tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12482094355341214512024-03-05T10:44:46.113-08:00Ashley's BWSC Experience in Ridgely, MDSisters of the Order of Saint Benedicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824668178591391009noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248209435534121451.post-52956536153555779912013-05-09T21:23:00.003-07:002013-05-09T21:23:33.639-07:00Bring May flowers and birds and nighttime choruses :) Happy May and the sunshine is back! <br />
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Check out this note on St. Martin's Ministries web page about our generously donated, beautiful new counter made for the Barn Thrift Shop! http://stmartinsministries.org/<br />
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This week of course flew by. I am wrapping things up with farewell luncheons, cards and well wishes, and my favorite-- extra hugs. <br />
Thanks for keeping my in your thoughts as I continue to transition. <br />
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I love this blessing and want to share it with you as I keep it in mind each day.<br />
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May today there be peace within.<br />
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.<br />
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.<br />
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.<br />
May you be confident, knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence
settle into your bones and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance,
praise and love.<br />
It is there for each and every one of us.<br />
(St. Therese of Lisieux)<br />
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Have a great weekend! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06643493962336946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248209435534121451.post-69213289587279797342013-04-29T10:51:00.001-07:002013-04-29T10:51:52.289-07:00A few more pictures including some <span id="goog_2089896358"></span><span id="goog_2089896359"></span>that I added months ago and never posted...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bulletin board at St Martin's Barn decorated for February--Heart Health month. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The display case during Ordinary Time--discovering the extraordinary! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super creative circus-themed cupcakes made and decorated by Baker Bees for the Spring Benefit. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posters to celebrate 2 years of successful cooking challenges completed by SMH residents. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The name of a D.C. Metro station! </td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06643493962336946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248209435534121451.post-69108196962082092262013-04-29T10:20:00.000-07:002013-04-29T10:20:08.104-07:00April Dear readers,<br />
I hope you enjoyed the photos of my beloved babies. I have not written in some time.<br />
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Our Sister Jeannette Murray passed away on the Feast of St Benedict, March 21. We had fun celebrating St Paddy's day with her--a couple songs and a short group visit to her room. The funeral and all services were beautiful and celebrated her full life of ministry and love. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those of us in green on St Patrick's Day</td></tr>
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I am sad to inform you also that our Sister Jean Marie Fagan passed away just last week, April 23. Her suffering (especially many years with Parkinson's) has now ended. I know I wrote in a recent post that she has been fluctuating for months now. Even if one is expecting it, the loss is still great. There is much healing to come for the community. Of many things, these experiences bring everyone a little closer together. We will hold her funeral tomorrow, April 30. <br />
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On a lighter note, there are so many things to tell you! <br />
My mom and sister were here at the end of March which was GREAT (for me, and I will speak for both of them as well)! We explored, shared, relaxed, shopped, laughed, and much more! They were here for over a week which included time at the beach (cold and windy), Sr Jeannette's services, a full day in Washington D.C., and holy week & Easter. <br />
My dad visited mid-April for a long weekend. He and I kept very busy as well: touring the grounds and my service sites, taking in DuPont historical places in Wilmington, DE, and enjoying Baltimore's Inner Harbor. We had time to catch up and see new places! <br />
Since it seems my whole family may be moving here (haha), my cousin Allie visited as well. She left just yesterday and was here for a long weekend. We took advantage of the time for just us with many laughs, reminiscing, and photos. The weather was sunny and warm (but actually not as warm as MN--go figure!) while we spent time outside grilling, walking the boardwalk and beach, and in D.C. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Benedict</td></tr>
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Though leaving soon will be bittersweet, this time with my family, especially sharing with them my life here, helps to make a transition into the "next." I am so grateful to them and to the support of family and friends whether or not they've physically been here in Maryland. <br />
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Life has been full aside from my visitors. Everything is bright and green here. Many of the spring blossoms have come and are already gone. Each week accelerates, passing more quickly than the last. <br />
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The residents and St Martin's House enjoy doing Zumba and other abs/core cardio workouts. I am glad to report that my efforts with this have increased the confidence in some, and a couple of the women will continue to be motivated to care for their bodies, physical, and mental health, release stress, giggle and themselves and others in exercising. <br />
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There are now five residents at the House; there were only three for a while. One project there has been marketing the House with the primary goal of increasing the number of residents there. I have been glad to be involved in this and even had the opportunity just last week to visit another transitional housing program in Southern Maryland for some insight on and comparison in their programs. <br />
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The Barn is as busy as ever. The nicer weather brings more people to us and this coming week, being the first week of the month, will be an especially busy one, including the first Saturday of the month "Saturday Sale." We receive an incredible amount of donations in clothing, and in other items to both the thrift shop and food pantry. We recently were able to give out fresh potatoes and fresh pears to clients; we had romaine lettuce last week and may continue to have fresh produce! <br />
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The Benedictine School community has gone through a transition period the past weeks, as have the sisters and entire community here, with deaths affecting the atmosphere. I have been fortunate to hear many stories of both Sister Jeannette and Jean Marie. It is difficult for staff and parents to imagine Benedictine without their presence. Their spirits live on! The Spring Benefit for Benedictine was last Saturday the 20th and was a wonderful, lively event. The circus as well as casino (in honor of the party-loving) theme was a fun one; and again, many are so generous. I am continually taken aback by the deep caring and sharing of those whose lives have been touched by the works of the Ridgely Benedictine Sisters. <br />
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My work at the school the past months included a lot of time observing a few students. This was great experience for me to grow familiar with a Student Observation System (SOS) called BASC (Behavior Assessment System for Children). I continue to float and help where I am needed in various classrooms, as well as spend extra time in student counseling sessions & groups. <br />
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I didn't give you a report of my visit to Alexandria, VA to the all-community Eucharist and multicultural dinner & festival with a friend there. The atmosphere was energized and colorful. I was engaged in conversation with new acquaintances and my ears were filled with beautiful languages and rhythms. I hope to be able to attend another event like this in mid-May! <br />
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I think this is long enough for one post! Thank you, always for reading. I hope the new life of Spring reaches you wherever you are at this time. More soon! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The display case (that I jump up into to staple up the background material) decorated for Easter! </td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06643493962336946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248209435534121451.post-67741823413061290722013-04-09T19:29:00.002-07:002013-04-09T19:29:22.770-07:00Photos to warm your heart <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here are my babies at St Martin's House. Some of them no longer live here at St Martin's but they all are so dear to my heart. Hope you enjoy! These were a long time coming ;) <br /><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06643493962336946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248209435534121451.post-25976453633854512282013-03-29T21:39:00.000-07:002013-03-29T21:39:56.726-07:00FORGIVENESS<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A word
that has been resonating with me for weeks now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A couple weeks ago we had silence at dinner, as with every Tuesday and
Thursday evening during Lent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually
there was not silence; rather, we listened to a reflection by Edward Hays
(incredible person, just so you know).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The reflection was on Forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Edward Hays in this reflection painted a
picture for us of a rainbow rain that fell on human beings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the rain stopped an unforgettable thing
happened: the rain left stains on the people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The stains were colors of the rainbow, but not so pleasant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These stains were color-coded to sins, i.e.
