ADVENT joyfully concludes... Photos!

Hey everyone! 

Time flies when fun is had... and I have been having fun!!

Here are some photos taken in the past couple months :D

Lots of love! 

5K that I walked with one of the residents at SMH; pictured with another resident and her son

"Walk for the Well of It" 3-mile walk in Ridgely

Halloween trick-or-treating with the daughter of a SMH resident

In D.C. with a Minnesotan friend

Along the mall in D.C.

Beautiful-- in honor of women & nurses

First Lady's garden on the White House lawn

More ADVENTures

Over Thanksgiving and the weekend I went to Charleston, SC to visit friends!  Katie and I graduated together from St. Ben’s, and she lives with her husband Karl in Charleston.  We shared a delicious traditional Thanksgiving meal and company of friends.  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.  We walked around downtown Charleston two different days; again another place so rich in history.  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.  I appreciated being able to put real images to the history that we—especially as mid-Westerners—only read.  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. 

Life at the monastery is and has been wonderful!  Mostly I am not around here as much as I’d like to be.  Or when I am around I am running to and/or from someplace else which is not conducive to conversation or quality time.  Lately some nun-life adventures include beautiful preparation as we are moving through the season of Advent.  I have my flute here and have loved contributing to the liturgy, especially because of Advent hymns.  Scarves, scarves, scarves!—we had a very successful sale and received many orders from staff and parents of Benedictine.  The race has been on to complete scarves to fill these orders.  I will admit that I took quite a long break from knitting, but have jumped back in and do what I can.  I spend many of my volunteer hours in the evenings which reduces my evening communal television and knitting time. 

I thought I wrote about this already, but I didn’t—I visited Washington D.C.!!  I have had some wonderful touring experiences with a couple friends in the area.  We went to D.C. for a day early in November and saw all of the monuments and memorials.  I am itching to get back to see the museums—a couple at a time since I have the time to do so!  It was a chilly, windy day, but we got lots of walking in.  We also walked by the White House and saw the First Lady’s garden.  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. 

Another experience to add to these—Handel’s Messiah!  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.  It was incredible, beautiful, breathtaking, and more!  I hadn’t ever heard the full 2½ hour oratorio, and the bar was set high for any future performance of it.  I am so blessed. 

My ADVENTures!

Wow!  The end of November already!  Time certainly has flown by for me.  I cannot believe I’ll be traveling to MN in less than four weeks.  I definitely have lots to share from the past weeks I’ve left you without updates of my adventures.  This is your fair warning that this will be a long post and/or one of two…  =)

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.  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.  Many towns rescheduled the town trick-or-treat because of Hurricane Sandy that week.  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. 

I had an opportunity to stay at a condo in Ocean City, MD for a couple days.  The Sisters were given one week of a timeshare there and Sisters Colleen and Patricia invited me to join them!  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.  It was a perfectly timed get-away. 

The following weekend was a holiday bazaar in Ridgely put on by the joint parishes of Ridgely and Denton (another nearby town).  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.  Some of the House residents, their children, and I had a great time walking three miles in the crisp, sunny morning.  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!  We were very proud of his ambition. 

Speaking of the Saint Martin’s House children—oh, so many stories and misadventures I could share!  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.  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.  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.  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.  We arrive at the college to drop these two women off and pick up Lucy’s mom who had an afternoon class.  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… 

Next we heat up Rosie’s dinner and Lucy’s mother leaves with me Lucy and her own dinner.  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).  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.  Alright, I guess we’ll make a new plate of dinner for Lucy!   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?  Yep.  [I wasn’t going to mention it, but some of the Sisters insisted.]  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…

Those were the events of that evening, but really life is never dull!  My mom was here visiting for over a week—right before Thanksgiving!  She was able to come along with me to my service sites and she survived through hours and days such as these.  She really got a super-condensed version of my life here, especially in just the first two or three days of her visit.  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.  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.  It was great to have my mom here! 

Notes to update you

The 2 month mark!

Yesterday marked two months since my arrival in Ridgely.  Can you believe it?!?  I think the next seven months just flashed before my eyes. 

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. 

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! 

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…  Some days are windy, some almost extinguish the flame, but it is the days—or hours—of tranquility during which the flame still burns. 

Love is underestimated.  Think about the word love that we so often use loosely, without consideration.  [Disclaimer: this all may sound copied, as no idea is a new one; however I’m processing and rambling for you.]  Love is the first breath we take in upon waking.  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.  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. 

Love requires another.  In my “service”—this is such a general term—I continually reconfirm that nothing is worthwhile alone.  Persons enrich my every day, helping me to be comfortable and thriving. 

More 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.  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.  Though at times the project seemed never-ending, I have benefited from it.  I have learned from myself and gotten to know my co-workers and fellow volunteers more than I otherwise may have been able to.  I learned about the thrift shop and garage from an inverted approach in taking on this project.  The cash registers have been installed and we continue to train cashier volunteers and employees.  There is more to develop, but I now can begin to look forward to the next project.  

I really enjoy my Wednesday nights in addition to some Thursday and Friday mornings that I have been at the Barn for food distribution.  Though I cannot relate from personal experience to many persons receiving food, they are an incredible inspiration to me.  I have realized especially recently the ways in which stories and faces of humility have touched me.  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.  

During food distribution, I interview clients one at a time.  We need to update each person’s file every time they come in to receive food.  Each client/family can receive food once per month.  We make small talk, check that nothing has changed since the previous month or visit, and record with signatures that the person receives food.  There are volunteers that put together a box and cart of food according to family size while the rest of us talk with clients.  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.  The thrift shop and garage with items to purchase with voucher or cash are open during these times.  

I hope that these descriptions are slowly giving you a better idea of my days here.  Feel free to write to me with any further questions or requests! 

Photos at Benedictine

enjoying music class! 

In the ITC-- working on "bubbles" 

 

more "bubbles" in ITC

playing a drum in the music room

More 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. 

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: benschool.org  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). 

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. 

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. 

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. 

As this is from my perspective and experiences, I again encourage you to visit the school's website: benschool.org

More on my experiences soon!  Know you each are in my thoughts with gratitude for your support!