beauty.

It’s been two months since I’ve arrived!

The past two weeks have been absolutely wonderful. Two weeks ago Kate was visiting and just this past week, Stonehill’s HOPE group spent their spring break here in Guiamaca. Having both Kate and then the HOPE trip here allowed me to step into their shoes and see everything with a fresh perspective. The passion, love, and generosity from the HOPE trip were contagious. I have noticed that I’m more open to others and have been appreciating the little things a lot more. Thank you. (They also brought enough chocolate to fill our freezer, for which we are very grateful!)

Along with the HOPE trip, Father Creegan (the President of the College) visited to check in on the program. Since this is the first year of the Extension Program in Honduras, he wanted to make sure that everything was going smoothly. Stonehill is the only College in the Fall River Diocese, along with the mission. So Stonehill has been involved with the mission for quite a few years now, since the start of Centro Marie Poussepin. It was one of the first international HOPE sites, and now is the home of three long-term volunteers. It’s clear how important the success of the program is to the Sisters, to Father Creegan, and to Kris (our program director).

Micha (Stonehill ’08) spent a year in Guaimaca after his graduation and was here to visit for the week. He it has been really insightful to spend time with him and reflect with him about service and our experiences here. Today he’s going to introduce us to a few families that he was close with, passing the torch. He has challenged me throughout the week to delve deeper to find what my spirituality means to me, how to make service and solidarity more permanent in my life, and what motivates me to serve others. He told me of the time that he spent in India at Mother Teresa’s mission and how it opened him even further to suffering and humanity. It reminded me that I don’t have to follow any “track,” instead I should let love be my guide.

Two nights ago we went to our second wedding mass. It is beautiful to see two young people come together with so much support from the community and their families. The ceremony took place in an aldea called San Marcos. It was held in a small but quaint chapel on the top of a hill, surrounded by mountains. There were so many people there that it was literally overflowing. I bounced between the windows and doorways to try and get a better view. In the middle of mass the sun began to set. It was so beautiful, it felt surreal.

This morning before mass ended a newborn was presented to the parish. It was reminiscent of Lion King when Father Craig held up the baby and everyone applauded to welcome him into the community. It’s moments like this and traveling to the aldea that make me fall in love with Guaimaca.

PS Happy Birthday, Pops! :)