red for murder, blue for adultery, etc., and the stains covered the faces and
arms and every inch of skin on the people, on us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People frantically tried to scrub off the
stains, ashamed of themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People
did good deeds in hope of absolving their sins; we went to church, prayed; we
gave up earthly possessions, donated money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>People went in to hiding; as the story goes so did the Pope, and
government offices were closed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
encourage you to find this reflection if you are interested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really don’t want to spoil the ending, the
solution to removing the stains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I
will by telling you what Hays said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was a man and woman who, among the frantic attempts to scrub away
stains, sat quietly talking with one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We soon find out that they are apologizing for the hurt they’ve
afflicted on the other, and on themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The two forgive one another and promise to do their best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And guess what? –their stains disappeared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
addition to this reflection, multiple times in the past weeks I have turned on
the radio and what is the song that fills my ears?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Forgiveness</i>,
by Matthew West.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There have been many
Gospels and other readings recently on FORGIVENESS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a beautiful gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And a focus during this Lenten season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The parable of the Prodigal Son (or daughter;
--child) also speaks to me of so much Forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Alas,
forgiveness as it has been a resounding cymbal to my ears and my heart provokes
my thoughts in many ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forgiving
myself is one of the hardest things to do; it’s right up there with forgiving
the hurt experienced from the carelessness of those close to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God always forgives and that forgiveness
is love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So too, then, unforgiving or
not forgiving keeps me from God. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Forgiveness, </i>by Matthew West</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
It’s the hardest
thing to give away,</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
And the last thing
on your mind today.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
It always goes to
those that don’t deserve.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
It’s the opposite
of how you feel</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
When the pain they
caused is just too real.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
It takes
everything you have to say the word…</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Forgiveness;
Forgiveness.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
It flies in the
face of all your pride,</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
It moves away the
mad inside,</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
It’s always
anger’s own worst enemy.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Even when the jury
and the judge</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Say you got a
right to hold a grudge,</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
It’s the whisper
in your ear saying ‘set it free.’</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Forgiveness,
Forgiveness, Forgiveness, Forgiveness.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Show me how to
love the unlovable</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Show me how to
reach the unreachable</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Help me now to do
the impossible.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Forgiveness,
Forgiveness;</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Help me now to do
the impossible:</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Forgiveness.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
It’ll clear the
bitterness away,</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
It can even set a
prisoner free.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
There is no end to
what its power can do.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
So let it go and
be amazed</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
By what you see
through eyes of grace:</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
The prisoner that
it really frees is you.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Forgiveness,
Forgiveness, Forgiveness, Forgiveness.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Show me how to
love the unlovable</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Show me how to
reach the unreachable</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Help me now to do
the impossible: </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Forgiveness.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
I want to finally
set it free.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
So show me how to
see what Your mercy sees.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Help me now to
give what You gave to me…</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Forgiveness,
Forgiveness, </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Forgiveness,
Forgiveness, </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Forgiveness.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06643493962336946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248209435534121451.post-52511714809371926492013-03-15T07:32:00.000-07:002013-03-15T07:37:00.658-07:00In Gratitude for the opportunity to Change <span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Change our hearts</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">this time; </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Change our minds </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">This time.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Change our hearts… the song of the season. Here is the first
verse that resonates with me in this Lenten season: Brought by your hand to the
edge of our dreams, one foot in paradise, one in the waste; drawn by your
promises, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">still we are lured by the
shadows and the chains we leave behind</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But Change our hearts this time, your word says it can be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Change our minds this time, your life could
make us free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are the people your
call set apart; Lord, this time change our hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Hymn credits to Rory Cooney; ©1984,
spiritandsong.com®, a division of OCP; taken from OCP missal <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Breaking Bread 2013) <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">On my current reading pile: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Not By Bread Alone: Daily Reflections for Lent,</i> 2013 reflections by
Bishop Robert F. Morneau; Liturgical Press <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Give Us This Day</i> daily readings and reflections, Liturgical Press,
Collegeville, MN </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Love That Impels</i> by Stephanie Campbell, OSB.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The history of the Ridgely Benedictines ©
1986.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Field Guide to God</i> by Patty Kirk </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Prayer </i>by Joyce Rupp <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Running With Expanding Heart </i>by Mary Reuter, OSB (St Benedict’s
Monastery, St Joseph, MN) </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Red Tent</i> by Anita Diamant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Something I’ve been meaning to read since high school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A novel about Dinah, the forgotten sister of
Joseph and his eleven brothers.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Breath of the Soul</i> by Joan Chittister </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">…and many other novels that I have
not yet dipped into, however, I did read the first book of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Hunger Games </i>in January.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
</span></span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last week five college women on their spring break were here
to volunteer everywhere on campus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was fun to have them around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are
lovely, hard-working girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having their
help at the Barn for the week was wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Young—keep in mind age is relative!—persons are hard to come by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all enjoyed their company, energy, humility,
and compassion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was responsible for
training them on Monday at the Barn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
went really well; I could tell they were overwhelmed that first day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They kept extremely busy—splitting their time
even more so than I do in a day or a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They each wrote me a sweet note at the end of the week as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Darling </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Three weeks ago our Sister Jeannette was taken to the
emergency room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To make a long story
short, she was admitted, spent a few days in the hospital and then returned
home and is on hospice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has had good
days, some bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tires easily, but
has lots of visitors come to see her and many people praying her through it
all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sister Jean Marie also has good
days among not-so-good ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has
spells during which she talks to some people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She seems to be especially suffering the past week or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our other Sisters in the infirmary have been
pretty stable, not anything major.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Saturday, March 2<sup>nd</sup> was the 16<sup>th</sup> annual
Author’s Luncheon to benefit St Martin’s Ministries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It went extremely well and was an enjoyable
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so thankful for the
opportunities I’ve had here, to be a part of the preparations for and execution
of this event—one in whose target audience I otherwise would not be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Luncheon was held at a beautiful venue on
the Chesapeake Bay, all windows looking out on the water and the Bay
Bridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three local authors were
present; we (this was my main job during the event) sold their novels and the
authors were available to sign them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
authors also each spoke on their writings following the lunch meal itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They did a wonderful job sharing, answering
questions, and giving their time to the event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The silent auction of 90-some donated items and vacation-trips
successfully found homes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A highlight of
the day was Beth, one of St Martin’s House residents, shared her story and the
blessing that her life at St Martin’s has been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I encourage you to read her speech here: stmartinsministries.org </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have been taking WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan)
classes the past four Wednesday mornings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The program is put on by the Chesapeake Voyageurs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A staff person from St Martin’s House has
been participating as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This action
plan can be used for a habit, addiction, behavior, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The process looks first at wellness and what
is needed to be well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These five things
are hope, support, self-advocacy, education, and responsibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A wellness toolbox is then created specific
to each person with go-to resources such as healthcare providers, taking a walk
or exercising, meditation and deep breathing, being around positive
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The recovery action plan itself
looks at triggers and a plan for triggers, early warning signs and how to deal
with them—things that will set off the maladaptive behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is very thought-provoking and makes a
person very self-aware; suggested uses are anything from a substance
abuse/addiction to quitting a job to mending a relationship to motivating
