Deacon Pat's Books

Deacon Pat's Books
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Friday, April 17, 2015

So much to say, but not finding the words . . .



Hubby and I thoroughly enjoyed our recent Salesian Lay Mission (SLM) Discernment Weekend in New York City. We didn't know much about the Salesians nor the SLM program. We have been pursuing possibly serving as missionaries in Bolivia through the SLM program so this discernment weekend was wonderful in the discernment aspect but also to introduce us to Don Bosco and the Salesian spirituality. What a blessing! We loved what we learned and grew even more interested in serving as SLMs in Bolivia. 

Today was our follow-up phone call with Adam, Director of SLM, to check in on our discernment after the weekend. As always, discernment in these things works both ways. We left the weekend very confident that the SLM program is a fit for what we're looking for. While talking with Adam, he confirmed their positive discernment to have us serve. WOW, THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING. That's all I could think of for hours. I even kept letting out screams, well shouts of joy -- sadly those kept scaring Kenzie...she got used to it quickly though, accepting the fact that I wasn't going to be stopping any time soon.

So as of today we are OFFICIALLY INVITED back to NYC late July thru mid-August for 3ish weeks of orientation and training. We are humbled that they are offering this amazing opportunity to us...this is something we have hoped and prayed about for many years -- not this specific mission, but that we would be able to do this type of long-term mission.

I think one reason I'm struggling with being able to really get my journaling done about the weekend with the Salesians (and we added in time with the incredibly awesome & holy CFRs/Franciscan Friars of the Renewal) is because all of a sudden something that even during last weekend's discernment, September 1st seemed VERY FAR AWAY...but now it seems sooooooooooooo close. Not to mention that we're gone from Redding for 3ish weeks during the summer -- so the lightbulb went on in my pea-brain, there are very few days left in California... very few days seeing my mom, dad & Marsha, oldest daughter, Jeneah...ooooh the emotions hit. This is very bittersweet for us. Obviously this is something we've dreamed about and looked forward to, but now that it's happening we're facing those bittersweet realities that we won't be seeing family (live in the flesh) for a year -- but thank God for the internet and video chat!! I will definitely be using that.

Hopefully after we get the rushed painting and house prepping to list for sale in the next few days, then possibly I'll have had time to prayerfully digest all that's happened over the last week. God is good, this I know.

We could use some prayers for our family, especially my parents. This is so foreign to them, and although we've been in the application process for quite sometime, now that it's official today, April 17th, they're realizing the few number of days between now and July 24th when we go back to NYC to return home for only about 2 weeks before leaving for the year. May our Blessed Mother bring my mom, dad, and Marsha a peace that surpasses all understanding. Peace of mind and heart that this is God's will for us.

Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you are giving us and the incredible opportunity to serve you in Bolivia.

St. John Bosco, pray for us.

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Thank you for taking the time to read our blog. Please pray for Liz and me and for our mission. May you be filled always with God's love. Deacon Pat