Summer School:
Sure, I’ll count it as a blessing. Why? Because the class
was really interesting, Br. Ben and I were asked to share a bit about our
journey and the professor shared about his. Believe it or not I enjoyed writing
the paper for this class (now just a pesky exam in late August) and I’m one
credit closer to completing my degree.
Franciscan School
of Theology (FST) Oceanside, California:
For two weeks Br. Ben and I were at FST taking in seminars
about Franciscan Theology of Creation. It was really more like retreat for me.
A true blessing after a full academic year. Sessions in the morning, rest and
reading in the afternoon and evening. The opportunity to connect with other
‘young’ Friars, to share stories and journeys and dreams was indeed a gift.
Another blessing was meeting James, a young Camaldolese Benedictine Monk. He is
an amazing and passionate man and it was so great to hear his story and
journey.
Saskatchewan:
What more do I need to say! A true blessing indeed… home…
land of living skies… beautiful green and yellow and purple country side…northern
lights… time with family and dear friends already… the gift of being back to
worship with Resurrection Parish… the best bed in the world… garden goodies…
lots of hugs… celebrations…
Family Reunion:
My Mom’s immediate family gathered for a family reunion this
past weekend. Oh my goodness… Capital B L E S S I N G ! Absolutely amazing! My
Mom is the oldest of 11 so the grand total for the family including my
Grandparents is 170 with more on the way soon. Rumor has it 150 of us were
present. It was so so so very good. Time to visit with cousins, with aunts and
uncles, to meet new additions to the family, to play silly games, eat good
food, pray together, laugh, cry and celebrate four generations of one heck of
an amazing family tree. I am so proud to be a part of this family and to call
these people family. It was such a beautiful reminder of true gifts, priorities
and goodness. I’m lost for words on how to describe how I feel today as I look
back on the weekend, and from posts from several of my relatives I believe others
are too. So grateful for the planning committee and all their hard work. As one
of my wise cousins said, “All good things must come to end so we can experience
more good things!”
- At the end of my ponderings I have included what a cousin
of mine shared at the reunion. Her words gave a great perspective as a
reflection on the 45 of us grandchildren. It gives you a small glimpse into my
extended family. It is amazing and humbling to see how we each impact the
world.
Also in the mix of the weekend was Dad’s family gathered (whoever was around) as my Aunt and Uncle and cousins from Ontario were
back for a visit. Another blessing to connect with more great cousins, aunts
and uncles - family that I am proud to call mine. More laughter, more good food and more to ponder on how truly
blessed I am to have such good people in my life.
40 Years:
This past Saturday also marked my parents 40th
Wedding Anniversary. It was such a blessing to be in the very community and
church where they were married to celebrate this milestone. Love stories are
all woven together differently. Each story is unique and powerful. Each story
calls us to look beyond ourselves and look to those around us. Each story calls
us to radiate the love of God for another. I am blessed to be part of this love
story, no matter how intense, exciting, crazy, demanding or challenging it can
be. I am grateful my parents chose to take a chance on love and continue to say
‘I do’ in good times and in bad times, in sickness and in health, to love and
honor each other each day. Another blessing.
1 Year:
August 2 marked my First Anniversary of my vows as a Franciscan.
It is simply amazing to me that a year has passed since I placed my hands into
the hands of my Provincial and vowed to live for 13 months according to our way
and rule of life. It is simply amazing that a year ago today I returned to
Canada was embraced by my parents and family, met my newest nephew and have
been surrounded with support from family, friends and friars. The past year has
seen a lot of changes and transitions but a lot of blessings have made the
journey one that I choose to continue and I look forward to renewing my vows in
14 days. The journey continues, blessings abound, God is indeed gracious and
abundant and good.
I am grateful.
I am awe-filled.
I am blessed.
I hope you know you are as well.
Reflection from my cousin:
I have 42 first cousins
and we all grew up within 40 miles of one another. I’m quite positive that at one point in the
90s every classroom within 20 miles of here had at least one of my cousins in
it. How cool was that?!
I would see a lot of my
cousins when I was little and growing up, summer holidays, birthday parties,
anniversaries. I remember being outside
for hours playing kick the can in the dark, sports days (including right where
we are tonight) playing ball, picking raspberries, swimming lessons, camping
and sleepovers.
I am the 2nd
oldest granddaughter in this family.
My oldest cousin is a
smarty pants engineer, as well as one of his brothers who lives out of
province. One of their brothers is a
farmer who I hear tried to remodel his sprayer one summer and didn’t go so well
so I’m thinking he should’ve hooked up with our mechanic cousin out of the
Odessa area. I hear that there is an
Odessa cousin that plays with some big tonka-toys all day and one who hauls
bales.
I do know that our
entire family will be in good hands if for some reason there is an injury today
as we have a newly appointed nurse and a seasoned paramedic on site – thank the
lord for them! I also know that our
family will not ever go hungry as we have Sheep farmers, dairy farmers, grain
farmers and cattle farmers. And then… we
have a couple cousins who could turn some of that into delicious sausage and
cut and wrap and deliver it all to us… right?!?
I have 10 amazing female
cousins who are moms and 16 wonderful male cousins who are dads. I have two cousins who are foster parents
that open their hearts and homes to helping those that need more love.
I have one cousin who
helps me see better and look good with new glasses, and one who could fly me in
his helicopter, a couple talented ladies who could and have done my hair from
time to time. And then if any of these
people stress me out I have one cousin who could give me a massage. Her brother blasts sand for a living while
their little brother will play some tunes for us tonight.
A Franciscan and a
lineman are always working with a higher power and an Agrologist and a Credit
Union Manager are always working with things that grow… hopefully! One pretty lady is a rancher racing around
barrels, another pretty lady is a news anchor racing around the newsroom.
The oil industry has
one of my cousins and the land down under has his sister! My five youngest cousins are still either in
university, still in school or just finished and are probably on their cell phones
right now!
My scaffolding brother
and my brother who is waiting for parts are so lucky to have all of you as
playmates over the last 40 some years.
We sure are a smart, loving, funny and good looking bunch!
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