oneself to clean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Up and coming:</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">My mom and sister will be here soon to visit for a week!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ALL are very excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">St Patrick’s Day heightens the mood a bit for especially the
Irish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clover-shaped cookies are in the
making.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">This evening I am going to Alexandria, VA to join my CSB
friend Shannon for an International Festival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I will report next time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">The end of Lent will be here before we know it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Palm Sunday is next Sunday the 24<sup>th</sup>
followed by the Triduum and Easter! </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06643493962336946871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248209435534121451.post-87280699124866188442013-02-22T19:56:00.000-08:002013-02-22T19:56:26.973-08:00February has come and is going!I mentioned in my previous post the blog of Sister Jo-El, a member of the St. Gertrude community. A couple weeks ago she shared a beautiful reflection on Ordinary Time. I encourage you to read her words here <a href="http://www.osbridgely.com/apps/blog">http://www.osbridgely.com/apps/blog</a> and to be mindful of what is extraordinary in your daily life. Maybe there is something or someone you can influence to move from ordinary to extraordinary, maybe especially with new seasons. While still in the month of February we try to keep hold of our new year's resolutions; a few moments of sitting with the ordinary can do a lot for my brain racing 139 miles per minute, for my heart, and for my body, too. <br />
<br />
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Recent outings:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Did I
mention I went to the Holocaust Memorial Museum?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hardly could take in even a portion of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was on sensory overload, but don’t know if
I envision returning anytime soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
any of you who have visited the museum, you know the toll it takes emotionally.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I met a
friend in Annapolis a recent Friday afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We enjoyed hot chocolate…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
to share this: the place we went insisted the only way they could make the
drink was to fill have the cup with mini marshmallows before adding hot water
to the mix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my companions was
bewildered; she could not wrap her head around such a concept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Continuing, we enjoyed a brisk walk in the
light drizzle around a quiet, wet downtown Annapolis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so charming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We enjoyed company in a warm, Friday evening
bustling pub as we tasted vegetable crab soup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>An evening we could hope to repeat again soon!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Also when
in Annapolis I found the Whole Foods market/store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had never been in one (not even in MN), and
had been looking forward to exploring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Wow, what a place!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoyed the
plump produce section, the fishes and meats, oooh-ing at the homemade pastas,
the cheeses, oh, and more!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is one
of my favorite pastimes, if you didn’t know: food markets, farmers’ markets,
co-ops, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I have
been to Dover, DE a few times in the last weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I venture there with my friends to have some
girl time out and about, not even spending money on ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went to the “small—though I’m not sure how
Caroline County residents can make this judgment” Dover Mall and enjoyed window
shopping, trying on 5” heels, chasing 14-month olds around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just this past Sunday I found a Plato’s
Closet—I didn’t know they were nation-wide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The women with me were elated with the finds for the great prices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will definitely be returning there when we
have more time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also plan to go to a
(bigger) mall in Annapolis in the near future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Works for me—all the more places I can experience, the more cultured
will I be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My babies are growing up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lil’ almost-two-year-old repeats, well, tries anyway, everything I
say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is growing into an identity of
her own, and quickly!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of two
school-age sisters just turned six years old, and the other will be four next
month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a fun fact about these two:
the former falls asleep around seven in the evening and nothing in the world
will wake her—noise, moving her, her fidgety sister, and speaking of whom is an
insomniac herself and refuses to sleep more than six or so hours each night;
but the two share a single bed and don’t want it to work any other way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other two babies are as lively and
lovable as ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are great pals—just
two weeks apart, and give each other a hard time… kinda like puppies,
haha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I introduced a few new nutrition/health topics so far this
month to the women at St Martin’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
had a lesson on portion sizes and a good discussion relating portion guidelines
to our everyday experiences with food and food choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talked about whether to eat a huge loaded
lettuce salad because it’s our source of vegetables and also some protein, and
maybe even good fats and fiber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On
Valentine’s Day we did some interactive learning on Heart Health, as February
is the American Heart Association’s Heart Health month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We mostly talked about fats—bad and better,
and how those affect our heart and overall health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A healthy heart is a happy heart!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also prepared some quinoa (KEEN-wah) for
the residents to try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is one of my
favorite grains (it’s a seed but most commonly serves as a grain, as a
replacement for rice).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I haven’t been knitting much lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finished a couple scarves and am working on
another different-material one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Definitely
not on a roll, turning out scarves as I was/we were in the fall and before
Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have, instead, been taking
time for reading, both novels and spiritual works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also am trying to get started on another
cross-stitching project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, Lent is here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
actually started a blog draft three weeks ago titled, “A new season is around
the corner!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, religiously speaking
the season is here and enveloping us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The season of the recent weather is also new and unexpected as of
late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stars have been bright and
dazzling and overwhelmingly breathtaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have taken a few night walks in order to best enjoy them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is surely one of the unquestionable
blessings of living away from city lights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back to Lent in my next post!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Much love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<![endif]--><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06643493962336946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248209435534121451.post-43592330305173666472013-01-29T08:21:00.001-08:002013-01-29T08:21:46.678-08:00Please enjoy these links! I have been meaning to share with you the websites of my service sites. There is a lot to look at, read, watch, take in. I hope that they can supplement and support all I've told you about these incredible ministries here in Ridgely, MD. Here they are, along with a few others. =) <br />
<br />
St. Martin's Ministries= "The Barn" (food pantry & thrift shop) and "The House" (residential program for women)... <a href="http://stmartinsministries.org/">http://stmartinsministries.org/</a> <br />
and on Facebook "St. Martin's Ministries" <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/St-Martins-Ministries/146146165419502">http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/St-Martins-Ministries/146146165419502</a><br />
<br />
Benedictine School for Exceptional Children <a href="http://www.benschool.org/">http://www.benschool.org/</a> <br />
and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Benedictine-School/49643943549?fref=ts">http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Benedictine-School/49643943549?fref=ts</a><br />
<br />
My host community, St Gertrude Monastery <a href="http://www.osbridgely.com/">http://www.osbridgely.com/</a> and on Facebook "Benedictine Sisters of Ridgely" <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/BenedictineSistersofRidgelyMd?fref=ts">http://www.facebook.com/#!/BenedictineSistersofRidgelyMd?fref=ts</a><br />
<br />
BWSC (Benedictine Women Service Corps) is an outreach of Saint Benedict's Monastery, St Joseph, MN <a href="http://sbm.osb.org/">http://sbm.osb.org/</a><br />
<br />
You will love the rich, reflective words of Sr Jo-El McLaughlin, OSB's blog "Song du Jour." From the St Gertrude website click on the most extreme right icon at the top of the page, or <a href="http://www.osbridgely.com/apps/blog">http://www.osbridgely.com/apps/blog</a> <br />
<br />
Thank you!!! <br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06643493962336946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248209435534121451.post-33099130889495097742013-01-27T12:02:00.004-08:002013-01-27T12:13:02.557-08:00Some of my favorite things & shared reflection I love children, their aura, innocence, honesty, purity. I love how with infants and toddlers we understand them through their actions for lack of verbal communication. This connection teaches me something about communication with others in my life. Really what I love is walking into St. Martin's House to a handful of children who are just themselves. And to, "Aaaaaaaa--" (for Aaa-shley), a 14-month old prancing over to me to be picked up and snuggling into my neck for just a second before squirming down to resume playing, to smiles and clapping, to 3- and 5- year olds fighting over who gets to open the door for me. I've spent quite a bit of time around children before, but these children are what I most look forward to every day. <i>Everyone would have a friend. </i><br />
<br />
Life is unexpected. Life is a plethora of the unknown. A youth surprises me by getting close, almost in a hug, and then remaining there, allowing my to keep an arm around her for a whole two minutes as I stood on guard waiting for the moment her comfort passed. She typically holds out an arm or both to ensure everyone keeps their distance.<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> And for good reason</span>, because just this week she was upset and decided to express that emotion by pinching and scratching--also unexpected but just the flick of a few fingers. <br />
<i>Right could always win. </i><br />
<br />
I never expected that worlds could come together and I would be a sounding board, a confidant for some of the clients here. Even those that seemed to try so hard to make it known to me that I was different from them and hardly capable of relating to their lives and hardships are open now, slowly with time. And trusting, too. Or maybe the trust had to come first. <br />
<i>Time will heal all hearts. </i><br />
<br />
Back to communicating through actions. Someone wise and admirable in my life put it something like this, "Don't hang onto the words of others but look to and trust their actions." With infants and children, those who are nonverbal such as persons with disabilities, and others including the elderly<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">,</span></span> we have to look for and make the best decisions for them based on their actions, body language, and nonverbal cues. Oftentimes I get so caught up in what people say or I wait for a friend to say the right thing. Or, I may hear the same words from an acquaintance but no action taken to follow up or support those words. Making the best decision for myself can be possible if I am aware of what that person is communicating to me through her actions. I want to thank all the nonverbal persons currently in my life for reminding me of this which improves my work experiences. <br />
<i>Love would have no end. </i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember the warmth a smile can bring and offer that to another. Know how simple a greeting of blessings is to a friend. <span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have a dream that acknowledgement means
greeting with a smile, a nod, a positive energy.
