Ash Wednesday

Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.

I don't think I've ever truly understood the meaning of lent until this year. It's about self-reflection and opening up your heart to God. I feel like lent has been happening for the past six months. Self-reflection, prayer and accepting God's relationship have helped me immensely throughout this journey. For lent this year, I believe I'll keep doing what I've been doing for the next 40 days.

{The cutest kids sporting their ashes at preschool}

Scouting the Divine

I’ve been somewhat of a book connoisseur lately. I’ve read more books in the past 3 months than in the last year and a half. Before I say any more, I must thank my Mom for all the amazing book recommendations and buying them all for me to put on my Nook.  I truly love to read, but in college I only had time for the assigned reading instead of reading for enjoyment. I’ve found reading helps me escape into a completely different world or relate to the story of someone struggling along a journey.

During YASC orientation, the leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining our spiritual health, whether through daily prayer, meditation or reading scripture. I started with the Bible Challenge to help guide me through the scripture instead of blindly diving in. After a week, my diligence faded away. I had trouble connecting with some of the passages and would lose patience in my confusion. I know I’m not alone in my feelings about the struggle of tackling stories of the Bible.

Church Leaders share about YASC

I'm sharing the last of the YASC videos done by The Episcopal Church. This one titled, "Church leaders talk about YASC" features priests, bishops, and program leaders from South Africa, Philippines, and Hong Kong. They share their thoughts on why the YASC program is important to their church and communities.

Church leaders talk about YASC from The Episcopal Church on Vimeo.

What's it like to be in YASC?

Most of you probably remember this teaser video from my previous post. The Episcopal Church center has now posted a full version of the video titled, "What's it like to be in YASC?" I've already watched it about 15 times. No lie! I love what all of the YASCers from last year had to say and the imagery of the video. Also, it was great to see the Philippines featured!

My favorite quote comes from Andrew Joyce,

"It's a life-changing, transformative experience, especially for those who are kind of wondering what they want to do and are trying to find themselves. When you come to a place where you are different from everyone else, it makes you step back and take a look at yourself. You really see what's important to you, what you value. You learn so much and it winds up giving you more than you give it."

I've already found myself coming to small realizations about what in my daily life is important, how I view myself and what I truly value. One of my goals of doing YASC is to grow in my relationship with myself and with God. And already after one month, I can see myself making tiny steps towards that goal. I'm interested to see how I'll be transformed in 2 months, 6 months, and a year from now! 

Watch the video here!

What's it like to be in YASC? from The Episcopal Church on Vimeo.

Differences

Before leaving for the Philippines, I had the opportunity to get together with the Rev. June Hardy Dorsey, who was a missionary in the Philippines before her days as a priest. One piece of advice she shared which was given to her before she started as a missionary was, "in the beginning write down all the different, weird, or strange things you see because soon enough they will become normal to you."

And so I began my list the minute I touched down in the Philippines. It's surprising, however, how many similarities there are; people still want the best for their children, hope to accomplish their dreams, work hard to put food on the table. While the Filipino culture is different, I hate to use that word because it divides us as people or makes one inferior to the other. I should call it unique, one of kind, or distinct.

FAQ

Today on the blog, I thought I would answer some frequently asked questions about my upcoming year in the Philippines. Hopefully, it will provide a clearer picture about my upcoming year of service in the Philippines.

What is Young Adult Service Corps (YASC)?

Young Adult Service Corps (YASC) is a ministry for young adults who are interested in exploring their faith in new ways by living and serving in communities around the Anglican Communion. It is specifically designed for Episcopalians ages 21-30. Service begins in late summer/early fall of each year. Missionaries have been sent to over 33 countries over the past 13 years. They have managed websites, provided administrative support, participated in medical programs and contributed to the mission and ministry of our Anglican Partners around the world.

Why have you decided to do this? What has called you to be a missionary?

Many of you who know me know that mission and outreach has always been a huge part of my life. I also have a passion for traveling and learning new cultures. Also, the Episcopal church is a community which has helped me grow into who I am today. I feel YASC is the perfect fit for me. YASC lets me explore my faith and grow in my spiritual journey by serving in a community in whole other part of the Anglican Communion. Most importantly as a missionary of the Episcopal Church, I will be developing relationships and connecting the Diocese of Virginia, its parishes, and parishioners with the church in the Northern Philippines.

