“Remember the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm, look forward to the future with confidence” These words from pope John-Paul II were our guiding lines for our first “alumni” weekend, May 22-24 in Brooklyn.
Olivia T. who spent 18 months in India (2006-2007) is now living in
Toronto and working as an engineer. She just got engaged May 1st with
Andrew. Amy K. spent 14 months in Honduras (2007-2008) and she
hopes to find a Teacher position in Washington State. Mike H.
spent 14 months in Brazil (2007-2008) and is now working for a Program
taking care of homeless people in Philadelphia.
As we gathered on Friday evening one could feel the joy of being together and it really felt like being a family. On Saturday we spent the day looking at our mission experience : “What is it that really happened during our mission?” and also figuring out how to keep deepening this experience today. Loneliness calls for a presence of consolation no matter where we are and our hearts are still longing for friendship. Sunday was a day of celebration of our friendship and joy to be together. In the morning we all headed Queens to attend the sending forth mass of Louis D’Argenlieu. He has spent the last three years in NY working in finance and he will join the Heart’s Home community in Chile after his Orientation Program in France. It was moving to see the friendship among the members of the choir Louis belonged to. They all were very encouraging towards him and it is as if they were sending him to go and serve on their behalf the people in Chile. After mass we went to Prospect Park for a barbecue party. This joyful time of sharing ended with a soccer game!
At the end of the weekend we all felt encouraged to embrace our life even more and to look for Christ with a renewed passion!
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