I have dreams of kind words, affirmations, encouragement, broadening of
minds to the betterment of the community, opening of minds and hearts to the
injustices we can prevent each day, fighting for those who can’t fight for
themselves. Affirming children so they don’t
grow up to affirm themselves by abusing others.
Taking an extra four seconds to listen. Taking an extra two to
respond. Taking a final half-second to
smile.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>No more lives torn apart; and wars would never start. This is the world we share. </i></span><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Included is an incorporation of lines from the song "A Prayer for Every Year" by Plus One --the statement at the end of each paragraph.</i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T<span style="font-size: small;">hank you for keeping up <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">wit<span style="font-size: small;">h me in this<span style="font-size: small;"> post! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06643493962336946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248209435534121451.post-10430647681180095762013-01-16T18:18:00.000-08:002013-01-16T18:18:23.098-08:00Halfway...?!?Yes, yes, it indeed has been a month since I last wrote something on my blog. I know you are disappointed, so here I am-- enough of my reason<span style="font-family: inherit;">s of ill<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">ness and weariness. </span></span><br />
<br />
Well 5 months ago I drove up to St Benedict's Monastery in St J<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">oseph, MN to begin my orientation retreat for BWSC. And I'm sitting here trying not to think about the fact that my time with this progra</span>m will conclude in just a little more than four months. I also have been reflecting on my mid-year evaluation/review for BWSC, as well as the new year's revelations. There are so many reflections to share...might I suggest you just take a little trip inside my mind ? Okay, great-- that will make this blog post lots shorter. Haha, how about, then, taking a little trip to Ridgely, Maryland to visit? Good compromise. <br />
<br />
Alright, to begin: an update on my service works. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> The Barn had a great, busy month in December.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were fortunate to be able to give
additional food for the holidays to all clients during the months of November
and December.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>St Martin’s Ministries has
incredible donors that enable us to continue giving time, talents, resources,
and more to those in need, in this community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I keep busy with tasks: stocking the food pantry, creating recipe sheets
for items in monthly food boxes, set up of data spreadsheets, filing,
decorating billboard, cleaning, planning, reviewing cash register—you name
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Clients continue
to visit us monthly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I now recognize
many faces and am learning quite a few names as well as a few more helpful
Spanish phrases!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am without a doubt
the newest and least-seasoned of the volunteers at St Martin’s Ministries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most have been giving to St. Martin’s for
20-30 years!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am blessed to learn from
the example of these selfless persons around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I have had
many bonding experiences with beautiful people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t know what I expected during my time here but I have formed rich
relationships with so many.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These have
been with co-workers, peers, children, and clients alike—through all of the ministries in
which I serve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I look forward to my service BECAUSE of sharing time with people. I have been able to extend these relationships beyond our scheduled working hours which has been time both relaxed and social for me. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">To be continued... :) </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06643493962336946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248209435534121451.post-49841193889441542432012-12-23T21:24:00.002-08:002012-12-23T21:24:49.468-08:00ADVENT joyfully concludes... Photos! Hey everyone! <br />
<br />
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Time flies when fun is had... and I have been having fun!!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Here are some photos taken in the past couple months :D </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Lots of love! </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2b-j8EBzQERg3mMEQnNnEOjjhhUuiMJGkRWgYyY-H6qarkKehcS6SNqB1gnD3fa7EZEQ0TtGAHs8C8oUNtid7jXWue1TaZU4Mzn9EHn0x9svKNaVPRcjaHWhDKRd70teW1tWi-MsKiI/s1600/DSC04898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2b-j8EBzQERg3mMEQnNnEOjjhhUuiMJGkRWgYyY-H6qarkKehcS6SNqB1gnD3fa7EZEQ0TtGAHs8C8oUNtid7jXWue1TaZU4Mzn9EHn0x9svKNaVPRcjaHWhDKRd70teW1tWi-MsKiI/s320/DSC04898.JPG" eea="true" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5K that I walked with one of the residents at SMH; pictured with another resident and her son</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuy91V4iZFgxcDs1Pl7bJcpzCjEGlI3N4nGGrt0rdHvRwkn6JT8tp-sWpkgGG98V-mgMBFc1xUm0LOOBE823lhseMfUTTV9sCplCNERGQ9Kn-a0wKBHDsYxYqAco3Mgb0CdkkQk6jho4M/s1600/DSC04964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuy91V4iZFgxcDs1Pl7bJcpzCjEGlI3N4nGGrt0rdHvRwkn6JT8tp-sWpkgGG98V-mgMBFc1xUm0LOOBE823lhseMfUTTV9sCplCNERGQ9Kn-a0wKBHDsYxYqAco3Mgb0CdkkQk6jho4M/s320/DSC04964.JPG" eea="true" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Walk for the Well of It" 3-mile walk in Ridgely</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wfzLx5hM7zFoBDqDKXlkUYh8Sw-4i0OpGOqPshnvS-aidXumAwyMR8Q-lwGGRl95QM7V8FM9BMDmAWjn64KD8TtZnxee8uxTcl0NXVo2QEb5tHEaCeOXqkgQvRnmye46LLC9fiQJ9io/s1600/DSC04905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wfzLx5hM7zFoBDqDKXlkUYh8Sw-4i0OpGOqPshnvS-aidXumAwyMR8Q-lwGGRl95QM7V8FM9BMDmAWjn64KD8TtZnxee8uxTcl0NXVo2QEb5tHEaCeOXqkgQvRnmye46LLC9fiQJ9io/s320/DSC04905.JPG" eea="true" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halloween trick-or-treating with the daughter of a SMH resident </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehvvUErxtXEUNr_wu1ijUeHZ2IqBZ66Q9IbBI0C_omK-XmDWpqsiRUQHs4iwF4uq7D7NQ2oHVxawqZxbXEnEMpBzUqiopG5kbLzFzhSqMVBNln_cxRpGxHhnat7J2xz_ogkAS4ahmJkE/s1600/DSC04922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehvvUErxtXEUNr_wu1ijUeHZ2IqBZ66Q9IbBI0C_omK-XmDWpqsiRUQHs4iwF4uq7D7NQ2oHVxawqZxbXEnEMpBzUqiopG5kbLzFzhSqMVBNln_cxRpGxHhnat7J2xz_ogkAS4ahmJkE/s320/DSC04922.JPG" eea="true" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In D.C. with a Minnesotan friend </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7Ibk0G9lb5ou9_AvsAc6jGjoCfAuwBtvPf3RyRDjMYi5wOcouIonnOaQDHMzokh7qfhR1iu2Oz0CP2cFt8IzfgwWX4A6JYUXVhohLaQgjcsszfe8ZOqbtb-NZyRVeQC2usUprCRn3Ik/s1600/DSC04941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7Ibk0G9lb5ou9_AvsAc6jGjoCfAuwBtvPf3RyRDjMYi5wOcouIonnOaQDHMzokh7qfhR1iu2Oz0CP2cFt8IzfgwWX4A6JYUXVhohLaQgjcsszfe8ZOqbtb-NZyRVeQC2usUprCRn3Ik/s320/DSC04941.JPG" eea="true" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the mall in D.C. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPce_R1pGdUno4HETj0mhHgNZhf6sxHeDqZBL3wOnA-59q5TZRTc2B5Zv11DQpUY0jJ3IkvIgwo4rERFzsGtDgvamWRuRj_UvswwZmTCwvtmp7xSjPUh6l70Gn1tszJeu5D2B22884z4/s1600/DSC04944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPce_R1pGdUno4HETj0mhHgNZhf6sxHeDqZBL3wOnA-59q5TZRTc2B5Zv11DQpUY0jJ3IkvIgwo4rERFzsGtDgvamWRuRj_UvswwZmTCwvtmp7xSjPUh6l70Gn1tszJeu5D2B22884z4/s320/DSC04944.JPG" eea="true" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful-- in honor of women & nurses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6K_JmNwEc8dguFBTePLv4Z8-S8THK6a7o3dGqHTtvNnb3dtfRkk2zljA-hAKFKiBKbvOGVgCdeh8O_eSXInrZOpp0nJfvah2r1sW8WW17-zOUF0Ajt6o3AVTVfyTLfBaD3gmzI736obk/s1600/DSC04951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6K_JmNwEc8dguFBTePLv4Z8-S8THK6a7o3dGqHTtvNnb3dtfRkk2zljA-hAKFKiBKbvOGVgCdeh8O_eSXInrZOpp0nJfvah2r1sW8WW17-zOUF0Ajt6o3AVTVfyTLfBaD3gmzI736obk/s320/DSC04951.JPG" eea="true" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Lady's garden on the White House lawn </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06643493962336946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248209435534121451.post-57085990525469637402012-12-10T07:14:00.000-08:002012-12-10T07:14:05.041-08:00More ADVENTures <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Over Thanksgiving and the weekend I went to Charleston, SC to visit friends!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Katie and I graduated together from St. Ben’s, and she lives with her husband Karl in Charleston.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We shared a delicious traditional Thanksgiving meal and company of friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather was fantastic when I was there (they had rain all week before I arrived), so Katie and I spent much of our time outdoors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked around downtown Charleston two different days; again another place so rich in history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoyed a few tourist experiences as we paddled a small boat through Cypress Gardens, visited a slave mart—the original building still standing, and toured a plantation outside of Charleston complete with a tour of the main house and self-guided history in nine slave houses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I appreciated being able to put real images to the history that we—especially as mid-Westerners—only read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charleston is a city of authentic and original cuisine, so Katie and Karl treated me (as their first visitor!) to a few of their favorites including unique tacos, Indian, Southern comfort food, and also brunch at the Farmers’ Market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Life at the monastery is and has been wonderful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mostly I am not around here as much as I’d like to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or when I am around I am running to and/or from someplace else which is not conducive to conversation or quality time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lately some nun-life adventures include beautiful preparation as we are moving through the season of Advent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have my flute here and have loved contributing to the liturgy, especially because of Advent hymns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scarves, scarves, scarves!