We have all been called to share God's love and carry out his work. We are called to serve the least of these. And they don't just live in Richmond or Virginia or the United States. We have brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the world who we need to reach out to. As God once asked, "who should I send?" and Isaiah responded, "Here I am. Send me."

And so I say to God, "Here I am. Send me."

Continuing YASCers and YAHSCers

In addition to the YASCers for this year, there are four Young Adult Service Corps members from the 2012-2013 continuing for another year.

Ashley Bingaman is from the Diocese of Virginia and has been serving in the Diocese of Haiti. This past year she has worked as a music instructor at the Holy Trinity Cathedral music program in Port-au-Prince. For her second year, she is going to work with Bishop Ogé in Cap-Hatïen in Northern Haiti.

Nina Boe is from the Diocese of Olympia and is serving in the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil. She is working in the Provincial Secretary's Office in São Paulo. Due to visa complications, Nina didn't start her service until January 2013, therefore will finish her year in January 2014. 

Andrew Joyce is from the Diocese of Kentucky and is serving in the Diocese of the Northern Philippines. He works at the Tadian Learning Center and Demonstration Farm. He will continue serving there for another year. 

Jared Grant is from the Diocese of Western North Carolina and has been serving in the Diocese of Lesotho in the Anglican Province of Southern Africa. This past year he has worked at St. James Mission Hospital and in the Office of the Bishop of Lesotho. For his second year, he will be serving in Rome, Italy with St. Paul's within the Walls American Episcopal Church.

Team Latin America & Caribbean

Zachary Baker is from the Diocese of Michigan and will be serving in the Diocese of Haiti. He'll be teaching and providing administrative support at the Bishop Tharp Institute in Les Cayes. 

Julie Burd is from the Diocese of Pennsylvania and will be serving in the Diocese of Haiti. She'll be teaching at the Faculte des Sciences Infirmieres de Leogane (School of Nursing Science) and providing support at Hopital Sainte Croix in Leogane. 

Rachel Carter is from the Diocese of East Carolina and will be serving in the Diocese of Panama. She'll be a teaching assistant (history) and the Social Outreach Assistant at St. Christopher's Episcopal School in Panama City. 

Becky Gleason is from the Diocese of San Diego and will be serving in the Diocese of Honduras. She'll be a teacher and counselor at El Espíritu Santo Bilingual School in Tela. 

Team Asia

Sean Brown is from the Diocese of Hawaii and will be serving in the Nippon Sei Ko Kai (The Anglican Episcopal Church in Japan). He'll be serving as a volunteer at the Asian Rural Institute in Nasushiobara.

Will Bryant is from the Diocese of Western North Carolina and will be serving in the Diocese of Western Kowloon. He will be the Chaplaincy Assistant with the Mission to Seafarers in Hong Kong.

Margaret Clinch is from the Diocese of Southern Ohio and will be serving in the Episcopal Church in the Philippines. She will be working at Easter College in Baguio. 

Charlotte File is from the Diocese of Indianapolis and will be serving in the Diocese of Yokohama. She'll be the Education and International Exchange Program Assistant at the Kiyosato Educational Experiment Project in Kiyosato, Japan. 

Team Africa

Emily Barker is from the Dioceses of Nebraska and New York and will be serving in the Diocese of Cape Town. She'll be the Project and Administrative Assistant at HOPE Africa in Cape Town, South Africa. 

Paul Daniels II is from the Diocese of North Carolina and will be serving in the Diocese of Grahamstown. He'll be the Student Minister at the Cathedral Church of St. Michael and St. George of Grahamstown, South Africa. 

Maurice Dyer is from the Diocese of El Camino Real and will be serving in the Diocese of Grahamstown. He'll be an assistant teacher at the Holy Cross School in Grahamstown, South Africa. 

Meet My Fellow YASCers!

I feel blessed to be a part of such a wonderful, enthusiastic, caring, and passionate group of young people! There are 24 of us this year, two of whom are from the Dominican Republic, being sent out across the world to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Watch the video below which I put together during orientation to learn who these people are, where they are from, where they are going and why they are excited about being a part of YASC!

"Hallelujah Anyhow"

This article was originally posted on Global Partnerships of the Episcopal Church blog on June 25, 2013. I wanted to share it not only because it was written by my friend and fellow YASCer, Paul Daniels II, but also because the message is one that should be shared to all. 

