Snow Falling on Asphalt

It's snowing now in DC. I found internet access here at Catholic University's library which is just several blocks from the FMS house. One week down, and so far so good. There are three of us in orientation: Flaget (pronounced with a French tongue; 37/f), Rhegan (pronounced with ree; 26/f), and myself. We are a good bunch--thoughtful, mellow, and we like to laugh. The house itself is big and old and despite the chilliness in temperature, it has a good sense of warmth and comfort. There are two dogs: Francis, a lazy and loving lab mix, and Hodor, a Korean dog that's skittish and kind of annoying.

We have communal prayer in the mornings and evenings, and many days Joe says mass in our little chapel. Usually there are morning and afternoon classes/workshops. This week they were on cultural adaptation, Catholic Social Teaching, personality (Myers-Briggs), and Franciscan spirituality (amongst others). We take turns cooking dinner and we share chores. On Wednesdays I'll be volunteering at Linkages to Learning which provides social services to a mostly immigrant community. Weekends are free.
Overall, the days are full but not overwhelming. It's chill and laid back, but definitely grounded in the Spirit and in what we are doing to prepare ourselves for the upcoming journey. That's the general overview I guess. More to come!

Lover of Leaving

"Come, whoever you are!

Wanderer, worshipper,

lover of leaving" - Rumi

Well, tomorrow I leave for mission orientation. Been spending most of the day at one with the computer, organizing pictures and buring mp3 discs--music for the next few months. Getting the last sip of technological pleasures before I put off into the Deep. Haven't even started packing.

I'm not nervous. Just feel rushed, which is good I guess. I'm used to the comings and goings that this life has afforded me. Still I gotta say that tomorrow is a big day. Three years in the Unknown. God know's where it'll take me. But I'm sure it will be good.

Hopefully this Blog thing will be a good way to be connected with all you guys, wherever you are. It means a lot to me to be friends with such great people out there, and to know that to some extent you can follow me along this journey. Come, take my hand, and let us fly! jk

Seriously though, if you are reading this, chances are you have blessed my life greatly and I thank you. It is a wonderful and holy thing, this life! Keep it real, my bredren. I'm going in.

Snow-shoeing at Mt. Baker, WA

Fluffy pow!