Live Like That - Sidewalk Prophets

A mission; that is what this year is going to be about. This is not a humanitarian trip, this is not because I need time off from home or from my everyday life. This is because as Vita says, Jesus whispered into my heart and asked me if I was courageous enough to go on a mission and serve Him for a whole year and I jumped right into it and said yes.

Saying goodbye to my Canadian peeps was not the easiest but it's not exactly goodbye you know? It's really just "I'll see you later." And I will! I'll be back in exactly 12 months as of now, so smile! Ever since I left Montreal, I have been in California. Last week, myself and the 3 other volunteers that are also going to be going on a one year mission, went to a retreat with a lot of Salesian priests as well as the volunteers that have just finished their mission. This was a week for preparation, training and getting into the mood of community life. I met some of the most amazing Salesian role models I have ever crossed paths with and am looking forward to seeing them one year from now at our closing retreat.

Past and Present Missionaries

 

On August 4th, Cho, Tony, Jose and myself had our commissioning mass at Dominic Savio Parish in Bellflower, California. We read our vows outloud, signed our vows and received our missionary crosses. This was a beautiful celebration and I am grateful for my Californian friends that were there supporting me. I do wish my family and friends were there but I am grateful to know that you are all supporting me from where you are.

  

Cho, Tony, myself and Jose reciting our vows.

 

For this next week, I am living with Xochil and enjoying this time before I leave for my mission. It is really good to be reunited with my missionary jerkface whom I have missed tremendously. I will be visiting Tijuana on Thursday just for the day - imagine having Tijuana less than 2 hours away from home! For those who don't know, Tijuana is where it all started for me. Through my first missionary experience in 2010 with Gospel Roads - something about this city felt right. There is so much beauty in what we foresee as broken. I am looking forward to feeling at home again once I get to Juarez which is going to become my new home.

 

I will be arriving in Ciudad Juarez on August 12th. I am looking forward to meeting my director, the community, the other volunteers and just being where I am. What have I learnt throughout these 2 weeks? I have to surrender, it's time to give all that I am and all that I have to God. And you do it to! Just be present to whatever you are doing and with whoever you are with. And always be happy and smile.

 

Mother Teresa said it - "Don't ever let anyone come to you without leaving happier."

 

Pray for me and for the other volunteers as we all embark on our new adventures. Know that I will be doing the same. Sending my love, and chin up! Otherwise the crown falls.