Paul Daniels, II

The following is a reflection on Luke 21:1-4 offered by Young Adult Service Corps missionary Paul Daniels, II of the Diocese of North Carolina at this year’s missionary orientation. He will be serving as a student minister at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. George in Grahamstown, South Africa.

“As Jesus looked up he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small coins. ‘Truly I tell you,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

Nichelle is a woman that attends a church I once attended. She is a fairer skinned African-American woman whose smile is so brilliant that her eyes close in reverence of its radiance. Her hair, worn naturally, is a thick black crown of curls often wrapped in some traditional African fabric.

Nichelle shuffles into church, embraces me as if I am her child, the women as if they were her sisters, and the men as if they were her brothers; she heads to the fifth pew from the front and begins her morning prayers.

I love to preach when Nichelle is at church because I am sure to get a “HALLELUJAH.” And she was the first person I heard profess “Thank YA!” in the middle of an 18th century Anglican hymn.
But, life for Nichelle, as Langston Hughes put it, “ain’t been no crystal stair.” In fact, it’s been a life full of cracks and dings and brokenness. Nichelle, like many of her neighbors, struggles with severe poverty. And poverty holds real consequences for Nichelle’s health and well-being. Yet, Nichelle always manages to say, “Hallelujah anyhow!”

“Hallelujah anyhow” is an existential and verbal supplement that has sustained systematically oppressed people for centuries. It is the personal acknowledgment that I might not have what I want, and I may not be where I want to be—tempered by the transcendent reality that through the grace of God I have what I need and I am where I need to be.

Nichelle is much like the woman in our scripture reading. Nichelle doesn’t praise God on Sunday, put money in the collection plate, or love her fellow parishioners so intensely as a status symbol, to showoff what she owns in material possessions. Most Sundays she has not the money nor the energy; yet, what she does have is faith that God will provide. So, she gives without ceasing, complaint, or apparent limitation. She gives out of her poverty and depletion as an act of letting go of fear; thus, making room for God to show up and show out!

It might be out of some small or large place of privilege in our own lives that has led us to this place, into the knowledge that we can be international bearers of the Good News. But, we have been reminded time and again that it will not be, and dare I say should not be, privilege that defines how we do mission. If our wise and loving leaders in Mission Personnel tell us that we should not lead with the mentality that out of our abundance we have much to give, perhaps it is to prepare us for the many days and nights ahead—nights when we will feel a deep poverty of things or spirit. Perhaps it is to say that in these moments of isolation, or loneliness, when all we can think about are the people and things that we have left behind, when we are “stripped down to the literal substance of ourselves”—as Howard Thurman writes when describing a Jesus that cries out in Mark’s crucifixion story for a God he cannot see, but trusts is still there—that that is when God will be most vibrantly and powerfully available to us, for us, and with us—to hold and to share with others.

And perhaps that is when we should say “Hallelujah anyhow” and trust that what we have left to give, even when we can’t see it or name it, is more than enough. It will be the most divine gift because it will be ALL we have to give, it will be our true selves. No pretense about it.

Leonard Cohen writes, “Love is not a victory march…it’s a cold and it’s a broken hallelujah!”

I hope that when we find ourselves financially, spiritually, and physically broken (and I’ve heard that there’s a good chance of that) that we will remember Nichelle, say “Hallelujah anyhow” and deeply and divinely love those with whom we live and work. In moments of poverty I pray that each of us will love richly—the kind of love that cannot be measured in dollars and cents.

Find your Way in NYC

The Task:
Learn about different neighborhoods within New York City. Talk to people about their stories, how they got there, what they do, and what it is like to live there.

Instructions:
Answer the following questions about each neighborhood:

• What do you see? What do you hear? What do you smell? When you have lunch, what do you taste?
• How did you feel walking around the neighborhood? (Anxious, uncomfortable, at home, blown away, etc.)

When in the neighborhood, walk around with your partner and try to find a few people to talk to. You can go into shops, talk to street food vendors, etc. Keep to public place and use your street smarts.

When meeting people, introduce yourself and explain why you're visiting the neighborhood. Get them to tell you their story - or as much of it as they're willing to tell.

