First, I am sorry for not updating. As always, time here has flown and how I've spent my time has not included a desire to blog. In fact, right now it's my inert procrastinating tendencies which help me find time to update (grades are due on Monday, the pile is increasing slowly but surely).
Life at Xavier and in Chuuk has been a jumble of ups and downs to the extreme in the past two or three months. To focus on the highs...I have been really enjoying teaching a Church History elective. Although it only meets twice a week, it has been both fun and challenging to teach some concepts (like how the Cappadocian Fathers came up with their Trinitarian Formula) which has left me feeling quite fulfilled. The Juniors I teach seem to be enjoying it, or at least enjoy my teaching of the material (a few comments about how I'm "more excited" than when I taught them Literature last year). I'm spending a lot more time in the office, rather than resource room, which has also allowed me a chance to get the students more, which is fun.
On a negative note: I never want to be a college counselor again, or perhaps its just because I'm also teaching 3 courses while being asked to fill out recommendations for different schools and summer programs. I want to, but the process is very taxing of energy and time. Frequently, it has been a struggle to discern if I should write one students recommendation, who I want to!, because of the timing.
Trying to remain present with such little time (a week or so more than 3 months!) has been easier for me than I initially expected, I think this is because there is still so much to do with teaching. For those I haven't told yet though, I am indeed planning on moving to Boston to begin the MEd program at the School of Theology and Ministry at Boston College. I'm very excited for the opportunity lying ahead and seeing where my time in Boston will lead me next in terms of job and location.
Finally, last weekend the JVs were on retreat with our ICC, Fr. Marc. I'd like to share a short little prayer I wrote during that time, which I hope may also be something you (the reader) may pray with (I'm leaving an introduction out...). It may help to visualize the heart as a local hut (like the one on the bottom of this post):
Education.
This is what I feel called to.
My mind enjoys, but my heart needs more than knowledge.
My heart yearns to live, to sing, to dance
with Your joy and love.
Come, Lord Jesus, and enter under my roof.
I bend low, finding You are already here.
The bramble and branch are sharp, they scratch.
But you yourself have many wounds as well,
just so you could greet me within myself!
It is quiet.
You speak softly.
I long to hear the refreshing words you speak,
gentle calm, cooling as a breeze on a hot day.
Humility.
Peace.
Stay, remain with me.
Stay a while longer, so that peace may reign
over anger, fear, and doubt.
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