began to bathe their children in the spring and found, to their amazement, that the children were healed! From that time on, the city of Borongan has honored Mary as their patron saint and celebrate her birthday each year.
On September 7th, I began the day with mass at the Bishop's residence with Bishop Crispin himself!! What an honor! We were also invited to have breakfast with the Bishop and watch the parade of marching bands and dancers from his window. The parade was so great and the elementary and high school students who participated did an excellent job!! Super cute!! Following the parade was a traditional dance competition in the town square. Sister Clarissa and I were allowed on the stage to watch the dancing right in front of us! There were three high school groups, each with at least 50 dancers. They had to relate the historical significance of the feast through dance, music, costumes and props. WOW!!! I mean WWWOWWW! What an amazing job each group did. Even now, thinking about it, my mind is blown away at the thought of the time to make the props and costumes, choreograph all the dancers and plan the music with each high school's own band. There were also judges who chose a winner so it was pretty competitive! Many city dignitaries were there and it was also recorded for television... which I was on, so I am told I am now a tv star in the Philippines!! Then at night, we traveled to a few different houses for dinner. That is also a tradition of this feast... to prepare traditional foods and open your doors to friends and strangers alike. Everything I had was delicious and I met some really wonderful people as well.
So today, on the actual feast, I am going with the sisters to serve lunch at the Bishop's residence. It is a custom that anyone who does not have people to visit may receive lunch at the church. So I will help hand out bagged lunches and drinks to the people of Borongan. Then we are going to 4pm mass and following mass there is a procession throughout the city. Afterwards, I am sure there will be more eating!!!
Being that my first night here was in a nice hotel, and the next few at Providence Home were spent enjoying the celebrations of the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, I gotta say... it's been a really nice adjustment for me into life in the Philippines. Now tomorrow is a day of rest after the feast and after that... my work begins I am told, but what that entails I do not know at this point. I will just enjoy the remainder of the day and go to bed bone tired as I have every night since coming here, looking forward to whatever tomorrow brings. Nice life, huh??
Just one other thought... how cool is it that the entire city celebrates the birthday of Mary? That the biggest celebration in the secular calendar is a religious feast? That there are pictures of Mary all over town and the churches are filled with people honoring Mary for days and days before the actual feast day. Pretty cool in my opinion!!! xxoo
September 8th is the Feast of the Nativity of Mary. It is a feast celebrated most amazingly by all of Borongan. Borongan is quite a big city and the Feast of the Nativity of Mary is the biggest celebration all year for the city. The party begins days before the actual feast with festivals and parades. Here is why the feast is so important to Borongans:
In the 1600's, there was a ship sailing along the Pacific Ocean. One of its passengers was a beautiful young woman dressed in blue. As they were passing by what is now present day Philippines, she asked to captain to be let off the boat. Not knowing of any land nearby, he refused. Hours later, he searched for her and could not find her. All that was left in her cabin was a statue of the Blessed Virgin, the very lady who was on the boat. Now, at that time in the Philippines, there was a terrible plague that was taking the lives of many children. One day, someone saw a beautiful lady bathing in a spring in the center of town. She then moved toward the church and entered it. She was followed by some villagers but upon entering the church, they found it to be empty. But the villagers all agreed that the woman looked miraculously like Mary, the mother of Jesus. So, the people began to bathe their children in the spring and found, to their amazement, that the children were healed! From that time on, the city of Borongan has honored Mary as their patron saint and celebrate her birthday each year.
On September 7th, I began the day with mass at the Bishop's residence with Bishop Crispin himself!! What an honor! We were also invited to have breakfast with the Bishop and watch the parade of marching bands and dancers from his window. The parade was so great and the elementary and high school students who participated did an excellent job!! Super cute!! Following the parade was a traditional dance competition in the town square. Sister Clarissa and I were allowed on the stage to watch the dancing right in front of us! There were three high school groups, each with at least 50 dancers. They had to relate the historical significance of the feast through dance, music, costumes and props. WOW!!! I mean WWWOWWW! What an amazing job each group did. Even now, thinking about it, my mind is blown away at the thought of the time to make the props and costumes, choreograph all the dancers and plan the music with each high school's own band. There were also judges who chose a winner so it was pretty competitive! Many city dignitaries were there and it was also recorded for television... which I was on, so I am told I am now a tv star in the Philippines!! Then at night, we traveled to a few different houses for dinner. That is also a tradition of this feast... to prepare traditional foods and open your doors to friends and strangers alike. Everything I had was delicious and I met some really wonderful people as well.