Take pictures of the neighborhoods, not of individuals or groups of people, to help tell the story.

You should leave your last neighborhood by 4:15pm at the latest. You need to be at Ping's Restaurant in Chinatown (Manhattan) by 5:30pm.

The Experience:
We were all broken into three groups of eight. Each group was assigned between two and three subway stops to get off at and streets to walk around. I was in Group 1 with Julie, Keri, Pierre, Tom, Heidi, Zach and Rachel. This is all we were given:
Group 1: Manhattan and the Bronx

• Concourse Village - Train B or D to 167th
• Be sure to visit the Sheridan Ave & McClellan St intersection
• Washington Heights - Train C to 168th Street
• Be sure to walk between 168th St and 175th St
• Harlem - Train 2 or 3 to 125th Street
• Be sure to walk between 135th St and 135th St on Lennox Ave

At first, it was nerve wracking to think about walking up to complete strangers and asking them about their lives. Actually not at first, the whole time it was nerve wracking and hard to accomplish. When we got off each metro stop we would break into partners, give ourselves about 30 to 45 minutes and then meet back at that location. Therefore even though we were in the same group, we all had different experiences. 

Group 1finding its way in NYC

For this post, I am going to simply write my notes and observances of each neighborhood in bullet points. 

Washington Heights: Rachel and I were partners and to ease into the process we thought it would be best to go to schools and try to talk to people there. Turned out it was the last day of school and all the administrators were too crazy busy to talk to us. However, we did enjoy simply walking around the school and seeing everything on the walls. 

• A little Dominican Republic
• Spanish, Spanish, Spanish
• Cutest little girl driving a pink cadillac down Broadway
• Number of veggie and fruit stands on the sidewalk
• Major security to enter into the schools
• 97% of the middle schools is hispanic
• Good number of restaurants and stores were closed up or not open
• Spanish/Latin American looking mural on side of building that symboled prosperity
• Graduation occurring across the street from where we ate lunch
• Huge number of inspirational quotes on the walls of the school
• Felt like "the other" in the schools because we immediately stood out and people would say "are you lost?" "can I help you?"
• Colombia University Medical School appeared completely out of place
• Little diversity, did see a Vietnamese church, though

Adorable poster at one of the schools. Each kids says
what they want to be when they grow up.

The Bronx: Zach and I were partners and simply wandered around. It was more residential than Washington Heights. We did talk to a group of girls about ages 9-13 who were selling some frozen drinks, rice and some homemade goodies. We didn't learn much, though, because they were all talking over one another. 

• Not much time to explore, only 30 minutes
• Mostly residential with a scattering of stores
• Witnessed classic NYC moment with fire hydrant spraying and the cutest little kids running through it in the street
• Felt extremely out of place as a preppy, white girl
• Still many hispanics, but also more of a mix of Africans
• Heard African languages being spoken
• Saw African men with long muslim tunic shirts and caps and girls in headscarves
• Supermercado next to an African market

African Market next to Supermercado

Harlem: Rachel and I were partners again. We walked into a Starbucks to get some iced coffee to give us extra energy. While we were there a man started talking to us and come to learn he's a published author and poet. "Blue" was his name and he's performed at the Apollo. Interesting character but we were able to find out a little about the area and read some of his poems. Pretty good stuff. By the time we finished talking to him, it was time to meet back up with the group to head to Chinatown for dinner.

• Crowded sidewalks
• More commercial with H&M and Gap but still many street vendors

Famous Apollo Theatre

Street art in Harlem

Group Debrief:

The group was able to debrief and share lessons from the day. Here is a list of only some of them:

• It was harder than we thought
• It was easier than we thought
• External signs (like appearance) are important
• A lot of these neighborhoods were the land of immigrants and their storefronts reflected the places from which they came
• Language is key! It's harder to form connections when you can't understand each other.
• Communicating is much easier when it is organic rather than trying to get information from people using the direct approach.
• There were blurred cultural lines for most of the neighborhoods and they became a melting pot for all cultures involved.
• Transportation was a privilege, some places were a Subway desert. 
• We carry and reflect our own culture. Watch what you say that is unspoken!

"Experience Your Neighbor's Faith, Deepen Your Own"

People of faith more than not grow up with one religion or within one sector of a religion. They don't explore outside their own faiths or learn about other world religions. I know I am guilty of this. I have a basic understanding of the guiding principles and foundation of other religions but that's the extent of it.

