so we're a little late in celebrating...but on the one year birthday of this little foundation Alina and I didn't even see each other because we had so much going on.
I would like to write some insightful post about this past year of my life, what has happened, how I have grown and changed, the joys, the difficulties, the meaning of all of your support and prayers throughout it all.
well I do have one thing to say--on the anniversary of my arrival, I was at Christa and Anton's watching the kids because both Anton and Christa were suffering from some kind of bug and simply fatigue so Christa called for backup. As I was running around the apartment with Jakob and Martin, I found myself cornered by Jakob, armed with a gun built from Lego's, yelling to Martin: "Shieß die Nonne! Shieß die Nonne!" --which translated to SHOOT THE NUN!.........um. that was something about myself I wasn't expecting to have change in only a year...guess I have become a nun.
but cute (even a little unsettling) stories aside (I mean seriously, what child should be heard saying-shoot the nun!), I have nothing beautiful sounding, deep, or interesting that will formulate out of this brain. Not out of lack of ingratitude or indifference...but simply because in the midst of all my inspiring surroundings--I am speechless. with a huge smile (that has not been maintained without many temptations, some given into frown). a few tears (its been beautiful. its been one of the most difficult things in my life). some dark circles (im growing up...i don't sleep well anymore ha). a few more pounds (thank you Vienna). an open mind. a blind vision (where will I be in a year?). and a gratitude that pours forth from every pore because none of this would be possible only through my own strength, which is only weakness. grace ignites me, strengthens me, and sustains me. the grace that comes through the Love of Christ. through your prayers, wishes, and good deeds. behind me, carried in me, are all of you, united in the Eucharist uniting us all and making it possible to share in the glory of his Presence, a presence we are awaiting with eager hope in this last week of Advent.
I thank you all so much for your love and support. previous and continued. I look forward to my last remaining months here (see note at bottom) and -Prost- to what we have already lived, together, in love.
For you are my hope, O Lord;
my trust, O God, from my youth.
On you I depend from birth;
from my mother's womb you are my strength.
My mouth shall be filled with Your praise, and I will sing of Your glory!
+note: leaving date...to be determined. considering I have a visa until November, the question opens...how long am I supposed to stay here, how long do I want to stay here, how long is it possible for me to stay here, how long am I called to stay here. I will be having a meeting with Sr. Regine (in NY) on Wednesday, and in the mean time (tomorrow) i am beginning a special novena to my little friend in heaven (St. Therese) to help me discern my course on this sea of love! I would love to be united to you all in this time of questions and searching, so thank you for your added support, prayers, and thoughts. pax.