So today, on the actual feast, I am going with the sisters to serve lunch at the Bishop's residence. It is a custom that anyone who does not have people to visit may receive lunch at the church. So I will help hand out bagged lunches and drinks to the people of Borongan. Then we are going to 4pm mass and following mass there is a procession throughout the city. Afterwards, I am sure there will be more eating!!!
Being that my first night here was in a nice hotel, and the next few at Providence Home were spent enjoying the celebrations of the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, I gotta say... it's been a really nice adjustment for me into life in the Philippines. Now tomorrow is a day of rest after the feast and after that... my work begins I am told, but what that entails I do not know at this point. I will just enjoy the remainder of the day and go to bed bone tired as I have every night since coming here, looking forward to whatever tomorrow brings. Nice life, huh??
Just one other thought... how cool is it that the entire city celebrates the birthday of Mary? That the biggest celebration in the secular calendar is a religious feast? That there are pictures of Mary all over town and the churches are filled with people honoring Mary for days and days before the actual feast day. Pretty cool in my opinion!!! xxoo
Introductions
There are so many people and homes that are a part of this mission. I feel like it will take 2 months just to learn everyone's name and where they live and how they are involved with this mission. The sisters are Sister Minerva, the superior of the order, Sister Clarissa, Sister Aileen, Sister Ethel , and Sister Michele who is a novice in the order of the Oikos Sisters.
No problem, right? Except that there are more people around here too. The orphaned children or those whose parents are too sick to care for them live with the sisters in their residences, Providence Home, Hindong Home and Nazareth Home. Then the children of the poor who care cared for by Oikos are also around wherever we go. Not only that, but the mothers of these poor children are here also to help care for the kids, to clean and cook as well. Then the sisters have foster parents who allowed the sisters and children to live with them when they were just starting out. They also have co-workers who are graduates of the education program giving one or two years to help Oikos and married and single Catholics who help work with the sisters. There is an entire network of people here who aid in the care and upraising of the children.
But it doesn't stop there... part of the Oikos charism is to help all in need. So, for example, when the sisters heard of the typhoon that destroyed the southern part of their island a few years ago, they didn't hesitate to cook a lot of food and take it down there, along with supplies and workers to help fix their boats and equipment. Now, the sisters have friends for life there and never need to worry about food or lodging when traveling south and frequently fresh fish and crab are sent here from their friends in the south. And that is only one example of the larger network of Oikos friends reaching out across the Philippines. The beautiful thing is that nothing is ever done here to see what can be gained from giving. The sisters give without thought to cost or time. When they see a need, they get involved. When they get involved, their work is appreciated and to the best of the receiver's ability, the debt is repaid ten fold with whatever means they have. It is such an organic and beautiful way to live. And it makes sense!!! There is so much gratitude for all the work Oikos does for the community here, and you would be surprised to see all the things these 5 little nuns can do, that people are happy to help whenever they can.
That doesn't mean there are no problems here or that the children are always angels. This is life on earth, meaning it's definitely not paradise. Living in a third world country and the promise to live a simple life after the example of St.Francis means the modern conveniences so readily available in the US are just not available or useable by the sisters. They know and trust that God will provide for all of their needs and will aid them in the raising of these beautiful children. Challenges arise and problems pop up, but for these Oikos sisters, faith in God trumps any evil or adversity that comes their way.
I am sure that in the days and weeks to come, I will experience some of these hardships myself. The real challenge for me will be to follow the example of the sisters and place my trust in God and know without a single doubt that He is my rock and my shield... that He is my strength and my protection. I can see with my own eyes how God cares for the vegetation and wildlife in Borongan... it is beautiful!! How much more will He help and care for me... for you? xxoo
No problem, right? Except that there are more people around here too. The orphaned children or those whose parents are too sick to care for them live with the sisters in their residences, Providence Home, Hindong Home and Nazareth Home. Then the children of the poor who care cared for by Oikos are also around wherever we go. Not only that, but the mothers of these poor children are here also to help care for the kids, to clean and cook as well. Then the sisters have foster parents who allowed the sisters and children to live with them when they were just starting out. They also have co-workers who are graduates of the education program giving one or two years to help Oikos and married and single Catholics who help work with the sisters. There is an entire network of people here who aid in the care and upraising of the children.