On Monday, June 24th, we went into the city for a day with Faith House. Their slogan is "Experience Your Neighbor's Faith, Deepen Your Own." Throughout the day, they did just that. They opened my eyes to new spiritual practices and I got to experience firsthand other faiths.

Before we got started one of the leaders explained it this way, "think of the picture you are building up in your head of the different faith houses and religions we are about to experience. Now as the day goes on, consider what is missing in that initial image."

It was a jam-packed day and the HOTTEST in the city, in the mid-90s. Since, we were visiting houses of faith, everyone dressed respectively and conservatively in long sleeves and pants. Needless to say, we were all DYING! However, overall it was an impactful day.

Our first stop was Kossar's Biali's, the oldest Jewish kosher bakery (and bakery, period!) in the U.S. where we all got bagels. The BEST bagel I've ever eaten. I almost took it for granted because the feeling of starvation was setting in when we finally made it after a horrendous 2+ hour bus ride.

Stop #1:
From there we walked over to Eldridge Street Synagogue. Now picture in your head this enormous, spectacular synagogue in the middle of Chinatown. Everyone was speaking chinese and fish markets were right around the corner making it appear completely out of place. The neighborhood over the years has completely transformed.

Outside of the Synagogue

The entry hallway.

The synagogue was originally erected in 1887 and a thriving place of worship for hundreds of Jews until the Great Depression. After World War II in the 1940s, attendance began to dwindle and the synagogue closed its doors. Somebody rediscovered this beauty in the 1980s and in 1996 it was marked a National Historic Landmark. $18.5 million later and the building stands in its original grandeur. The synagogue is now home to a small congregation and a museum for tours, school programs, and cultural events.

Our tour guide was wonderful and painted us a complete picture of what it would've been like to experience a service in the early 1900s.

Stop #2:
St. Peter's Catholic Church is the oldest Catholic Church in New York City. It sits in the heart of downtown surrounded by Wall Street and other big businesses of the U.S. For this stop, we actually experienced a noon day mass which was not too different from a short Episcopal service. However, it was different enough to put me out my comfort zone.

Stop #3:
St. Paul's Chapel is an Episcopal chapel part of Trinity Wall Street Episcopal Church. The chapel has major historical significance from George Washington worshiping there during the 1700s to being a place of support for 9/11recovery workers. It sits across the street from the World Trade Center. Now a museum to the public, pictures and testimonies from 9/11 cover the walls. The most miraculous story was how the chapel had no structural damage from the towers collapsing. It stood high and strong amongst the rubble.

As an Episcopalian, I had no idea that this chapel served as a sign of hope and became a place of reconciliation for those affected by the tragedy. I am continually reminded of why I am part of this faith.

Stop #4:
Around the corner we walked into what looked like a run down building on a somewhat empty street. Surprisingly, it was Park51, the muslim community and worship center, which caused much controversy throughout the nation and in New York City because of its proximity to the World Trade Center. I remember reading bits and pieces of articles and hearing about it on the news. The way the story was told you would think Park51 is across the street from the World Trade Center with a huge banner on it saying "we are muslims here." However, it is nothing like the image I had in my head. It is a simple warehouse building that sits a couple streets away and around the corner. If I hadn't been told to walk into a certain door, I would have walked right past it.

The outside of Park51

Two muslim community leaders with completely different backgrounds shared information about their stories, the story of Park51, and the Islamic faith. One leader, Hanandi, who is 28 and grew up as a muslim, was attending an Islamic school in Brooklyn when 9/11 happened. Hearing her testimony as a muslim teenager living in New York City post-9/11 almost brought us all to tears. She experienced and witnessed such violence and hate for something she and her faith had nothing to do with. But as much as it could have torn her apart, it strengthened her. Now she is working to help other muslim teenagers and educate others about Islam. She's an inspiration.

Hanandi sharing her story.

Stop #5:
The last stop of the day was to the Soka Gakkai NYC Buddhist Center. In this space we were able to experience another form of worship. We went up to a large space with chairs set up in rows and a couple of people sitting up front with microphones and a gong. The leaders with the mic began a certain chant then everyone followed rapidly chanting one saying repeatedly until the gong sounded and the leader started a different chant. As a guest who did not understand the language and was clueless to what was occurring, I still felt a sense of welcoming. The chanting enveloped me and brought a sense of calm to the point that I almost fell asleep (whoops!). It was interesting witnessing this other form of worship but it left with me with more questions about this Buddhist faith than answers.

