Solidarity--living in union with someone else.
Over the last 2 months, I have experienced this life. I have been living in solidarity with those who don't have a car and have to use public transportation. My commute to school in the morning and home after school have been treacherous. Not until tonight at mass did I realize that the suffering that I have been experiencing is from the Lord, to show me what others are going through. Experiencing this suffering in order for me to serve my students, this is the cost. Is it worth it? Yes, it is worth it. Did I feel alone at times, even though I could see all the others riding the bus with me? Of course. Did I want to give up? Yes. But tonight the Gospel reading was from Hebrews where Jesus calls upon us to hear the message of servanthood and solidarity. "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin." That's who Jesus is--our high priest who knows our human condition completely because he has taken it on in a realistic fashion. Knowing that my Savior has suffered, the greatest suffering, I am okay with experiencing hard times because I know that He is with me, always.
Jesus lived his life for others. In whatever way we can, we are invited by him to also live our lives for others. Not overly concerned with our own circumstances, but fully aware of the common good and how we are called to contribute. The individualism we all practice so predictably is out of place in the Kingdom. Jesus, even as he tries to bring them along, is warning James and John of the cost of discipleship. It's steep, he tells them. He has the same message for us.
"Almighty God, give us strength and joy in serving you as followers of Christ. Amen."
10.17.2009
9.05.2009
“...A community needs a soul if it is to become a true home for human beings. You, the people must get it this soul.”
-------Community--------
When you hear this word what or whom do you think of?
The city you live in? Your neighborhood? Your place of work? Your group of friends? (from high school, college, post college?)
Is it easy to find? Is it good community or bad community? If you have it, is it easy to maintain? Do you have more than one community? Does your community challenge you/hold you accountable in your words/actions?
I have been thinking about what community means to me. This weekend I have been here at the house by myself and so my community (my 3 roommates) are gone so I have had a chance to reflect on this area of my life.
In my service program 'community' is one of the pillars that is focused on during the 2 years that we are here in Chicago. Because of this I thought 'this will be easy.' This has been anything but easy. In the day to day of life, community can be lost so easily when you are focused on what you need to get done and what is due the next day. It is easy for me to be selfish and not want to participate in community when I want to use the shower without having to ask if anyone needs to use it. Or having to talk when I just got finished teaching Kindergartners all day, yet I know when I get home everyone will be wanting to know how it went and sometimes I just don't want to talk.
When first processing through these thoughts I am thinking, do I enjoy community? Is this what I am supposed to be experiencing? I must be experiencing these negative and challenging aspects of community for some reason. I know they didn't just appear. I know that for some time calluses have been forming on my heart.
I think community comes down to sharing life with others and it is a lot easier to not share what is going on in your life with your community of close friends. But does this challenge mean not beneficial? No, it is challenging and in turn is beneficial to the growth of me as a person and understanding myself more and seeing areas that need improvements and this allows for me to grow closer to God.
Indeed my conclusion and reflection is that community, true authentic community, where everyone is sharing in joys and struggles and everything in between, is that community becomes lifes on lifes terms, compromising, thinking of others before yourself, seeing the spirit in others' lives.
Community becomes a matter of making the choice to surround yourself with those who will challenge you, hold you accountable, encourage you when you need it most, laugh with you, comfort you when you want to give up, ask you if you are doing okay, pointing each other towards living a righteous life filled with justice and mercy.
Pope John Paul II said, "“...A community needs a soul if it is to become a true home for human beings. You, the people must get it this soul.”
When you hear this word what or whom do you think of?
The city you live in? Your neighborhood? Your place of work? Your group of friends? (from high school, college, post college?)
Is it easy to find? Is it good community or bad community? If you have it, is it easy to maintain? Do you have more than one community? Does your community challenge you/hold you accountable in your words/actions?
I have been thinking about what community means to me. This weekend I have been here at the house by myself and so my community (my 3 roommates) are gone so I have had a chance to reflect on this area of my life.
In my service program 'community' is one of the pillars that is focused on during the 2 years that we are here in Chicago. Because of this I thought 'this will be easy.' This has been anything but easy. In the day to day of life, community can be lost so easily when you are focused on what you need to get done and what is due the next day. It is easy for me to be selfish and not want to participate in community when I want to use the shower without having to ask if anyone needs to use it. Or having to talk when I just got finished teaching Kindergartners all day, yet I know when I get home everyone will be wanting to know how it went and sometimes I just don't want to talk.