But it doesn't stop there... part of the Oikos charism is to help all in need. So, for example, when the sisters heard of the typhoon that destroyed the southern part of their island a few years ago, they didn't hesitate to cook a lot of food and take it down there, along with supplies and workers to help fix their boats and equipment. Now, the sisters have friends for life there and never need to worry about food or lodging when traveling south and frequently fresh fish and crab are sent here from their friends in the south. And that is only one example of the larger network of Oikos friends reaching out across the Philippines. The beautiful thing is that nothing is ever done here to see what can be gained from giving. The sisters give without thought to cost or time. When they see a need, they get involved. When they get involved, their work is appreciated and to the best of the receiver's ability, the debt is repaid ten fold with whatever means they have. It is such an organic and beautiful way to live. And it makes sense!!! There is so much gratitude for all the work Oikos does for the community here, and you would be surprised to see all the things these 5 little nuns can do, that people are happy to help whenever they can.
That doesn't mean there are no problems here or that the children are always angels. This is life on earth, meaning it's definitely not paradise. Living in a third world country and the promise to live a simple life after the example of St.Francis means the modern conveniences so readily available in the US are just not available or useable by the sisters. They know and trust that God will provide for all of their needs and will aid them in the raising of these beautiful children. Challenges arise and problems pop up, but for these Oikos sisters, faith in God trumps any evil or adversity that comes their way.
I am sure that in the days and weeks to come, I will experience some of these hardships myself. The real challenge for me will be to follow the example of the sisters and place my trust in God and know without a single doubt that He is my rock and my shield... that He is my strength and my protection. I can see with my own eyes how God cares for the vegetation and wildlife in Borongan... it is beautiful!! How much more will He help and care for me... for you? xxoo
Welcome to Oikos!
I have heard from many different people of how beautiful and friendly people in the Philippines are. I can add my testament to that as I have met so many beautiful people here, inside and out. My first real experience to this was the night I arrived in Borongan. Now, I arrived in Tacloban on Friday, September 4th. I was met at the airport by all the Oikos Sisters and some of the children they care for. One of the first things I noticed is that the children would take my hand and press the back of it to their forehead. It is a sign of respect and a request for a blessing. Now that I understand the custom, it is so beautiful and fills me with honor every time one of the kids do that to me. It is funny to watch people who are older and have equal respect for each other try to take the other's hand first and bend for a blessing. I guess the one who gets lower wins!!
When I arrived in my new hometown of Borongan on Saturday, though, I was tired from the day's journey from Tacloban, suffering from a little sensory overload and a bit tummy sick from eating days of airplane food and fast food in Tacloban... a treat for the kids who came with the sisters. So, I was looking forward to a bed and a fan!! (It's hot, hot hot here!!!) Well, what I got was a very warm and wonderful and loud welcome from all of the Oikos children. The sisters care for the orphaned and poor children of Borongan. Not all of them live with the sisters, many have homes of their own, but their families are too poor to care for them properly. There were about 40 kids there ranging in age from 1-1/2 years old (Abby) to college aged kids. So, first I was welcomed with hugs, then with song, then with dancing by the oldest children, then with requests for blessings. It was really beautiful. And the kids were doubly excited because Sister Clarissa, who has been in the US for 2 months, returned with me.
So, there I am, overwhelmed by the awesome welcome and even more sensory overloaded when I found myself alone with the oldest kids. It became a stare-fest. Very awkward... So I asked a question or two, they asked a question or two... but it was very stiff and a bit uncomfortable. Well, I'm sure you know me by now to know enough that I was wracking my travel-worn, beat up brain trying to come up with some story to break the ice and sort of win them over. Yeah... it wasn't happening!! So after a minute or two, a joke popped into my head. I wasn't sure with the language barrier if they would get it, but it was simple enough, so I thought I'd give it a try. By the way, these kids and sisters speak English pretty well. They are teaching me their language... it's slow going and ridiculously funny to them, but I am trying!!
So on to the joke...
Knock knock... who's there... banana... banana who?
Knock knock... who's there... banana... banana who?
Knock knock... who's there... banana... banana who?
Knock knock... who's there... banana... banana who? (By this time, they think I'm a little crazy and are looking at eachother like, "I'm supposed to think this is funny?" it's the teller's cue to move on to the punchline.)
Knock knock... who's there... orange............ orange who? Orange you glad I didn't say banana?
---complete silence---
I was on my way to a panic attack thinking oh my... they didn't get it.... I'd have to explain it (ie...complete joke fail) ... I insulted them... It took about one excruciating minute, and then...
All at once they broke out into uproariously loud and appreciative laughter!!! Phew!!! It was all too much for me, though! Geez!!! Anyways... the ice was broken and I wasn't the stiff, dull missionary they must have thought I was at first!!
