Sunday was a long day; it was one day that seems three days. We had a joyful liturgy in our local parish for the Feast of Pentecost that morning. Many of the children from the orphanage were at the mass, so I said good-bye to them for the summer at the end of liturgy and did not return to the orphanage with them as I have typically done. One of the postulants who lives at Lecaide Convent received the sacrament of confirmation at the cathedral that day as well; I did not attend that mass. I was present for the wonderful community celebration at our house that afternoon; the food was delicious. After the meal, I went to the airport. Since my previous trip to the US, the time of the only flight (on a major carrier) out of Okap had changed from early afternoon to 5:34 in the evening. Now instead of having a long layover in Miami I just barely had enough time in between flights; my suitcase did not have enough time to get to the second plane in time, but I did (the suitcase was delivered the next day.)
The first few days back in the USA are always interesting. These are the days when what once seemed typical seems odd. During a walk through this New Orleans neighborhood, I found myself admiring sidewalks. There are great sidewalks here, but nobody is using them. I am used to walking in a place where there are no sidewalks, but there are always people outside walking from one place to another. It also seems so strange to pass so many houses and see so few people.
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From Tuesday through Thursday I had the privilege of participating in discernment days with several other sisters in preparation for our Marianite General Chapter. This short pre-chapter retreat to discern about leadership possibilities was held in Franklinton Louisiana, on a beautiful piece of property. That is where the pictures included in this week's update were taken. During chapter, the direction of the congregation for the next five years is determined and leadership will be elected. Please pray for us, the Marianites of Holy Cross, during our chapter which begins tomorrow and ends on the following Sunday. Your prayers are greatly appreciated!
During the next couple of months, I will most likely update this blog less frequently and will resume weekly updates again when I return to Haiti in August. Enjoy the summer! Take care. Many blessings!
