7 QT: Another Update

Wowzers! I have been busy, busy, busy!!! I've been kept busy by the sisters and doing "homework". I will now share a little of what I have been up to!

1.

I had the opputinty to explore the a Ruma convent! Wow! It's really pretty! 

I could just sit quietly here and just enjoy the beauty!

2. I had this opportunity because I was invited to attend the 50th Jubilee celebration for some of the sisters. It was a pretty ceremony. It was also my first "on my own" event that I have attended. Normally, my vocation director or another sister is my guide, but they were all busy celebrating so I was on my own. Luckily, everyone is very friendly and I ended up getting to catchup with one of the sisters that taught me in high school. As the day went on, I found myself not wanting to leave. The Ruma convent is beginning to feel like home!

3. I have also had the chance to have dinner with another small community of sisters. I was very nervous because I would again be on my own AND I had to drive on a couple of different interstates to get there. It was a lovely dinner and I had the chance to hear their vocation stories. I was kind of shocked at how similar theirs were to mine. Some of them had also, at first, said no to a religious vocation. It also took some awhile to accept that it was where God was calling them.

4. I have also began exploring the vows. This was really difficult to start. I easily read the poverty section with no trouble. I feel like I can, and kind of already do, live that vow. Most of the celibacy section seemed like it would be a struggle, but doable. It encourages a support system because leading a celibate life isn't always easy. The obedience section also seemed doable. It's not like I will be told what to do, but it will be conversations and discernment where the community and I see where I should minister. Will there be difficult times? I'm sure, but that's when you talk to someone.

5. There was one section that I read that kind of put me in a panic. It was about never having my own children. This though has always been okay with me. However, when I read this, it, all of a sudden, wasn't okay. I don't know why, but I had a nice long chat with God about this. And I do wonder if I will be okay never having my own children.

6. I had the chance to have lunch at the Ruma convent with some sisters and associates. I love how welcoming they are and how they make me feel like part of their family. Next weekend, I have been invited down to meet the Jr. Associates and spend the day with them. They are young men and women 11-20 who want to grow in their faith through prayer, study, and charity. I'm excited to meet this group!

7. As I was leaving, I may have helped myself get a job. It's amazing how God works. The principal of a local Catholic School just so happened to be there as I was leaving and she is looking to hire a middle school social studies teacher! I'm certified to teach middle school social studies. The principal is considering becoming an associate, another associate works there, but is leaving to work with sisters in Tanzania for a year, and another sister works there. I think I would fit into this school! 

Please pray for me as I go about applying for this job!

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