When first processing through these thoughts I am thinking, do I enjoy community? Is this what I am supposed to be experiencing? I must be experiencing these negative and challenging aspects of community for some reason. I know they didn't just appear. I know that for some time calluses have been forming on my heart.
I think community comes down to sharing life with others and it is a lot easier to not share what is going on in your life with your community of close friends. But does this challenge mean not beneficial? No, it is challenging and in turn is beneficial to the growth of me as a person and understanding myself more and seeing areas that need improvements and this allows for me to grow closer to God.
Indeed my conclusion and reflection is that community, true authentic community, where everyone is sharing in joys and struggles and everything in between, is that community becomes lifes on lifes terms, compromising, thinking of others before yourself, seeing the spirit in others' lives.
Community becomes a matter of making the choice to surround yourself with those who will challenge you, hold you accountable, encourage you when you need it most, laugh with you, comfort you when you want to give up, ask you if you are doing okay, pointing each other towards living a righteous life filled with justice and mercy.
Pope John Paul II said, "“...A community needs a soul if it is to become a true home for human beings. You, the people must get it this soul.”
8.09.2009
Summer 2009
The last 6 weeks have flown by. I moved up to Loyola's Lake Shore campus the last week of June and finished this past week. Over the summer I took 3 courses: Assessment, Science Methods, and Middle School Theory. I really enjoyed my classes and professors, I really enjoyed assessment class. I was constantly forced to think about how I know if my students are learning and in what ways am I doing this. I am looking forward to take this knowledge into my classroom this fall.
It has been a blessing over the last couple weeks to get to know the first year's and begin to live life with them. A true testament of faith of three first year's has been waiting for their teaching placements. This past week, Maria and John were placed and their patience and trust was rewarded. Maria will be teaching 1st grade at St. Francis of Rome and John will be teaching 4th grade at Northside Academy. Praise the Lord for His guidance through this process for them.
One more first year, Eric, is waiting to hear about his placement, so if you could keep this in your thoughts and prayers that would be wonderful.
Over the summer, I was surprised at the amount of time I would be spending by myself. Going into summer I didn't think this would be the case, but it allowed me to read a couple of books (The Translator, Julie and Julia, The Time Traveler's Wife, The Purpose Driven Life) which I enjoyed. And time to reflect on my first year of teaching and to think about the upcoming year of teaching.
I moved all my stuff back to the house on Friday and have been organizing and putting things away. The last 2 days have been refreshing as a new year begins. Maggie one of my new roommates and Kath (one the 2nd years) and I had a chance to go to dinner and just hang out and have conversation. I am blessed by their friendship and I am looking forward to our community. There are 4 of us Maggie, Kath, Margie, and myself.
I have a week off before my teaching in-services start, and I am looking forward to spending time with my roommates and going for bike rides in my neighborhood.
I hope you all have had the most delightful summer as well.
It has been a blessing over the last couple weeks to get to know the first year's and begin to live life with them. A true testament of faith of three first year's has been waiting for their teaching placements. This past week, Maria and John were placed and their patience and trust was rewarded. Maria will be teaching 1st grade at St. Francis of Rome and John will be teaching 4th grade at Northside Academy. Praise the Lord for His guidance through this process for them.
One more first year, Eric, is waiting to hear about his placement, so if you could keep this in your thoughts and prayers that would be wonderful.
Over the summer, I was surprised at the amount of time I would be spending by myself. Going into summer I didn't think this would be the case, but it allowed me to read a couple of books (The Translator, Julie and Julia, The Time Traveler's Wife, The Purpose Driven Life) which I enjoyed. And time to reflect on my first year of teaching and to think about the upcoming year of teaching.
I moved all my stuff back to the house on Friday and have been organizing and putting things away. The last 2 days have been refreshing as a new year begins. Maggie one of my new roommates and Kath (one the 2nd years) and I had a chance to go to dinner and just hang out and have conversation. I am blessed by their friendship and I am looking forward to our community. There are 4 of us Maggie, Kath, Margie, and myself.
I have a week off before my teaching in-services start, and I am looking forward to spending time with my roommates and going for bike rides in my neighborhood.
I hope you all have had the most delightful summer as well.
6.07.2009
Finding God in ALL things
Something that I have been learning over the course of the year is "finding God in all things." This is something that St. Ignatius talked about during his lifetime and is something that I have begun to insert into my life. Even during the moments that it seems I ask myself "Where is God?" or "I am not acting in Christ-likeness," it seems that I am always able to find God.