—we had a very successful sale and received many orders from staff and parents of Benedictine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The race has been on to complete scarves to fill these orders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will admit that I took quite a long break from knitting, but have jumped back in and do what I can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spend many of my volunteer hours in the evenings which reduces my evening communal television and knitting time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I thought I wrote about this already, but I didn’t—I visited Washington D.C.!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have had some wonderful touring experiences with a couple friends in the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went to D.C. for a day early in November and saw all of the monuments and memorials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am itching to get back to see the museums—a couple at a time since I have the time to do so!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a chilly, windy day, but we got lots of walking in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also walked by the White House and saw the First Lady’s garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so grateful to the many friends and acquaintances generous with their time and keen on contributing to a full experience for my time here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Another experience to add to these—Handel’s Messiah!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just Saturday night Sisters Patricia, Jo-El, Mary Elizabeth, and I had the privilege of attending Messiah put on by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra with guest soloists; it was held at Chesapeake College.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was incredible, beautiful, breathtaking, and more!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hadn’t ever heard the full 2½ hour oratorio, and the bar was set high for any future performance of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06643493962336946871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248209435534121451.post-38523311455750715532012-12-01T15:39:00.001-08:002012-12-01T15:39:21.635-08:00My ADVENTures! <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The end of November already!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time certainly has flown by for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot believe I’ll be traveling to MN in less than four weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I definitely have lots to share from the past weeks I’ve left you without updates of my adventures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is your fair warning that this will be a long post and/or one of two…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>=)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In November my childcare hours increased, my days and schedule at the (Benedictine) school have changed, I’ve had new projects related to the Barn, and I had many wonderful days of relaxation and reflection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took one of the St Martin’s House residents along with her 18-month-old daughter trick-or-treating a couple days after Halloween.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many towns rescheduled the town trick-or-treat because of Hurricane Sandy that week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was Lucy’s first time out on Halloween and she got scared right away by the costumes, but we had a fun time and of course got a little candy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had an opportunity to stay at a condo in Ocean City, MD for a couple days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Sisters were given one week of a timeshare there and Sisters Colleen and Patricia invited me to join them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was chilly (low 40s) when we were there, but inside we enjoyed the company of one another, shared meals, reading for pleasure, and the presidential election updates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a perfectly timed get-away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The following weekend was a holiday bazaar in Ridgely put on by the joint parishes of Ridgely and Denton (another nearby town).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bazaar has a 5K run and fun walk as well, this year being “Run for the Well of It”—the money raised went toward providing clean, drinkable water for communities in Ghana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the House residents, their children, and I had a great time walking three miles in the crisp, sunny morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anthony who’s nine turned it into kind of a competition and ended up speed walking ahead of us, finishing almost ten minutes before the rest of the group!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were very proud of his ambition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Speaking of the Saint Martin’s House children—oh, so many stories and misadventures I could share!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I mentioned, I have been doing childcare for the House residents (in the evenings when they’re at college classes or meetings) quite often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just this week I planned to care for Lucy and (Anthony’s four-year- old sister,) Rosie but also had to do transportation for the residents that evening and night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I set out from the House with the two residents on their way to college night class and Rosie who has to ride along because I’m in charge of her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On our way we pick up Lucy from day care; after singing songs about November and the other months of the year Rosie falls asleep in the backseat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrive at the college to drop these two women off and pick up Lucy’s mom who had an afternoon class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon returning to SMH (St Martin’s House), Rosie sleepily gets out of the car while I’m waiting for the second she snaps out of it to instantly be wound up for the entire night…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Next we heat up Rosie’s dinner and Lucy’s mother leaves with me Lucy and her own dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two are sitting and eating as I get distracted by the 11- and 12- month olds who want my attention and run around finding drinks and activities to bring with us as I had to leave shortly to be out driving for the rest of the night (again bringing Rosie along).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next thing I know Lucy’s whole plate of food is on the floor, she’s crying about her hotdogs, while a ball bounces and babies continue to crawl and walk through it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alright, I guess we’ll make a new plate of dinner for Lucy! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, and did I mention that somewhere in there Rosie is running around with the second half of her pork chop hanging out of her mouth?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[I wasn’t going to mention it, but some of the Sisters insisted.]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rosie, sit down if you’re going to finish eating and yes, you do need to wear more than a t-shirt, leggings, and sandals when we go outside… </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Those were the events of that evening, but really life is never dull!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mom was here visiting for over a week—right before Thanksgiving!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was able to come along with me to my service sites and she survived through hours and days such as these.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She really got a super-condensed version of my life here, especially in just the first two or three days of her visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stayed very busy and enjoyed our time together doing just what we love: health food stores and a farmers’ market, exercising, the state park and all of nature (there are many more leaves on trees here than in Minnesota), baking gluten- and egg-free goodies, and lots of visiting and catching up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to show off how well I know my way around the area, things I’ve discovered, and all I’ve grown to love, especially the community of Benedictine Sisters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was great to have my mom here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06643493962336946871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248209435534121451.post-49235264472185342862012-10-30T20:14:00.000-07:002012-10-30T20:17:15.679-07:00Notes to update you The 2 month mark!<br />
<br />
Yesterday marked two months since my arrival in Ridgely. Can you believe it?!? I think the next seven months just flashed before my eyes. <br />
<br />
