Hello Dear Family and Friends,
It's Friday night almost 10 p.m. and we realized during our reflection tonight that tomorrow marks one week since we began our journey. In a way the time has gone by quickly, but in another way it seems like we've been here for quite a long time. It is strange for us to be separated from daily news. We just found out today about the terrible tornadoes back home and our thoughts and prayers found their way homeward.
I thought it might be helpful to our readers to describe briefly what our days have been like this past week. Bri and Mary did a great job describing many things and we each have our own stories about our work and experiences. More blogs will be coming soon from each of us. Here is a quick peek at some of our activities.
Our typical work day starts with breakfast at 7 a.m. and then off to Mother House for announcements and send off. It takes anywhere between 10 minutes and 45 minutes to reach the other Mission of Charity Homes and we work at our respective sites until noon or so. After the trip home we have lunch at 1:30 and then rest a bit and clean up. We have enjoyed some afternoon activities but have laid a bit low this week so as not to overdo.
On Tuesday we ate dinner at home - which was delicious - and Allison, Mary, and Walt ran out and got a box of pastries for Kristen B.'s 20th birthday. With candles aglow all of us at BMS serenaded Kristen with a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday to you! Some of us played a game of Catch Phrase and then off to bed. Wednesday was another steamy day at work and a low key afternoon as well.
Thursday was our day off and we got up very early, had breakfast, and headed down the street to Loretto School. They had arranged a trip to the Brick Field for us. It is on the outskirts of the city - very rural actually - a little less than 2 hours away. We loaded into two vehicles and began our adventure. When we arrived we toured the schools that Loretto provides for the children of the migrant workers in the Brick Field. The "schools" are clumps of children sitting outside in age specific groups learning basic letters and numbers from their teachers. The families that work there are mostly illiterate, so educating the children is a hopeful step in trying to break that cycle. The children were beautiful and very excited to see some visitors - although we tall white people scared some of the very little ones. That part of the visit was joyful. The other side of the picture was tragic as we witnessed the terrible working conditions of the brick making factory. We saw women, covered in dirt and brick dust, carrying up to 8 bricks on their heads from the kiln to the drying field. It made me incredibly sad. All-in-all we were touched by the experience and spent some good conversation on it later that night.
After our ride home - crazy as ever with the driving style - we walked home and just missed a downpour in time for lunch. Allison and I rested and took care of business while the rest played some soccer in the yard. After cleaning up we headed out to a market place for some shopping and then dinner at Blue Sky Cafe again. Walking home at night was a bit different than our daytime walks... but still just as loud!
Friday - today - we went back to our work sites, home again, had lunch and then headed out for one of two activities. Seven of us went to the Rainbow School run by Loretto and played with the girls for the afternoon. I heard that a fun time was had by all. Four of us had the most wonderful opportunity to attend a Mass for 19 Mission of Charity novices who were taking their final vows today. It was a touching and special event that we truly enjoyed. We also learned that if you cross the street with the nuns there is less of a chance of getting hit by a car. So we stuck tight to the sisters! We all returned home by 7:00 and ate in tonight.
We also have daily reflections. Allison and Jerry put us into pairings and each pair has been assigned a day to do the reflection activity for the group. I think this in one of my favorite parts of our day. We usually have a prompting question, do some journal writing, hear some thoughtful quotes, and have wonderful conversations.
So please know that we are all doing well and having a remarkable experience. We send our love and hope all is well at home.
Namasta, Linda Hollingdale
It's Friday night almost 10 p.m. and we realized during our reflection tonight that tomorrow marks one week since we began our journey. In a way the time has gone by quickly, but in another way it seems like we've been here for quite a long time. It is strange for us to be separated from daily news. We just found out today about the terrible tornadoes back home and our thoughts and prayers found their way homeward.
I thought it might be helpful to our readers to describe briefly what our days have been like this past week. Bri and Mary did a great job describing many things and we each have our own stories about our work and experiences. More blogs will be coming soon from each of us. Here is a quick peek at some of our activities.
Our typical work day starts with breakfast at 7 a.m. and then off to Mother House for announcements and send off. It takes anywhere between 10 minutes and 45 minutes to reach the other Mission of Charity Homes and we work at our respective sites until noon or so. After the trip home we have lunch at 1:30 and then rest a bit and clean up. We have enjoyed some afternoon activities but have laid a bit low this week so as not to overdo.
On Tuesday we ate dinner at home - which was delicious - and Allison, Mary, and Walt ran out and got a box of pastries for Kristen B.'s 20th birthday. With candles aglow all of us at BMS serenaded Kristen with a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday to you! Some of us played a game of Catch Phrase and then off to bed. Wednesday was another steamy day at work and a low key afternoon as well.
Thursday was our day off and we got up very early, had breakfast, and headed down the street to Loretto School. They had arranged a trip to the Brick Field for us. It is on the outskirts of the city - very rural actually - a little less than 2 hours away. We loaded into two vehicles and began our adventure. When we arrived we toured the schools that Loretto provides for the children of the migrant workers in the Brick Field. The "schools" are clumps of children sitting outside in age specific groups learning basic letters and numbers from their teachers. The families that work there are mostly illiterate, so educating the children is a hopeful step in trying to break that cycle. The children were beautiful and very excited to see some visitors - although we tall white people scared some of the very little ones. That part of the visit was joyful. The other side of the picture was tragic as we witnessed the terrible working conditions of the brick making factory. We saw women, covered in dirt and brick dust, carrying up to 8 bricks on their heads from the kiln to the drying field. It made me incredibly sad. All-in-all we were touched by the experience and spent some good conversation on it later that night.
After our ride home - crazy as ever with the driving style - we walked home and just missed a downpour in time for lunch. Allison and I rested and took care of business while the rest played some soccer in the yard. After cleaning up we headed out to a market place for some shopping and then dinner at Blue Sky Cafe again. Walking home at night was a bit different than our daytime walks... but still just as loud!
Friday - today - we went back to our work sites, home again, had lunch and then headed out for one of two activities. Seven of us went to the Rainbow School run by Loretto and played with the girls for the afternoon. I heard that a fun time was had by all. Four of us had the most wonderful opportunity to attend a Mass for 19 Mission of Charity novices who were taking their final vows today. It was a touching and special event that we truly enjoyed. We also learned that if you cross the street with the nuns there is less of a chance of getting hit by a car. So we stuck tight to the sisters! We all returned home by 7:00 and ate in tonight.
We also have daily reflections. Allison and Jerry put us into pairings and each pair has been assigned a day to do the reflection activity for the group. I think this in one of my favorite parts of our day. We usually have a prompting question, do some journal writing, hear some thoughtful quotes, and have wonderful conversations.
So please know that we are all doing well and having a remarkable experience. We send our love and hope all is well at home.
Namasta, Linda Hollingdale
Sounds like an incredible experience, wishing you guys continued safety and fulfillment.
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