There have been a couple of times in the past week that have really stood out to me. On my way home I was riding the bus and the scheduled time to be in Chicago was 9:40pm. Half way through the 8 hour trip, the driver announced it would be 10:00pm. I setup my ride to be picked up at 10:00pm before my phone died. At 10:00pm the bus was still 30 minutes from the city, but I had no way to communicate with my ride that we would be late. I began to become frustrated and cursing. When I arrived at Union Station, I felt bad that I had reacted in such a way and that I didn't instead respond to the situation. My next thought in this, was I am thankful that the bus made it safe home and that I had money to travel back to Missouri. I am thankful that God allowed me to enjoy a weekend with family and friends.
There have been a couple of times in the past week that have really stood out to me. On my way home I was riding the bus and the scheduled time to be in Chicago was 9:40pm. Half way through the 8 hour trip, the driver announced it would be 10:00pm. I setup my ride to be picked up at 10:00pm before my phone died. At 10:00pm the bus was still 30 minutes from the city, but I had no way to communicate with my ride that we would be late. I began to become frustrated and cursing. When I arrived at Union Station, I felt bad that I had reacted in such a way and that I didn't instead respond to the situation. My next thought in this, was I am thankful that the bus made it safe home and that I had money to travel back to Missouri. I am thankful that God allowed me to enjoy a weekend with family and friends.
4.25.2009
Happenings of the last 3 months
It has been quite awhile since I have updated many of you on how it is going here in Chicago and with the LU-Choice program. The year is coming to a close, only 6 weeks left of teaching. I can't believe it has been 12 months since I moved here and unfolded all the blessings that I have found in my students, roommates, and the program.
God has been continually working in my heart and has revealed truth to me about myself, his promises to me, and purpose in life. Here are a few that come to mind.
*The truth that God loves us, continually...never ceasing...never decreasing. That when we sin God is there, waiting for us to say "please forgive me." And that even before we ask, He has already given us His mercy.
*The concept of MERCY...is something that I have been really focused on during this Lenten Holy season. What we deserve (death) is not what we receive because of Jesus. Jesus the savior who died for all of humanity, so that we might have life.
*Understanding the depth, yet simplicity of the message of salvation fascinates me everyday.
*A sense of joy fills my soul knowing that I am exactly where I am supposed to be in my life. And knowing that when we trust, truly TRUST, know and believe that God is good and that He wants the best for us if we follow him everyday. He will bless us abundantly...ABUNDANTLY. How undeserving, yet it is given to us beyond compare. That when we go into the unknown with faith and allowing God to lead, beautiful things happen.
*Standing up for what you believe in and know is right is challenging. It is easier to not stand up, but victory is won over Satan when you use the courage God gives us.
*That what we believe to be true about the Gospel, God, and Jesus is how we live our life. That our experiences shape us and that what you grow up believing might not be true. That we might have to change views of God that we have always had. For me, an image that God will punish me if I mess up causing me to run further from Him. By changing that false truth to knowing that our God is a life giver. I really encourage you to reflect on what perception and false truth you might have of God and why it is false and what is the truth.
*That the word worship, is far more than just what some might think is music. In fact, worship is a lifestyle the flows from within outward, giving glory to God the creator. In whatever you are doing, do it in worship, giving thanks and praise to God.
With the program, interviews for new candidates happened in February and there are 8 new participants. There names are John, Eric, Dan, Maria, Katie, Maggie, Margie, and Kim. I am excited to meet them again and begin living life with them, getting to know them, their relationship with Jesus, and being able to share this experience from God to be able to go into Catholic schools and give the students, faculty, and parents hope through our service and love of Christ.
Through this last year and being a part of this program, God has shown me that people come from all different backgrounds with different experiences, but one thing remains common--We are people in need of God's love, mercy, grace, reconciliation. To live a life that gives glory to Jesus, who sacrificed his life so that we have life.
Here is a picture of my students.
God has been continually working in my heart and has revealed truth to me about myself, his promises to me, and purpose in life. Here are a few that come to mind.
*The truth that God loves us, continually...never ceasing...never decreasing. That when we sin God is there, waiting for us to say "please forgive me." And that even before we ask, He has already given us His mercy.
*The concept of MERCY...is something that I have been really focused on during this Lenten Holy season. What we deserve (death) is not what we receive because of Jesus. Jesus the savior who died for all of humanity, so that we might have life.