We survived the hurricane. Sandy left many in devastation, but we here are so blessed. The past couple days in school were crazy with limited staff available, but we made it and all of the students are safe and well. There is some water damage, many trees down & debris, and a lot of water standing-- better outside than in. As has been reported, millions lost power, but again, somehow we did not! Thank you for your thoughts, concern, and prayers!! We all will keep in mind & prayer those who are greatly in need. <br />
<br />
I am on my 28th scarf! We are in a knitting frenzy as the holidays grow closer (yes, it's almost November!). This past weekend was one of wonderful celebration. Saturday was Sister Catherine's 50th Jubilee-- acknowledging 50 years in the monastic community. It was beautiful and a blessing to be here for it. Sunday a few of us were able to share with the family of Sister Patricia in celebrating a special birthday! <br />
<br />
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I love the variety I have here in all of my ministries. [A bit from my recent journaling...] Each day is full of joy and smiles. I find myself... On fire with the love of service with one another…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some days are windy, some almost extinguish
the flame, but it is the days—or hours—of tranquility during which the flame
still burns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Love is underestimated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Think about the word love that we so often use loosely, without consideration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[Disclaimer:
this all may sound copied, as no idea is a new one; however I’m processing and
rambling for you.]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love is the first
breath we take in upon waking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something
gets us out of bed; even if we think it’s fear of losing a job it might
actually be love for the family we support or respect for our own dignity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love is laced in the trees as they nod to one
another; it is the wonder of a child; it is in the eyes of the weary blessed
again with a meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love requires another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In my “service”—this is such a general term—I continually reconfirm that
nothing is worthwhile alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Persons enrich my every day, helping me to be comfortable and thriving. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06643493962336946871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248209435534121451.post-28514137759117679922012-10-30T19:41:00.001-07:002012-10-30T20:16:06.529-07:00More about my service sites (part 2) The cash register project: Whether or not I have spoke of
this project in my previous blog posts, the endeavor of the year thus far has
been the process of new cash registers at the Barn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the past few (5-6?) weeks I have been
programming, formatting, re-formatting, assigning & re-assigning PLUs,
repeat each step, etc. new cash registers as well as familiarizing and training
cashiers in order to install the new machines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Though at times the project seemed never-ending, I have benefited from
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have learned from myself and
gotten to know my co-workers and fellow volunteers more than I otherwise may
have been able to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned about the
thrift shop and garage from an inverted approach in taking on this
project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cash registers have been
installed and we continue to train cashier volunteers and employees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is more to develop, but I now can begin
to look forward to the next project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I really enjoy my Wednesday nights in addition to some
Thursday and Friday mornings that I have been at the Barn for food distribution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though I cannot relate from personal
experience to many persons receiving food, they are an incredible inspiration
to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have realized especially
recently the ways in which stories and faces of humility have touched me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We at the Barn are incredibly blessed that we
have food to give to those in need here in Caroline County and the surrounding
area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During food distribution, I interview clients one at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to update each person’s file every
time they come in to receive food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each
client/family can receive food once per month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We make small talk, check that nothing has changed since the previous
month or visit, and record with signatures that the person receives food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are volunteers that put together a box
and cart of food according to family size while the rest of us talk with
clients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For each there are dry and canned goods,
as well as some assortment of frozen meat, breads and sweets, and we still have
some fresh produce to give.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thrift
shop and garage with items to purchase with voucher or cash are open during
these times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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I hope that these descriptions are slowly giving you a
better idea of my days here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feel free
to write to me with any further questions or requests!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06643493962336946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248209435534121451.post-70534292856914942502012-10-14T19:27:00.001-07:002012-10-14T19:27:34.820-07:00Photos at Benedictine <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggloJitsynclwq0SroKv6oH9MCahsXyUFXNtEjn0Q5RW4FmMBwnsdqEhCg7nN_rSBD8pEN09PITUibfwd1EUN9tGWMEgkDF1x348E8Q-4y8kz8-3RNiNJeui1JB_HdEXoLfj6Wgy06J68/s1600/DSC04803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggloJitsynclwq0SroKv6oH9MCahsXyUFXNtEjn0Q5RW4FmMBwnsdqEhCg7nN_rSBD8pEN09PITUibfwd1EUN9tGWMEgkDF1x348E8Q-4y8kz8-3RNiNJeui1JB_HdEXoLfj6Wgy06J68/s320/DSC04803.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">enjoying music class! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRP_NkXx_3Fw4w6a3VpjkKngUjgGfgUpVEdS0ScQhb_y0yC_gnaD_9_7eg6hZdYmb549YTbxcpmuiNSCELQotw0EeL_aQHz-rj6uFTuked60ddPzXUQcqMJOHCODN2iw8l_nN2iSrEXg/s1600/DSC04781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRP_NkXx_3Fw4w6a3VpjkKngUjgGfgUpVEdS0ScQhb_y0yC_gnaD_9_7eg6hZdYmb549YTbxcpmuiNSCELQotw0EeL_aQHz-rj6uFTuked60ddPzXUQcqMJOHCODN2iw8l_nN2iSrEXg/s320/DSC04781.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the ITC-- working on "bubbles" </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYciUkpiizOX8l2ZFyh8N1wfdPFhW6wIThcQaDis1g1PKU8jt8iwEVIcxWxEtYVrfJpMC-QLB0NdSeqNTINTbLXVCBduHlut-rU4UhZe1KcnLVjznqIOS02_8neQWpmlqR7earGInRc00/s1600/DSC04780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYciUkpiizOX8l2ZFyh8N1wfdPFhW6wIThcQaDis1g1PKU8jt8iwEVIcxWxEtYVrfJpMC-QLB0NdSeqNTINTbLXVCBduHlut-rU4UhZe1KcnLVjznqIOS02_8neQWpmlqR7earGInRc00/s200/DSC04780.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more "bubbles" in ITC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYT8OxWeuKYq1YlPDRnQOVJyU6OgGn2uWqTpGOUKpEC2gihDo43MDa7Gl39tdamUozpHjfUkfpdSVj6l_Iu_cK07mj0YY7rLDtGBgIyeeasTyP5RfFBioitnJFtRWx3AvWoPO07uT0hM/s1600/DSC04791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYT8OxWeuKYq1YlPDRnQOVJyU6OgGn2uWqTpGOUKpEC2gihDo43MDa7Gl39tdamUozpHjfUkfpdSVj6l_Iu_cK07mj0YY7rLDtGBgIyeeasTyP5RfFBioitnJFtRWx3AvWoPO07uT0hM/s320/DSC04791.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">playing a drum in the music room </td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06643493962336946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248209435534121451.post-50594971365648912512012-10-14T18:37:00.000-07:002012-10-14T18:37:07.616-07:00More on my service sites! (Part 1) I've been thinking about how my initial description of my service sites does not do justice to any of them. I have experienced and enjoyed so much at each place. I have many wonderful stories to share of each day here. I'll start with some daily happenings. <br />
<br />
My week starts in the school, so I'll begin there. Benedictine School for Exceptional Children has a great website which I suggest you take a look at: <span style="color: blue;">benschool.org</span> Their mission upholds the dignity of the human person I reflected on in my recent blog post. I go to a classroom never knowing what to expect. Each day is different; each day I learn something; each day there is at least one difficult situation or student but also many things that brighten my day. Upon arriving in a classroom I may find each student in his/her desk quietly or I may find three of the four students lying on the floor while the fourth is loudly proclaiming some combination of vowel sounds from her chair. The size of the classrooms varies from three to six students with anywhere from two to six staff (one teacher, with teacher's assistants). <br />
<br />
In a typical day I will work individually with a student at his/her workstation. Depending on the student's abilities, he might do an activity such as matching shapes, completing a puzzle, or snapping lids onto small plastic containers. Next we might go to music class. The music time is adapted for the students. The students respond well to this type of music therapy as they play hand instruments and/or sing along to children's sing-a-longs. It is beautiful observing how the students open up in this environment when they otherwise do not. We then may have snack time, leisure time, or a fitness walk in the gym. Oftentimes I help out at lunch; after lunch there is transition time. Following this may be more individual work time, Home Ec, and/or swim time. <br />