We couldn't take pictures inside so here is the outside of the building.

Overall, the day was full of surprises and much learning. However, we only got a taste of different faiths and there is still much to know about each one of them. One commonality is everyone we met were all welcoming and eager to explain the importance and impact that certain faith has had on them. While it may be in a different language, different form of worship, and with different teachings, God is touching each one of us to spread good works, peace and happiness.

Love Found in Tarrytown

On Sunday, June 23rd, the YASCers were graced with the presence of Christ Church in Tarrytown, NY. Graciously welcomed into this community with open arms through a beautiful service which combined cultures to expand our idea of the Episcopal Church.

Many of us grew up in the traditional Episcopal church with an organ playing, classic hymns sung and everything spoken in English. One thing I've come to realize is that is not everyone's Episcopal church.
Episcopalians speak a wide variety of languages and sing a wide variety of songs. Nobody is doing it the wrong way, just a different way.

Photo courtesy of Charlotte File

The Sunday service in Tarrytown combined their Spanish and English speaking congregations to celebrate us YASCers who are about to experience many different ways of celebrating on Sunday morning. It was refreshing and energizing to hear both Spanish and English overlap one another as we all prayed the same prayer. Maracas, tambourines and drums drove our feet to tap and hands to clap along to an upbeat sound. The Venerable Bill Parnell's, Archdeacon of Mission in the Diocese of New York, sermon reminded us of the power of love. (You can read the whole thing here.)

Bill Parnell preaching.
Photo courtesy of David Copley

Here are two parts that stood out to me:

"And that is what we strive to be as the Church – a community formed by Love. We don’t have it
all down perfectly just yet – we are a work in progress, continually being molded by Jesus who is
Love Incarnate. He alone is the one who bears our sins and our brokenness. No scapegoats are
needed, only a community of people who have seen Love at work in our own lives and are
commissioned to tell all that God has done for us. We who seek to follow in the ways of Jesus
are given that work of reconciliation which restores people to wholeness and challenges the
powers that prevent it from happening. It will surely comfort some; it will surely afflict others –
and the Church is called to reach out to both. That’s why Paul talked about a community united
in Jesus where all the marks of distinction and sources of division disappear: neither Jew nor
Greek, slave nor free, male nor female....
Today we have among us about twenty-five people who are being sent to some far-flung corners
of the world to serve in the name of Jesus who is Love Incarnate. Love is about to come to town
in some new ways through their presence. I give thanks for their energy and commitment, their
vision and their willingness to risk crossing oceans and borders and barriers to share the Good
News. But most of us are staying put, and there is no less need for us to be in mission right here.
There is plenty of need for Jesus to tarry a while in Tarrytown, and Love has come to town in the
people who are Christ Church, a community that is being formed by Love in new ways all the
time. Whether you’re staying or going, jump that train and catch that flame. Carry Love to town
by telling the stories of what God has done for you. Listen well to the stories of what God is
doing for those among whom you live. Let Love form a community. I bet you will see Love
conquer a great divide."

Love and support is what I felt throughout the morning from strangers but all brothers and sisters in Christ at Christ Church, Tarrytown. They threw a lovely lunch afterwards and sat down to get to know each one of us. And we were able to witness the blessing of their clothing closet. Another way this wonderful community and Church spreads its love.

That morning gave me great anticipation to celebrate with the Episcopal Church in the Philippines, to learn a new way to praise God, and share love with a new community.

Thanks for reading!

Reflection Up on the Hill

One of the nice things Mission Personal added to training were field trips away from Stony Point. On Friday, June 21 we went up to Holy Cross Monastery, an Anglican Benedictine of Men, to spend a day with the Brothers.  It was the most relaxing and reflective day.

Group shot at the Monastery.
Photo Courtesy of Charlotte File

In the morning, we arrived in time for Holy Eucharist at 9am. Then Brother Rob took us on a tour around the monastery, sharing the importance of certain rooms and about the lifestyle of a brother. Their dedication to their relationship with God is inspiring. They make no money and have no possessions. Yet they are fulfilled by serving Christ to the fullest. It is truly remarkable.

