Mmmm, Mmmm, S'mores

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to share some pictures from Sister Traci's feast day party. I live with 5 others in a house in Louisville. We follow the Rule of Benedict, pray together twice a day, and eat supper together in the evening. And, of course, we like to have fun also. We try not to miss a chance to have a party. October has kept us hopping with 3 feast days and a profession party.

Here you can see we got a little creative with the city life. This idea came to use when we were out of power for a week because of the wind storm, and we decided to do it again. Nothing like s'mores to make things better.

They teach English to immigrants at the school next to us. Some of the kids were playing in the playground and came over for some s'mores also. That was a lot of fun. After the s'mores we enjoyed a game of Pay Me - a card game. It's easy to play and doesn't break your pocket books. We play for nickels. Since I'm writing this, I'd like to brag a little and let you know I WON! My profit was a whopping 80 cents!

Hope you're having fun wherever you are.

The Challenge of The Express

As Sister Sarah Cathleen mentioned, she and I went to see The Express this past Saturday. Unlike Sister Sarah, I am not a football fan, but I absolutely loved this movie. While it was inspiring to see a young man overcome seemingly insurmountable odds, I was also challenged by the behavior of the "fans" attending some of the games in which Syracuse played in 1959-1960 or so. I became very distressed by the racism and the absolute hatred conveyed by some of the fans of the opposing teams as well as the judgment of Ernie Davis and the other players through preconceived notions. At one point I thought, "I could never say or do what those people did and said to those players." The thought that followed was, "How do you know? Would you have followed along with what was popular instead of what was right or just? Would you have let fear rule you? How can you say that you wouldn't do that?" I would like to think that I wouldn't, and yet I don't know how I would have responded if I had been raised in that culture and time instead of the one in which I was raised.
At this time, The Express calls me to examine the ways in which I still let judgment and injustice into my life and to decide who or what I am following: the way of Christ or the boulevard of popular opinion.

The Express

I love watching football! This weekend, Sr. Briana and I went to see the movie, "The Express." It is about the first African-American football player to win the Heisman Trophy- an award given to the most outstanding college football player each year. His name was Ernie Davis. He went to Syracuse University from 1959-1962. He overcame so many odds and prejudices in his experiences growing up in Pennsylvania and New York and when he started college. Yet, he knew how important it was to be true to himself and use the gifts God had given him. I was very inspired. Growing up, he was very nervous about speaking and reading in front of people and often stuttered, but throughout the movie, he was put in situations where he had to stand up for himself, use his voice and his actions to help people become aware of the way they were judging him and others because of the color of their skin. During 2 games in particular, fans threw all kinds of things onto the field because he was playing, and the coach pulled him out for fear about a riot if he scored a touchdown. He even had to sleep in a dingy, awful room with cots when his team made it to the national championship game because he was black. Yet, he persevered, hang tough,and showed the world that it is what is inside that matters! He made people believe in him. His teammates trusted him, cared about him, and went to bat for him because of his integrity. It really made me think about my ability to persevere in the midst of judgement on the part of others towards me. Can I live with integrity- truly being the person God is calling me to be, even if people might judge me or not understand? Wow- what an inspiration! (And it didn't hurt that my favorite college team is Syracuse! Go, Orangemen!) If you get a chance, you should see the movie!

Prayer Changes Things

I was rereading some of my journal entries from past years. It was interesting to reflect on where I used to be, how far I've come, and how far I have yet to go. I know it may be hard to know what God's will is and to answer it. At least it was hard for me. Hearing it wasn't too hard, but answering it was difficult. I'd like to share excerpts of 2 journal entries with you.

9/9/1998
Dear God,
My life feels so ideal, but yet I feel so lost. I have a great job, but yet I don't feel like I'm inviting God into my life or my decision making. I made a Big step when I went on retreat. I told all the people there I wanted to become a nun, but now I've retreated back into a black hole that I've made for myself. I want it to be a secret from lots of people. I'm more to myself - withdrawn. I want to be close to God, but I want to keep my relationship with God separate from everyone else. I'm lost. I can't give myself over to God. I still have fears and worries and I don't know if I'll be able to get rid of them. . . . It worries me and literally wears me out. Everything takes time, patience and more than anything else prayer. We must pray for the things that we are scared of so that God will give us strength and lift us up. I think that I'm afraid of prayer and its extreme power. When I pray for things that I'm afraid of, I know that things will change, but I'm afraid of that change. I don't know if I'm ready for it and I certainly don't want to pray for it to come. . . I hope I'm ready when I have to face the truth, to walk the path, and live the life that I feel God is calling me to. God, I pray that you unchain my heart and help me to erase my fears and worries. I feel lost, God, and confused. Please help me. Amen.

After lots of praying, visiting Ferdinand several times, and getting to know some of the sisters, I entered the monastery in August 2001. Here's what I wrote in November.

11/7/01
God, I do enjoy being here. I enjoy this life you have called me to. I've been wanting to ask people if they like being a nun. I can't fathom being here as long as the other people. Just one day at a time. Right now I'm loving it. Other people are here and they're loving it. I find it all very crazy really. God, you know what you're doing. I'll just follow you. Thank you, God. I love you. Amen.

God works in mysterious ways. I look back and wonder why I fought it so much. It did take time and education for me to accept where I felt God leading me. We pray that you may be open to wherever God is leading you.

Be Careful What You Say

I teach music to 3 year olds to 8th graders. It's so interesting to hear how kids interpret what you say. I made perpetual profession on Saturday. One of the 3rd graders had heard that I had become "a full blooded nun." She was concerned that I had had some kind of surgery! That they had done something to my blood! Having around 450 students, I hear stories like this all the time. I hope you enjoy them too.

Profession was absolutely beautiful. I'll write more when I get a chance. But right now I better get ready for the pre-k students. They're getting ready for the Christmas program.

How Many People?

38,800! Can you believe it! That is how many people showed up to a Friday night football game. Where did this happen? In Louisville, KY Saint Xavier High School and Trinity High School have one of the longest and largest rivalry games in the country. Saint Xavier Tigers had the Trinity Shamrocks for supper that night beating them 30-6

I only mention this because I have worked at St. Xavier (St X) for eight years and Trinity is our rival. There is another sister in our house who is in her first year of teaching at Trinity! Oh what fun we are having making subtle jabs at each other in defense of our schools. So the race is on to see who will have the most State Championships this year. St X or Tinity? Stay tuned the fun has just begun.

Catholics Please Vote!

Please take the time to go to the polls, November 4, 2008!!!

Parent-Teacher Conferences

We are in the midst of parent teacher conferences at school these last couple of days. My role this year has been to be available to answer any Religion or Resource questions people may have while they are in the building, providing whatever help or info they may need. What a gift that has been for me. I didn't think very many people would want to stop by my office- and I brought lots of puzzles and quirky things to work on- but I didn't have a free moment at all last night! What an awesome adventure to be able to talk and share with people about Confirmation, about Church, about Reconciliation- God in their everyday life! And of course- people stopped by to talk about football and the Miami Dolphins (several families know it's my favorite team!) Each moment is beautiful. I was so grateful for the people I am able to work with and minister with and for- even if it's just to play with my toys I have there while they wait!