<br />
In Home Ec the students use electronic devices that take them step by step through putting together a snack. The process is broken down to individual food items, spoon, bowl, taking a scoop of something, putting that in the bowl, etc. The students are able to practice skills such as scooping, spreading with a knife, opening lids, and of course following directions. Many of the kids love swim time. Some of them even have a half hour of individual swim time; this is a great way to channel some of their energy. <br />
<br />
The students get almost one-on-one attention; most students also go to individual activities every day which helps the teachers to minimize the number of kids in a classroom at one time. As well as individual swim time, students have OT, PT, counseling or therapy sessions, and also participate in life skills that earn them "money." In the ITC (Industrial Training Center) simple skills are practiced by such things in putting together kits with various parts or screwing caps on test tube vials and boxing them. As mentioned in my first blog post, the Benedictine Programs include the Adult Services Graphics Department: Print Shop that designs and prints paper products such as invitations, clothing embroidery area, and screen printing department --all for businesses, etc in the surrounding area; Busy Bees cleaning service, Baker Bees, Bees car wash, and Bee Blossoms who have their own greenhouse and flower business. Though students assist in some of these programs, they are mostly for graduates in the adult day program. <br />
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As this is from my perspective and experiences, I again encourage you to visit the school's website: <span style="color: blue;">benschool.org</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">More on my experiences soon! Know you each are in my thoughts with gratitude for your support! </span> </span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06643493962336946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248209435534121451.post-74263044028030938662012-10-08T09:04:00.002-07:002012-10-08T09:04:17.125-07:00October!It has been a lovely October so far!! I spent the weekend at the beach which was wonderful. Quite a contrast from Minnesota, it was in the 80s and sunny Friday and Saturday. Yesterday it was chilly (50s), windy, and rained off and on all day. Fall is again in the air. <br />
<br />
For now I wanted to check in for those of you wondering my state of being. I am working on a couple of posts to be published soon! May the sunshine brighten your days this week. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06643493962336946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248209435534121451.post-60002619646014004812012-09-22T17:42:00.003-07:002012-09-22T17:45:25.577-07:00Sacredness and Dignity of the Human Person...is one of the nine Guiding Principles identified by Catholic Relief Services. Throughout my service experience I will blog about most of these in some way.<br />
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The phrase All Shall be Received as Christ is one that characterizes Benedictines-- it is in the Rule of Benedict, the guidelines, per se, that outline Benedictine community life. If you've ever experienced Benedictine hospitality, hopefully you can affirm that you were truly received as Christ. <br />
<br />
As I was journaling on this principle I reflected on the dignity of each person. All are sacred, not some. Dignity of any person, or thing or place, is not ours, and not ours to take away. There is something about treating others as one would like to be treated (hey!--the Golden Rule, just as we were taught when we were young). This came up one day as a "teachable moment" when I was volunteering at Benedictine. No matter the level of functioning of the exceptional students, they are still youth who need to be reminded of the Golden Rule... as do all of us. <br />
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When respect is given to others, it is in the spirit of respecting God-- offering respect to God and the Divine spirit in each person. Similarly we respect ourselves. It is not our choice to determine or be selective as to whom is good/bad, right/wrong, worthy or not of respect and love, and so on. I can see where we need this reminder in daily life: to uphold the dignity of each and treat each as Christ in our thoughts and words and actions. All human life is sacred. <br />
<br />
I had a wonderful conversation about life with someone I
just met this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About her ex-husband
she said something that really spoke to me, “Right now he’s doing the best he
can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m doing my best, and he’s doing his best too.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This may not be an
appropriate approach to every situation of conflict, but then again, it
may.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It brings me right to the dignity
of each person; dignity which we cannot judge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whether I’m working with youth or youthful vintage, with
friends or a new face, approaching each with reverence and respect is a goal I
renew each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter how well we
know someone, there is always a piece of her story hidden from view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is doing her best—can be encouraged to
do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I encourage each of us to do
the same. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06643493962336946871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248209435534121451.post-86697700003720074642012-09-17T16:53:00.001-07:002012-09-17T16:53:55.125-07:00Opportunities in the Area This week has flown by! Here are a few great opportunities I've had in the past week... <br />
<br />
On Wednesday I had the opportunity to attend a talk given by Jenna Bush Hager. She spoke on "How the Power of Compassion Changes Lives" as a guest of the Women & Girls Fund of the (Maryland) Mid-Shore. This is a wonderful Fund which "uses the power of pooled resources to improve the lives of women and children on the Mid-Shore," encouraging women of all ages to be strong, healthy, and powerful, essentially improving communities as a whole. Jenna spoke well and helped us to see how the opportunities she had as a First Daughter opened her eyes and heart, inspiring the works in which both she and her sister are involved. <br />
<br />
Thursday I had another busy day of transporting residents of the House. I refreshed my memory of routes to nearby towns and can drive there without referring to directions. I found a few shortcuts and back roads. I ventured north to Chestertown. And in Chestertown I drove around the campus of Washington College... yes, as in George Washington. Admittedly, I got shivers as I saw the 1700-something date on the campus dedication sign. This was the first U.S. college, I believe. I drove down a couple narrow, broken streets to look at houses I am convinced are over 200 years old. It is incredible to me as a Mid-Westerner to be in a place so rich in history. I will be sure to update if I learn more. <br />
<br />
I also made it further south this weekend; I'm slowly expanding the area I've seen! A friend's uncle's band played at the Legion in Cambridge on Friday night. It was a fun time as I love any live music-- and this was good live music! Don't worry St Joe Legion, this doesn't replace you. Saturday I also saw more small towns I had not previously seen. By the way-- the weather here has been beautiful! I have enjoyed many refreshing walks, a few runs, and a couple bike rides. <br />
<br />
Speaking of exercise, I am also getting into Insanity-- workouts that are, in fact, nearly insane. It has been nice to connect with some of the school staff through this, and overall to be growing comfortable with everyone at my service sites. I had my first full days at the school last week and today. It has been going really well; I have been able to work with a few of the students one-on-one and am learning how to effectively interact with and react to them. <br />
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I'm going to leave you with this for now! I am doing well and am very comfortable here. I appreciate you reading this as I share my adventures! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06643493962336946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248209435534121451.post-74098130046856695082012-09-10T16:57:00.001-07:002012-09-10T16:57:40.955-07:00Knitting scarves Meanwhile in my action-packed days (now almost two weeks) here, I have been knitting scarves! I decided to join in this new venture and am now a member of the (quickly-growing, I must say) unofficial Knitting Circle a.k.a. K-nitting Klub. One of the Sisters wanted to start a new craft and while making boa-like feathery scarves she came across these knitted "novelty scarves." If you search in Google Images "starbella novelty scarves," many images with scarves in a multitude of colors will come up (Starbella is one of the brands of yarn). Here are photos of one of the scarves that I made last week: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWVEREbU1yBR_64jWjap7mOH-I-qcmTGXJBpY8oFDdgXhT5CJ0lCdrWl5Mhmyv0BFdHEIfzVjI7qXyPQOmqkWU8Z5a2Yg-F7SqgwHppRpLiptkZOcpMes7_4oWHOz3FBc6jkRvgEpodI/s1600/DSC04771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWVEREbU1yBR_64jWjap7mOH-I-qcmTGXJBpY8oFDdgXhT5CJ0lCdrWl5Mhmyv0BFdHEIfzVjI7qXyPQOmqkWU8Z5a2Yg-F7SqgwHppRpLiptkZOcpMes7_4oWHOz3FBc6jkRvgEpodI/s200/DSC04771.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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One line of yarn (Red Heart Boutique Sashay, if you're interested) gives each of the yarn colors/color schemes a name of a dance. I have knitted Conga, Salsa (the one shown in the photos--very fitting, isn't it?), Ballet, and am currently on Boogie; Hip Hop is one of the most popular color schemes. Just an extra fun twist to making the scarves! Christmas gifts... coming right up! ;) <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06643493962336946871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248209435534121451.post-85005087150388870162012-09-06T17:12:00.003-07:002012-09-06T17:12:31.528-07:00My First Week Well, folks, I have been here in Ridgely for a whole week! It has been a full experience thus far, and I am very much looking forward to the weeks and months ahead. For this first week, I want to capture for you some moments of each day...<br />