*Understanding the depth, yet simplicity of the message of salvation fascinates me everyday.
*A sense of joy fills my soul knowing that I am exactly where I am supposed to be in my life. And knowing that when we trust, truly TRUST, know and believe that God is good and that He wants the best for us if we follow him everyday. He will bless us abundantly...ABUNDANTLY. How undeserving, yet it is given to us beyond compare. That when we go into the unknown with faith and allowing God to lead, beautiful things happen.
*Standing up for what you believe in and know is right is challenging. It is easier to not stand up, but victory is won over Satan when you use the courage God gives us.
*That what we believe to be true about the Gospel, God, and Jesus is how we live our life. That our experiences shape us and that what you grow up believing might not be true. That we might have to change views of God that we have always had. For me, an image that God will punish me if I mess up causing me to run further from Him. By changing that false truth to knowing that our God is a life giver. I really encourage you to reflect on what perception and false truth you might have of God and why it is false and what is the truth.
*That the word worship, is far more than just what some might think is music. In fact, worship is a lifestyle the flows from within outward, giving glory to God the creator. In whatever you are doing, do it in worship, giving thanks and praise to God.
With the program, interviews for new candidates happened in February and there are 8 new participants. There names are John, Eric, Dan, Maria, Katie, Maggie, Margie, and Kim. I am excited to meet them again and begin living life with them, getting to know them, their relationship with Jesus, and being able to share this experience from God to be able to go into Catholic schools and give the students, faculty, and parents hope through our service and love of Christ.
Through this last year and being a part of this program, God has shown me that people come from all different backgrounds with different experiences, but one thing remains common--We are people in need of God's love, mercy, grace, reconciliation. To live a life that gives glory to Jesus, who sacrificed his life so that we have life.
Here is a picture of my students.
1.10.2009
Beautiful Lord
Beautiful Lord...
That has been my thought over the last couple of weeks. The God of the universe has blessed me beyond my comprehension. With family, friends, the LU-Choice program, my roommates, my students, my co-workers, my house here in Chicago...the list can go forever.
The provision that the Lord gives to each of us is endless.
One memory that sticks out in my mind from Christmas break is one that I will carry with me forever. The last week in Mexico, my Grandma invited me and my parents over for dinner. Before going I was like "eh, just dinner and nice company." As my 80 year old Gram is preparing dinner and we sit down to supper, as I am experiencing the moments that pass over the course of an hour...my heart is touched many times by the Love of Christ. As we sit around the table, pray for the meal and have conversation...I realized something. How special it is to be in communion with others...the idea of sharing a meal with someone...a meal...something that you partake in multiple times a day...something that I can't explain, the idea of making a meal together and then sitting down to eat it together. It brings to mind the powerful image of Jesus and his apostles at the Last Supper before He is crucified. This brings me to another image...every week at Mass, the Body of Christ comes together to share in the Eucharist, the Body of Christ, in communion with one another....realizing that we are all the same, human beings created by God in Jesus' image who fail and need the spiritual nourishment, the Bread of Life and the Saving cup.
I started back at school this week. It has been a fast week. My students have been delightful and I realize how much they enjoy learning. Something that every teacher desires. I am excited for the next couple of months as we finish out the year because my students are ready to start learning how to read, telling time, simple addition and subtraction. I have a lot to teach them and am elated at what my students will learn. Second quarter is coming to a close and I pass out report cards in 2 weeks. Most of my students are doing really well. I have a couple that are struggling. In particular Sebastian, Juan, Ricky, and Eduardo.
There have been some frustrating things going on in the LU-Choice program. There are a total of 6 first years. 2 of the first years, Danielle and Elle were placed in the same school St. Barbara. The year started off shaky with their principal and hasn't improved. Danielle decided to leave the program around Thanksgiving because of issues with the principal. And now Elle is having the same issues with the Principal and doesn't know if she is going to be able to hang in there. It upsets me because the director of our program placed them there knowing that these issues existed with previous LU-Choicers. I just don't understand. I feel upset because I want it to work out for Elle and I wanted it to work out for Danielle. My experience has been wonderful and I want that for them.
In 6 weeks, there will be college students who venture here to Chicago to interview for this program in search of a service opportunity, a way to put their faith in action, and for some...they don't know why they are applying to the program...It is crazy to look over the last 7 months and how I remember the weekend I came to Chicago with my parents for the interview, meeting the current LU-Choice participants, being nervous at what would happen, if I would be accepted, if I wanted to be accepted....if I was willing to say Yes to the call.
