Father Denis gave us a loaf of bread recently. Now this was no ordinary loaf of bread. This was a fresh loaf of Pettitt’s chia bread that he got specifically for us because he knows how much we love it. Though a small act of kindness, this act of generosity and thoughtfulness touched me immensely, and made me feel at home here in Wexford. Such acts of kindness have been anything but few and far between since my arrival in Ireland. From the couple next to me on the plane ride here offering Ireland travel tips and words of encouragement to the “Tea Ladies” welcoming us into their group and providing companionship, people have continued to go out of their way to offer their support to me, a total stranger. I have been overwhelmed by feelings of gratitude and joy surrounding these charitable acts, something that I cannot even begin to put into words how much I appreciate.
One noticeable difference that struck me between life in Ireland and life in the States was in the Prayers of the Faithful. I am accustomed to the response “Lord hear our prayer”, but here the congregation typically responds with “Lord graciously hear us”. This phrasing has stuck with me throughout the last month. We not only want the Lord to hear us, but for him to welcome our prayers with grace, joy, and compassion. The people I have met are constantly offering themselves graciously to us in order to make us feel comfortable being so far away from home. This gratitude and joy that I am experiencing is because of how gracious the people I have met are. In moments when I am doubting myself and my role here in Ireland, these moments where I recognize the love and grace in those around me, remind me that I am not here by mistake or by my own fruition.
Growing up, my mom always referred to little signs from God as God winking at you. For me, these gracious acts have been God winking at me, reminding me that He is there watching over me and guiding me. She brought this phrase up again after I called her to tell her about a particularly touching act of kindness. One of the first couple of weeks I was here, I had made the mile and a half journey to the home store to buy some new bedding. I wound up purchasing more than expected, so I found myself walking home with a comforter, two pillows, a mattress protector, and a mattress pad. This seemed feasible initially, but about a half a mile in I was stopping every few steps and dripping in sweat. During one of my many breaks on the side of the road, a complete stranger biked over to me, offering to help me carry my bags the rest of the way. Immediately, my mind hopped to STRANGER DANGER, and I went on high alert, insisting I was alright. He told me that he really did not mind, and that it was no bother for him to just park his bike and help me. He seemed so sincere and like he genuinely cared about me making it home in one piece, so I finally accepted his help. He walked with me the last mile, carrying not one, not half of, but all of my bags, only to have to walk the mile back again to his bike.
I was so appreciative of his aid and compassion, that I immediately called my mom to tell her. I mentioned that his name was Angelo, and she replied, “Wow! It sounds like God sent him as an angel to help you. A God winking at you moment”. The connection of his name had not even crossed my mind, but how fitting that someone who took time and energy out of their day to help a total stranger is named after the angels. Angelo helped me during a period of time where I was in the throes of homesickness and adjusting to life in Ireland, but ever since then I cannot help but associate the people of Wexford as being gracious, as being kind, and as being incredibly generous.
No matter what happens or how my fears and emotions may shift day to day, I am confident that God is there, watching over me and guiding me through working with the children, planning music, and living in community. It is comforting to know that I am not alone– no matter where in the world I am, God is always with me. When I am sad, homesick, frustrated, joyful, fatigued, I can look to God and find comfort and resolve in my feelings. I hope to continue graciously receiving God’s love, as well as that of those I meet throughout this next year. I also hope to never take for granted the generosity and compassion of the people here in Ireland because they are truly special brothers and sisters in Christ. “Gracious” has been a word of such value and importance thus far, and I hope that I continue to keep that word on my heart this year.
Peace,
Kat