<br />
With my gracious greeters Sisters Jo-El and Mary Joseph, I had my first glimpses of Maryland on the drive from Baltimore airport to rural Ridgely. They drove me across the Chesapeake Bay by way of the 4-mile-long Bay Bridge; they assured I was fed as we shared meaningful conversation; and they brought me safe and comfortable to St Gertrude Monastery, just in time for evening praise! Even with only one tenth the number of names to learn and remember here, I didn't quite accomplish that by the first day. I have them all down now, though =) <br />
<br />
Thursday started out with a trip at 7am to Acme, a local grocery store. Acme is willing to set aside their beyond-sell by date foods to donate to the monastery, Benedictine School, wherever we can respond to a need, INSTEAD of throwing all of these products in the dumpster! You all should see the quantity--and quality--of this food... I cannot imagine that each day all of this was disposed of. The remainder of the morning was spent unpacking and continuing to settle in. In the afternoon I was orientated to the surrounding area & to the town of Ridgely! Yes, Sisters Mary Catherine and Mary Jane, we DID make it to the drugstore and enjoy a dip of ice cream at the soda fountain! <br />
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Friday I had orientation to each of my service sites! After some orientation & training pieces at the Benedictine School, I had the opportunity to spend a couple hours observing in a classroom. In those short hours I already felt my passion for this population re-ignited. I left that afternoon looking forward to many more. From the school I went to St Martin's Ministries (SMM) to have tours and begin orientation there. I had a tour of St Martin's Barn (the thrift store; aka The Barn or SMB) and met many of the staff and volunteers there. Wow, is that place big! I was very impressed by the work that they are able to do with their space. I also had a tour & introduction to St Martin's House (the transitional housing; aka the House or SMH) and was able to meet most of the current residents while there. It was a full day!<br />
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I had the wonderful opportunity on Saturday to join three of the Ridgely Sisters in attending a celebration of Perpetual Monastic Profession. Final vows were made to the Benedictine monastic community in Bristow, Virginia. This was a beautiful ceremony and a pleasant day visiting with Benedictine Sisters of the Bristow, Baltimore, and St Marys, Pennsylvania communities! <br />
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Sunday and Monday consisted of leisure time, visiting, connecting with some family & friends, and walks outside. School was in session on Monday, so I spent the morning in the music therapy room. I was able to see students from four different classrooms and was filled with joy at how these youth are able to connect with and express themselves through music. It was beautiful; something in which I hope to be able to participate again. In the evening we shared an indoor Labor Day picnic complete with red, white, and blue table settings. <br />
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After a trip to the nearby town of Easton to complete some things for my volunteer file, I spent my Tuesday afternoon at Benedictine (school). In addition to observing I was able to tutor and interact with the students. Each has so much personality to share! <br />
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Yesterday was my first full day at the Barn. I spent a few hours "sorting" in the sorting room. Many donations are made to the barn, and trash bags full of clothes need to be sorted through. They are checked for condition, coded by season, and hung on hangers to be displayed in the thrift store. I was glad to be able to do this, experiencing many steps of the entire process there! I received training in the afternoon to prepare me for taking clients last night! I just jumped (or was thrown?-- haha, no, my training was thorough) right in. The long and short of the process of receiving clients is that each time, which is once per month, an individual or family comes to receive food, one's file must be updated and accounted for. There are documents to check, inquiries to make, signatures to obtain, etc. It was a fast-paced 90 minutes, and a successful one at that! I will say that I am very tempted to learn the necessary Spanish by next Wednesday evening so that I don't need an interpreter for the clients who are Spanish-speaking. <br />
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And now for today... I have been working on this post for too many days, so each day I caught up on inevitably made this post more lengthy. In the future I will not have so many firsts and new new new things to share, hopefully keeping my posts less exhausting! I do want to tell you, to prove my point, that today was another day of firsts. =) I spent the day with residents of St. Martin's House. I was gifted with a few minutes of child care: I played with a couple infants while their mothers tended to business. Mostly I drove a couple of the women to appointments & meetings, and to college classes. This was relaxed time with the women in an informal setting. This also was for me a comfort and accomplishment; I like to know my way around and transport myself places. I got my bearings and, after driving to and fro multiple times, now know my way to and through a few of the surrounding towns. Hooray!! In the future will come more exploration, and also shorter blog posts...! <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06643493962336946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248209435534121451.post-53555304476643120432012-08-29T17:08:00.000-07:002012-08-29T17:08:26.533-07:00I am in Maryland! Greetings from Ridgely, MD! All went well with my flights & travels. I am safely and comfortably at St. Gertrude's Monastery!! <span><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="background-color: #7f6000;"></span></span></span> <br />
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Look at the beautiful bouquet that welcomed me to my room..! <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06643493962336946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248209435534121451.post-81065306604871536512012-08-29T16:54:00.001-07:002012-08-29T16:54:50.336-07:00Gratitude & IntroductionHello, dear blog-followers! <br />
Upon completion of my two and a half weeks of orientation &
retreat at St Benedict's Monastery, I come to realize and appreciate that
these weeks more accurately were the beginning, the launch of my nine
months of service. I must first share a bit about the start to this
journey before I share about the service site itself. <br />
<br />
My time at St Ben's in St Joseph, MN included refreshing days of
reflection--a much slower pace of life than that to which I am
accustomed. Sisters Mary Catherine, Mary Jane, and Ann Marie put much
time, energy, and care into planning what resulted in a very balanced
experience. I was treated to at least one presenter each morning and
afternoon, with topics varying from culture shock and service to the
Rule of Benedict & looking further into some of the Benedictine
Values to an introduction to natural healing and even interpretation of my Myers-Briggs Type Indicator! I am blessed to have shared a meal and
conversation with a number of the living groups in the monastic community,
and could not have hoped for more genuine hospitality from these groups
and from the entire community--my St. Ben's family. I was surrounded by love and humility as I
joined the Sisters for prayers and meals, and was sent forth with a
very moving blessing of support and prayer. A wholehearted Thank You to
each of you at St Ben's and St Scholastica's!<br />
<br />
For the 2012-13 year I am the only volunteer of the Benedictine Women
Service Corps (BWSC). I am honored to be representing St Benedict's
Monastery in serving for nine months in Ridgely, Maryland! St Gertrude's
Monastery is my host site for this time; I will be living in the guest
wing of their monastery and serving through their many incredible ministries. Even though I will further explain in posts & stories my areas of service in Ridgely, a brief overview for the time being...<br />
The Benedictine School is a residential school for youth with disabilities. There are many vocational "mini-businesses" in the school-- these are trades such as floral arrangement, clothing screen-printing, and embroidery in which graduates of the school can continue to work upon completion of the program. Also related to completion of the Benedictine School program--up to the age of 21--is the opportunity to live in one of many group homes available to the graduates. Soon I will be orientated further and be able to share more accurate background and information on all of these ministries! <br />
St. Martin's Ministries are also on the Benedictine Lane campus. St. Martin's House is a transitional living program for single women and their children who are without a place to live. Women can stay in the program for up to two years and are taught life skills including, but not limited to, cooking, parenting, household duties, and making use of resources such as the internet to search for employment, education, etc in order to get back on their feet. St. Martin's Barn IS a barn that has been renovated and added onto. The Barn provides dry and frozen foods, clothing, & household items to eligible persons in Caroline County.<br />
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There is much more to say about all of these things, but much more is to come! <br />
Thank you in advance for your enthusiasm and support!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06643493962336946871noreply@blogger.com0