Sunday, August 29, 2010

I can hear the Coquis!

First full day in Humacao, Puerto Rico and we already have Hurricane Earl heading this way! As for now it is projected to be a tropical storm, but Sister Mary Ruth said that it can still change to a hurricane so we are taking all precautions and preparing for it. I have to admit that I am a bit excited because I have never experienced a hurricane but I am also scared because bad things can happen.

On a happy note, I have to talk about a funny thing that happened in the airport to Ashley and I. So, we had landed in San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) and were walking to baggage claim when we saw this sort of tall woman who looked Caucasian, had short grayish hair, with glasses and a bright blue (like the blue from the Bahamian Flag ) t-shirt on, walking towards us. For a split second, my heart dropped as we simultaneously thought "ANN MARIE"but that thought disappeared just as fast as it came to mind. It was impossible for that woman to be  Sister Ann Marie because that meant she would have had to been on the same plane as us (not to mention catch the same plane from MSP too). But for that split second, a warm familiar feeling rushed through my body and I felt as if I was back in the Saint Benedict's Monastery. I miss all the Sisters already. But we were received by two special Sisters from El Monasterio Santa Escolastica, Sister Mary Ruth and Sister Maria, or should I say, Hermana Mari Ruth y Hermana Maria.

Today, we met the rest of the Hermanas, had lunch with them, mingled, told a few stories about the things we did when we were in the Monastery, and of course delivered all the hi, hellos, and hugs sent via "Nunny mail" through the "kindness of Ashley and Daisy." Then during evening prayer, something unexpected happened: the continuation of the Blessing now from the Hermanas here. It was beautiful. They blessed Ashley and I (and of course we cried) and gave us a gift: a shiny black bracelet with Saint Benedict and the Saint Benedict cross all around. =)

After the Blessing, we had dinner and went to mass. I am now home and I can hear the Coquis outside the window. Since we are preparing for a possible hurricane, the Hermanas brought in all the plants and I think some of those frogs came inside along with the plants =/ But its a nice little sound, for now.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

See You Later MN

Hello and welcome to my blog. Today was the last full day of the BWSC orientation. It was a very emotional day for all of us (Megan Sinner, Ashley Zartner, and myself). In a span of 10 days we learned so much and bonded with the Sisters we came in contact with. They received us with a warm welcome, offered us their home, shared their stories, got to know us, but most importantly we got to know them. As Ashley said earlier today that she had never experienced unconditional love besides her mother and God, we definitely experienced unconditional love here. I am sure going to miss the Sisters and everything about this place, but I am also excited to begin my adventure in Puerto Rico.

As one of the pioneers of this program, I am excited, thrilled, nervous, and ready. My cup of knowledge and Benedictine values is now full and ready to be shared with everyone I meet in Puerto Rico. Ashley and I will be leaving this Saturday and begin working on a very special day Thursday, September 2nd (also known as my Birthday!). I have to admit, I am pretty nervous about my 22nd birthday date and the new experiences and friendships I will begin to develop from that day on.

So for now I say, "See you later MN and Hello Puerto Rico!"