Every morning and every time I leave or return home, I am greeted with happy smiles and shouts of Hello Atie Sarah!!! (atie is a show of respect, similar to auntie in English) I think they may be trying to come up with a nickname for me, as all of the sisters have nicknames here. I was told by one of the sisters that the kids were asking what they will call me. For now it is Atie Sarah... a name I am proud to have and hope I can live up to the respect the name denotes!! xxoo
When I arrived in my new hometown of Borongan on Saturday, though, I was tired from the day's journey from Tacloban, suffering from a little sensory overload and a bit tummy sick from eating days of airplane food and fast food in Tacloban... a treat for the kids who came with the sisters. So, I was looking forward to a bed and a fan!! (It's hot, hot hot here!!!) Well, what I got was a very warm and wonderful and loud welcome from all of the Oikos children. The sisters care for the orphaned and poor children of Borongan. Not all of them live with the sisters, many have homes of their own, but their families are too poor to care for them properly. There were about 40 kids there ranging in age from 1-1/2 years old (Abby) to college aged kids. So, first I was welcomed with hugs, then with song, then with dancing by the oldest children, then with requests for blessings. It was really beautiful. And the kids were doubly excited because Sister Clarissa, who has been in the US for 2 months, returned with me.
So, there I am, overwhelmed by the awesome welcome and even more sensory overloaded when I found myself alone with the oldest kids. It became a stare-fest. Very awkward... So I asked a question or two, they asked a question or two... but it was very stiff and a bit uncomfortable. Well, I'm sure you know me by now to know enough that I was wracking my travel-worn, beat up brain trying to come up with some story to break the ice and sort of win them over. Yeah... it wasn't happening!! So after a minute or two, a joke popped into my head. I wasn't sure with the language barrier if they would get it, but it was simple enough, so I thought I'd give it a try. By the way, these kids and sisters speak English pretty well. They are teaching me their language... it's slow going and ridiculously funny to them, but I am trying!!
So on to the joke...
Knock knock... who's there... banana... banana who?
Knock knock... who's there... banana... banana who?
Knock knock... who's there... banana... banana who?
Knock knock... who's there... banana... banana who? (By this time, they think I'm a little crazy and are looking at eachother like, "I'm supposed to think this is funny?" it's the teller's cue to move on to the punchline.)
Knock knock... who's there... orange............ orange who? Orange you glad I didn't say banana?
---complete silence---
I was on my way to a panic attack thinking oh my... they didn't get it.... I'd have to explain it (ie...complete joke fail) ... I insulted them... It took about one excruciating minute, and then...
All at once they broke out into uproariously loud and appreciative laughter!!! Phew!!! It was all too much for me, though! Geez!!! Anyways... the ice was broken and I wasn't the stiff, dull missionary they must have thought I was at first!!
Every morning and every time I leave or return home, I am greeted with happy smiles and shouts of Hello Atie Sarah!!! (atie is a show of respect, similar to auntie in English) I think they may be trying to come up with a nickname for me, as all of the sisters have nicknames here. I was told by one of the sisters that the kids were asking what they will call me. For now it is Atie Sarah... a name I am proud to have and hope I can live up to the respect the name denotes!! xxoo
A Few Business Notes
Hello from Borongan!! I am getting adjusted to life here and am enjoying my time so far. I think it will only get better!!
I just wanted to note that I am able to get on the internet to publish my posts, but not on a regular basis. However, I have been writing up a storm! So, whenever I can, I will publish my posts, however many I end up writing. I will just publish them en masse, so it's up to you to keep track of what you've read and what you haven't. Sorry for the screwball posting. If it wasn't so great here, I wouldn't have to make it so confusing!!
Thanks for your support and your prayers! Remember to check out where I am at www.poorhouseholdofgod.org for more info or to donate.
That's it... happy reading!!
I just wanted to note that I am able to get on the internet to publish my posts, but not on a regular basis. However, I have been writing up a storm! So, whenever I can, I will publish my posts, however many I end up writing. I will just publish them en masse, so it's up to you to keep track of what you've read and what you haven't. Sorry for the screwball posting. If it wasn't so great here, I wouldn't have to make it so confusing!!
Thanks for your support and your prayers! Remember to check out where I am at www.poorhouseholdofgod.org for more info or to donate.
That's it... happy reading!!
Friday, September 4, 2015
I'm Here!!
