I know it has been a long time since I have written in this blog, I guess some might have written it off as long-dormant, and probably to be forgotten. 2016 will certainly bring changes into my life and more spiritual development. I look forward to the remaining 358 days.
I joined a community house in Syracuse, and tried to make it a Catholic Worker house of hospitality. I faced a lot of disagreements, and the various ideas for a mission, from the individuals involved, were never on the same page. Then there was anger and a lot of frustration. Now there is a lot of uncomfortable silence. There were some personality clashes (I accept my role in that). I am not pointing any fingers. Maybe I was wrong to push my vision. The house here has been many things over its 40 years of existence. But it seems like its longest running mission was being a part of the Central American Sanctuary movement and offering hospitality to that affected community on a family scale for about 10 years (mid-80s to mid-90s). This time around it did not gel and the former occupant, the organizational founder, Jail Ministry, will move its offices back in here this summer (it moved out a year and a half ago).
I will in the short-term be living with my sister and her husband in Philadelphia. Bruno, my most awesome and very loving basset hound, will of course come with me. I will be there during a search for a community to join. I still lean toward a Catholic Worker community, but it does not have to be one. I have been making contacts and tentative plans to visit communities that are dedicated to working with and for the poor in Connecticut, Maryland, and Virginia. Of the three, Connecticut is sort of lowest on my preference list, as I would like to be significantly closer to my parents than I am right now in Syrcause. Their health is not well, particularly my mother.
This move to Philadelphia will happen in six weeks. I am excited about it. Hope to explore the city and get to know and possibly volunteer with Sr. Margaret McKenna. She co-founded and runs the New Jerusalem Community, and she is a well-respected peace and social justice activist.
Currently spending a lot of time with Bruno and reading (right now Francis and Jesus by Bodo). Also praying for continued guidance and inspiration. Already thinking about my next blog entry!
Lastly, I am grateful to all my friends and family who have been supportive of me as I stumble through life, trying to follow God. I also hope that the anger here will subside and we can wish each other well as we part ways.
I joined a community house in Syracuse, and tried to make it a Catholic Worker house of hospitality. I faced a lot of disagreements, and the various ideas for a mission, from the individuals involved, were never on the same page. Then there was anger and a lot of frustration. Now there is a lot of uncomfortable silence. There were some personality clashes (I accept my role in that). I am not pointing any fingers. Maybe I was wrong to push my vision. The house here has been many things over its 40 years of existence. But it seems like its longest running mission was being a part of the Central American Sanctuary movement and offering hospitality to that affected community on a family scale for about 10 years (mid-80s to mid-90s). This time around it did not gel and the former occupant, the organizational founder, Jail Ministry, will move its offices back in here this summer (it moved out a year and a half ago).
I will in the short-term be living with my sister and her husband in Philadelphia. Bruno, my most awesome and very loving basset hound, will of course come with me. I will be there during a search for a community to join. I still lean toward a Catholic Worker community, but it does not have to be one. I have been making contacts and tentative plans to visit communities that are dedicated to working with and for the poor in Connecticut, Maryland, and Virginia. Of the three, Connecticut is sort of lowest on my preference list, as I would like to be significantly closer to my parents than I am right now in Syrcause. Their health is not well, particularly my mother.
This move to Philadelphia will happen in six weeks. I am excited about it. Hope to explore the city and get to know and possibly volunteer with Sr. Margaret McKenna. She co-founded and runs the New Jerusalem Community, and she is a well-respected peace and social justice activist.
Currently spending a lot of time with Bruno and reading (right now Francis and Jesus by Bodo). Also praying for continued guidance and inspiration. Already thinking about my next blog entry!
Lastly, I am grateful to all my friends and family who have been supportive of me as I stumble through life, trying to follow God. I also hope that the anger here will subside and we can wish each other well as we part ways.
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