I have arrived at the Maryknoll Lay Missioner House for orientation in Ossining, New York. After a long trip on Friday I settled into my room and met my fellow Lay Missioners. Tonight we met for a short introduction and dinner together. After going over the schedule I can tell it is going to be an intense and busy 11 weeks.
It is good to be with so many people 13 total who have been on a similar journey for the past few months. We have compared notes on what we did with our belongings, homes, and most importantly the emotional roller coaster of the past few months. I have noticed that as we share stories of our families and friends we have left at home the stories are usually accompanied by both a smile and a tear.
But there is also an excitement about the missions that lie before us. We will leave NY and head to Africa, Bolivia, Brazil, and Cambodia. At this time we have more questions then answers, but we know the answers will come in time.
It is quiet here now (8:41pm) as everyone is settling into their rooms. The windows are open because it is so humid so I can hear an array of animal sounds. Crickets, frogs, and maybe bats. I am tired and yet I am still on West Coast time so it seems so early to go to bed. But I am going to try.
I don't seem to have an wise words tonight. My brain is tired. I will close with what I am looking forward to in this process, learning more about the Maryknoll Mission, meeting my country director from Brazil, getting to know my fellow missioners, a week long trip to Washington DC, and laying the foundation for my time in Brazil.
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| Maryknoll Bethany House |
My (Shared) Bathroom
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| My Room |
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| TV Room |
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| Fellow Missioners in TV Room/Conference Room |
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| Shower Room |
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| Hallway |
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| Kitchen |
