End of Orientation

Hey guys,

Well yesterday we officially finished training for the mission. We ended up in Stony Point, New York at a Marian Shrine on retreat with about 20 Salesian priests, 23 Lay Missioners and 7 Salesian domestic volunteers. It was a great week to say the least, it was really refreshing to spend time with a bunch of holy people all there for the same reason; to spread God's love to the world.
The week before last we spent in Port Chester, New York working at a camp for youth. It was the best week that we had here for sure. I worked with two different groups, a group of 6 year olds, which were absolutely amazing and a group of 14 & 15 year olds which was more challenging but none-the-less a good experience. It was definitely re-energizing and a good way to remind me why I chose to serve the youth. They give me a lot of hope in their innocence that the world can change and that the future is in our hands.
Now that orientation is over, I can't honestly say that I am any more prepared to leave everything behind and head to Brazil, but I can say that I am more excited and have a better vision and understanding of the importance of this mission, not only for the people that I will be serving, but also for myself. It will be a journey to not only understand the youth of this world, but to better define myself and attempt to discover my purpose and what God's will is for me.
As I leave this place I am leaving with a lot of unanswered questions, anxiety and uncertainty, but I am also leaving full of hope, which is most important. I know that with courage and trust I will be able to overcome all anxiety and trials that lay before me. The people I have gotten to know over the past five weeks have shown me that this world is filled with people who have a true desire to love and to serve and I know that with these people, love will spread. It is contagious after-all...
So Tuesday I am heading back to Washington for 2 weeks before leaving for Brazil. I am fortunate enough that I think all of my visa issues have been resolved and I should have it in my hands before too long. Everything is in order... just need to say my goodbyes.
I am currently in a cafe in Port Chester and have to give the computer back to my friend, so I will conclude with a quote from one of my favorite author's Paulo Coehlo: "The universe always helps us fight for our dreams, no matter how foolish they may be. Our dreams are our own and only we can know the effort required to keep them alive."