Where am I? What day is it?

Sorry for the delay iin my update.  At least I have plenty to say; I've been in Brazil, at the assembly, and on retreat since I last posted.

My experience at World Youth Day was intense, amazing, and definitely memorable. We joined millions of pilgrims from all over the world for the events and gatherings. The week started with the welcome Mass, presided over by the archbishop of Brazil. It was on the Copacabana Beach (yes, we did sing that song all week long!) and was it crowded! I was touched by how many young people came from so far away to praise the Lord and to see the Pope. Rio de Janeiro wasn't really prepared for the crowds, and it wasn't organized in terms of crowd management. It got hairy getting out of alot of the events, but everything turned out fine.

We had a ministry of presence with the young people there, which basically means that we were there with them. We were available for conversations or for questions about vocation discernment or religious life. It helped that we had sunglasses, buttons, and lanyards in bright colors that said Felician Sisters on them! We met a lot of young people, especially at the English speaking center. There they had services for the English-speaking pilgrims. We were there alot, to be with the young people from England, Scotland, Australia, and more. We also went there to watch the Stations of the Cross on the big screen with English translations and explanations.

A great blessing of our time there was staying with our Brazilian sisters. They were so hospitable and welcoming; they really have such a great spirit about them. We went to the events of the week together and spent time together when we could. We had so much fun trying to understand each other and getting to know one another.

Right after returning from Brazil, I flew out to Michigan, where I was recruited for the hospitality committee for our big gathering of sisters that was happening the next day. This was ironic because I was so turned around by all my traveling that I wasn't really sure where I was-- yet I was there to welcome them! The sisters out in Michigan had rented a charter bus for airport pickups and we were running in and out of the airport, checking flight statuses, and waiting for our sisters to come. There were several surprises, but everything worked out in the end, and they all arrived at the hotel that we were meeting at safely and comfortably.

The assembly was wonderful! We had a funny and lively speaker who kept us laughing while we reflected on

her deeper message, and the time just flew by while she talked. We heard news about what is happening around our province; it was really interesting to hear. Sometimes I get so into what I'm doing in my job, my home, my area that I don't see what we're doing as a whole anymore. It gave me needed perspective and it was inspirational to find out about all the good that our sisters do. We had a talent show that showcased how funny, and how gifted, many of our sisters are. I was sad to see the assembly end. The saddest part was saying goodbye to a sister that I used to live with in New Hampshire, who had been my traveling companion all summer. I think it hit both of us that we were really going our separate ways at the same moment. We will keep in touch, and I"m sure we'll see each other around.

But I couldn't be sad for long! Because then I was onto the next thing; picking up the priest for our directed retreat at the airport and then going right to the retreat center. This involved packing at 10:30 PM the night before, after being at the assembly all day. We found Father and brought him to the retreat center, where we started a 6-day silent retreat. At first it was hard for me to get into it, because I had the hum of my to-do list in my head. It sounded like this, "I didn't even see the school that I'll be teaching in yet! I don't have my teacher's editions to start making plans! I haven't unpacked yet! My room isn't organized! And what about finding doctors out here?" There was more to it, but you get the point. I placed it at the altar of the Lord and asked Him to help me to relax, to really hear Him on retreat. After this I entered the silence peacefully and prayerfully.

So I guess I'm officially a Michigander now. Tomorrow I'll hit the ground running, but with peace and more focused. Next I renew my vows, but more on that to come!

More to come with more experiences!!!!!