**I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas Break and New year. I appreciate you all who read this and are in this ministry with me as my anchors, as my encouragement.
I ask all of you to pray for 2 things.
1. For Elle, who is having a hard time with her principal and doesn't know if she will stay with the program that God's sovereignty will give her peace.
2. For the LU-Choice interviews that are on February 21. For all the potential candidates that they will be interviewing and for those who are considering it that they will take a step of faith to apply.
His Beloved,
Gina
P.S. On a personal note, my brother John made a decision to move out of my parents house. For the first time he has a plan. He moved down to Arkansas after Christmas and has been there for a couple of weeks. He has a job at Chili's and has the responsibility of paying rent. Through his constant struggle with drugs and alcohol this seems to be a glimpse of light. My trust is in God that John can succeed, that John can figure things out by being away from my parents. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he makes this journey.
That has been my thought over the last couple of weeks. The God of the universe has blessed me beyond my comprehension. With family, friends, the LU-Choice program, my roommates, my students, my co-workers, my house here in Chicago...the list can go forever.
The provision that the Lord gives to each of us is endless.
One memory that sticks out in my mind from Christmas break is one that I will carry with me forever. The last week in Mexico, my Grandma invited me and my parents over for dinner. Before going I was like "eh, just dinner and nice company." As my 80 year old Gram is preparing dinner and we sit down to supper, as I am experiencing the moments that pass over the course of an hour...my heart is touched many times by the Love of Christ. As we sit around the table, pray for the meal and have conversation...I realized something. How special it is to be in communion with others...the idea of sharing a meal with someone...a meal...something that you partake in multiple times a day...something that I can't explain, the idea of making a meal together and then sitting down to eat it together. It brings to mind the powerful image of Jesus and his apostles at the Last Supper before He is crucified. This brings me to another image...every week at Mass, the Body of Christ comes together to share in the Eucharist, the Body of Christ, in communion with one another....realizing that we are all the same, human beings created by God in Jesus' image who fail and need the spiritual nourishment, the Bread of Life and the Saving cup.
I started back at school this week. It has been a fast week. My students have been delightful and I realize how much they enjoy learning. Something that every teacher desires. I am excited for the next couple of months as we finish out the year because my students are ready to start learning how to read, telling time, simple addition and subtraction. I have a lot to teach them and am elated at what my students will learn. Second quarter is coming to a close and I pass out report cards in 2 weeks. Most of my students are doing really well. I have a couple that are struggling. In particular Sebastian, Juan, Ricky, and Eduardo.
There have been some frustrating things going on in the LU-Choice program. There are a total of 6 first years. 2 of the first years, Danielle and Elle were placed in the same school St. Barbara. The year started off shaky with their principal and hasn't improved. Danielle decided to leave the program around Thanksgiving because of issues with the principal. And now Elle is having the same issues with the Principal and doesn't know if she is going to be able to hang in there. It upsets me because the director of our program placed them there knowing that these issues existed with previous LU-Choicers. I just don't understand. I feel upset because I want it to work out for Elle and I wanted it to work out for Danielle. My experience has been wonderful and I want that for them.
In 6 weeks, there will be college students who venture here to Chicago to interview for this program in search of a service opportunity, a way to put their faith in action, and for some...they don't know why they are applying to the program...It is crazy to look over the last 7 months and how I remember the weekend I came to Chicago with my parents for the interview, meeting the current LU-Choice participants, being nervous at what would happen, if I would be accepted, if I wanted to be accepted....if I was willing to say Yes to the call.
**I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas Break and New year. I appreciate you all who read this and are in this ministry with me as my anchors, as my encouragement.
I ask all of you to pray for 2 things.
1. For Elle, who is having a hard time with her principal and doesn't know if she will stay with the program that God's sovereignty will give her peace.
2. For the LU-Choice interviews that are on February 21. For all the potential candidates that they will be interviewing and for those who are considering it that they will take a step of faith to apply.
His Beloved,
Gina
P.S. On a personal note, my brother John made a decision to move out of my parents house. For the first time he has a plan. He moved down to Arkansas after Christmas and has been there for a couple of weeks. He has a job at Chili's and has the responsibility of paying rent. Through his constant struggle with drugs and alcohol this seems to be a glimpse of light. My trust is in God that John can succeed, that John can figure things out by being away from my parents. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he makes this journey.
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