At noon, we participated in Diurnum which is a half hour of chanting a psalm and praying. The chants of the Brothers in a beautiful space move through you. They fill the air, centering you in that space, leaving the outside world and all your worries beyond the grounds.

Brother Rob starting off the tour of the Monastery.

Afterwards, we ate a delicious lunch, split into groups to meet with Brother Rob who talked to us about the importance of finding a quiet, peaceful time each day to reflect and pray. And to discipline ourselves to journal so we don't simply rely on memories during this life-changing experience. He spoke on the key to self-knowledge is loving oneself. We are the vehicle to experiencing God and we cannot accept love from anyone else or even God unless we love ourselves.

There are three keys to spiritual journey of seeking God: (1) humility, being one's true self; (2) stability, not running away but staying put and facing the most difficult in order to grow roots; (3) celebacy, but not in the sense of denying sexuality, it is putting your relationship with God first and allowing all other relationships to stem from that one with God.

Taking notes while talking with Brother Rob.
Photo Courtesy of Charlotte File.

Talking with Brother Rob was insightful. He has a deep peace with himself, the good and the bad. I learned you cannot deny who you are to yourself or to God. You can grow by reflecting and accepting your whole self especially by opening yourself up to a deep connection with Christ.

The afternoon, was open to exploring the 26 stunning acres of property. Alan and I hiked down to the Hudson River to skip some rocks. I chatted and reflected with others in the group and sat quietly in the rocking chairs taking in the spectacular view. At 5pm we had Vespers, another short service of chanting, then dinner and we headed back to Stony Point. It was wonderful to get away from the retreat center, learn something new, continue to hang out with one another, and reflect.

Entrance to the Monastery.

Stunning building.

The Chapel.

Gorgeous stain glass that represented the creation of the sun.

Hannah, Me, and Katie in front of the Monastery.

Alan skipping rocks.

View of the back of the Monastery.

Thanks for Reading!

Support, Gifts, & Kindness

Sorry that I have been a little MIA on the blog. Once things start happening and I am on the ground, I will be more consistent with posting. I have felt that I have had nothing to write or update you about. And still don't have any more information or an update on my placement, but I do have an update on fundraising.

THANK YOU! 

Overwhelmed, excited, appreciative, humbled, and simply thankful is how I feel by the notes and donations I have received! I sent out letters to churches and priests around the diocese simply hoping for an invitation to come talk more face to face, maybe have the opportunity to present at a few adult forums or in front of mission committees. I did not expect to be receiving generous checks in the mail by writing an email! 

As you can see on the Fundraising Thermometer to the right, I already have raised over $7,000!

I am excited and happy to call the following supporters, partners in my mission and YASC journey! I greatly appreciate your support, gifts, generosity and kindness.

• Bishop Goff
• Bishop Shannon
• Bishop Ted
• Region I
• Region VII
• Office of Mission & Outreach
• Beckford Parish
• Christ Episcopal Church, Millwood
• Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Greenwood
• Grace Episcopal Church, Alexandria
• Grace & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Richmond
• St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Richmond
• St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Arlington
• St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Alexandria
• St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Heathsville
• St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Richmond
• Trinity Episcopal Church, Manassas
• Mary Anne Bryant
• Dr. Clary
• Mrs. Gilpin
• Eric, Cathy, & Samantha Wendler

On top of that I have greatly enjoyed having the opportunity to share about my journey with YASC in person at region meetings and at parishes! This past Sunday, I had the privilege to be invited to preach at Christ Church, Millwood or Cunningham Parish. It was a beautiful morning and lovely, welcoming people attend the church! I felt fortunate that they offered all loose plate offerings to me and their support through prayer!

The Bulletin from this past Sunday with my name as the guest preacher!

Thanks again to the Rev. Karin and Christ Church! And I look forward to preaching at my home church, St. James', Leesburg, next Sunday. 

And thank you, again, to all those who are already supporting me! For those who would like to support me financially and haven't, yet, you can send check or cash donations to:

The Diocese of Virginia

Attn: Mary Anne Bryant

110 W Franklin St

Richmond, VA 23220

Checks Payable to: The Diocese of Virginia

Memo Line: Ashley Cameron - YASC