The Times They are a Changing

Yep, this is what's been playing through my head the past week.

I've had 2 major changes in my life here in Benque since last week. One of them is so very bittersweet: this past Sunday, we all had to say goodbye to Betsy, our most experienced "cool mom" volunteer. She taught here for 3 years and returned this year to get things kicked off with the school year and the new Junior College that just opened. On Sunday she left to go home for a week (bitter), then a friend's wedding, and then she's off to Spain to hike the Camino for a month (sweet. very, very sweet). Please keep her in your prayers, especially for her discernment of what to do after that. And even though it's only been a few days since she's left, it is profoundly weird not having her here. We miss our Betsy. Come back.

That was Change #1. Change #2 is that I am now the full time Campus Minister here at Mount Carmel. What! I know right? There's a lot of exciting things that comes with being Campus Minister and I will be kept very busy for sure. But the weirdest part about it all is that the majority of my classes have been distributed to other teachers so that I actually have the time to devote to campus ministry. It's really nice and frankly quite necessary, but in total honesty, it's almost heartbreaking to give up my students. Even though they're little punks and stinkers, they were my punks and stinkers. But even now, I am learning detachment and obedience even in regard to my students. It sucks. But there it is.

I think it's these changes that makes everyday life here so challenging. I'm the kind of person who likes to be settled, to get into my routine. That's what helps places feel like home. And as it turns out, when this week ends, we will be halfway through the semester. Halfway through the semester and my whole job is changing. It's just strange, you know? We also figured out that while this semester is only 15 weeks, next semester is 20 weeks long. Why do they make it so lopsided? TIB. But at least it helps explain why the time is flying by right now.

Oh, on a slightly unrelated note, thank you anyone and everyone for your prayers for last week's retreat! It went really well and the girls as well as us teachers had a great time. 

So yes, life is tough here. But welcome to the life of a missionary, Melissa. Thank you all so so much for your prayers and support. And to get you through the rest of the week, here is a little gem.

St. Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us.

Totus Tuus, Maria.