in a trustful time

During the past year I preached so often about the importance of leaving your comfort zone and seeking discomfort.  I claimed utmost willingness to seek change and growth when I become comfortable.  Well, it seems as though I forgot how painful and difficult that process can actually be.  Leaving Creighton, preparing to say goodbye to family and friends, thinking about new housemates and coworkers, preparing mentally and logistically for Peru... it is a lot.  Upon my remark that I am in a stressful time, Fr. Gillick quickly corrected me.  "Don't say stress," he told me.  "Say trust."

So, here I am, in a trusting time.  Trusting that the clothes and shoes I bring to Peru will be right.  Trusting that my friends won't forget me.  Trusting that my family will remain supportive through it all.  Trusting that my new housemates will approve of me.  Trusting that God will work through me and through those around me in Peru to promote love and peace.

Preparations are coming along.  I'm now safely immune to yellow fever, and thanks to my lovely doctor, am aware that I should be careful crossing the roads (because she's not sure if cars stop for pedestrians in Peru) and avoid going outside when the mosquitoes are biting.  Her intentions were good, though.  I've been reading preparatory materials for orientation, including articles about simplicity, community, and the spirituality of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.  I will try to share more about that during orientation when we learn more, but I am really enjoying what I'm reading so far.  I'm also getting ready to start packing... I've started in my head, and I went to the store to stock up on some items that might be harder to get in Peru, but I haven't actually opened the suitcase yet.  Soon.

I am getting nervous about leaving but as Fr. Gillick says (yes, another piece of his wisdom), leaving and grieving lead to receiving.  Leaving and grieving is difficult, but it is a necessary component of moving out of the comfort and toward the unknown, where God's grace through the love and presence of other human beings is truly received.