The beginning...

Or is it the middle?

I am preparing to begin my mission work as a Salesian Lay Missioner. In August, I will embark upon my trip to Bolivia - to live and work at an all-girl orphanage in Montero. My first four weeks will be spent in Sucre studying Spanish.

Currently, I am training in Ossining, New York with the Maryknoll Lay Missioners. The information sessions range on a variety of topics, from cross-cultural expectations, strategies for smoother acculturation, conflict management, health issues, and spirituality of mission to name a few. My time here in Ossining has been very blessed, both in the knowledge I am gaining, the tools I am acquiring, but also in the friendships I am making with the other missionaries. It has been such a positive atmosphere, full of love, support, prayer, laughing, and activities that continue to reaffirm my call to do God's work. My time here has really felt like the beginning to my life as a missionary, despite the fact that I am still in the States.

But when I really think about why I became a missionary, and how this desire in my heart has only grown out of my relationship with God - it really feels like this journey started a long time ago, and I am far from the beginning. I hope my remaining three weeks of training continue to be filled with the Holy Spirit; that I might be as a camel, to store the water of strength, faith, trust, love that is so abundant here, for my future deserts.

A charge to loved ones who travel with me through this blog:

As a way to stay in solidarity with me despite the distance, and as a way to support me, I am challenging you to commit yourself to a local cause that you feel called to or interested in; while I am in Bolivia, volunteer there once a week, or even twice a month.

At first it can be hard to cut into your schedule and give away the time that is already so precious, but just 2 hours here or there will allow you to experience the same thing I will be experiencing: the face of Christ in the needy, the hungry, the unnoticed child, the sick and the outcast. And in these places, you will feel me there with you in spirit and in prayer - for two hearts raised in prayer beat together despite any distance, through Jesus, who can do all things.