The More Things Change....

Ever since our peaceful retreat, the wheels of change have been turning in the house. There is frequent talk about what the outgoing missionaries will do after they have finished their service and I have been contemplating how my life will change welcoming two new missionaries who have yet to be selected into the program.

I continue to develop my language skills. I am much farther along than when I first started. I get around the city ok. I still get lost in conversations but can usually ask the right questions to clarify. I now have less time to muse on my blog because I am putting in long hours with Peruvian hospice employees Monday through Saturday. The work is simple but important. I feel that working with native speakers also serves as an informal language lab.

Recent developments have opened a few doors that will allow me to spend the next few weeks of April taking some intensive Spanish classes in Lima! I have the approval for time off and I could be starting as early as April 5th after Easter. I have this coming week to finalize my plans. I am presently looking at intensive language courses and host family options. I am very excited to have this opportunity to learn in a formal setting which I hope will enable me to become more present to the community I serve. I pray that things continue to move forward with God's blessings.

Below is a prayer for students that could be in school or students of life. It asks for the help of St. Therese Lisieux , the patron saint of missionaries, who frequently crosses my mind. She was known for her great love of God.

God, our Father and Creator through the intercession of St. Thérèse, we ask for insight and wisdom to see the signs of Your Love in the people and in the events of our lives.
May we discern what we have to do as students and give us the strength to do it. Grant us success in our work and examinations.
Help us to believe in Your Great Love for each one of us, so that we may live in truth and radiate Your Love in our lives. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

My roommate, Jenn, is the director of the passion play this year at the parish so we are expecting great things come Friday. Several in the community have been enlisted as extras in the play. We celebrate her birthday on the 30th of this month. Happy Birthday Jenn!