Hello from the Philippines! I made it!! Just a quick post to let you know I am here safely. I am currently in Tacloban which is the largest city near Borongan where I will be staying. It is hard to believe that just a few years ago this area was completely destroyed by a typhoon. It has been built up and restored beautifully. Although it is obvious that it is a poor area, it is a lovely city right on the water. I have enjoyed my time here. I have been told that the fun is about to end!! I should explain that the sisters have arranged for me to have a hotel room with air conditioning and a shower etc. It is nice, to be sure, and I am so grateful for their thoughtfulness, but I am looking forward to beginning my mission here.
Just a quick note... The sisters lost just about everything during the typhoon last year. After the clean up which took a few months, they are now involved in replacing everything. Last night we were in a shopping mall and at 6pm, the Angelus was prayed over the loudspeaker. My jaw dropped!!!!! Amazing!! Xo
Just a quick note... The sisters lost just about everything during the typhoon last year. After the clean up which took a few months, they are now involved in replacing everything. Last night we were in a shopping mall and at 6pm, the Angelus was prayed over the loudspeaker. My jaw dropped!!!!! Amazing!! Xo
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Time for Reflection
Well, I can't say that I'm surprised to find myself at the airport with flying issues... a delayed flight. I have grown accustomed to the ebb and flow and unexpectedness of travel, I think. It helps that I have had great traveling partners in the past, I think. It also helps that I have had some pretty powerful experiences this past year in forfeiting control to God. I certainly can't make the plane get here on time...would be pretty cool if I could!
But being forced to take a time out at the airport gives me a little bit of time for reflection. I was just on the phone with a missionary friend of mine, and she was saying how cool it was that I am going to the Philippines alone, to a place I've never been before, where I know hardly anyone and I don't know what I'll be doing. And as I heard her say the words I've been playing around in my head but never heard out loud (you know there is a huge difference between something you hear in your head and something said out loud...it becomes real when you actually hear yourself or someone else say it...strange!!) I started a mini freak out. It's pretty crazy, in this day and age, to skip out into the world without a ton of information. After all, we are in the information age. The internet and cell phones make sure we can live in a world without surprises, that we are ultra informed and therefore have a sense of security about where and how we live. However, it is a false sense of security. No matter how much information we have, things can and will happen way out of our control.
And after a teeny weeny frantic moment, I remembered a conversation I had with someone this morning after mass. I said to my cool new friend that God has sent some major powerhouse praying people into my life lately. I don't think it can be a coincidence that in the past few months I have met some of the most prayerful people I have ever known. And over the past few days, I've heard from all of them that they are praying for me. I think that is why I am not having a mini freak out session right now at the airport where because of my delayed flight I will probably miss my connection to Seattle so I'll spend the night in Boston where I will hopefully take the morning flight instead and hope to get me and my luggage on the flight to Manila before it leaves Seattle.
Prayer is a major powerful thing. No fooling. I am extremely grateful for all the people praying for me right now and during my mission trip with the Oikos Sisters. Extremely. How lucky I am!! xoxo
But being forced to take a time out at the airport gives me a little bit of time for reflection. I was just on the phone with a missionary friend of mine, and she was saying how cool it was that I am going to the Philippines alone, to a place I've never been before, where I know hardly anyone and I don't know what I'll be doing. And as I heard her say the words I've been playing around in my head but never heard out loud (you know there is a huge difference between something you hear in your head and something said out loud...it becomes real when you actually hear yourself or someone else say it...strange!!) I started a mini freak out. It's pretty crazy, in this day and age, to skip out into the world without a ton of information. After all, we are in the information age. The internet and cell phones make sure we can live in a world without surprises, that we are ultra informed and therefore have a sense of security about where and how we live. However, it is a false sense of security. No matter how much information we have, things can and will happen way out of our control.
And after a teeny weeny frantic moment, I remembered a conversation I had with someone this morning after mass. I said to my cool new friend that God has sent some major powerhouse praying people into my life lately. I don't think it can be a coincidence that in the past few months I have met some of the most prayerful people I have ever known. And over the past few days, I've heard from all of them that they are praying for me. I think that is why I am not having a mini freak out session right now at the airport where because of my delayed flight I will probably miss my connection to Seattle so I'll spend the night in Boston where I will hopefully take the morning flight instead and hope to get me and my luggage on the flight to Manila before it leaves Seattle.
Prayer is a major powerful thing. No fooling. I am extremely grateful for all the people praying for me right now and during my mission trip with the Oikos Sisters. Extremely. How lucky I am!! xoxo
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)