Hello!
Many of the parishioners I’ve met in passing have asked how my experience is in Ireland so far, so I thought I would allow this post to be just that: a check in!
Lately, life has been good! I have been singing at mass and Taize — two things I enjoy! The House of Brigid has began working on some really fun media projects for Newman University Church. Along with my work, I am enjoying spending time with my Community Members, the church’s intern Katherine Dunn, and my boss Father Gary! Soon Steve and Michele will be out of their quarantine. They are a key missing part of the group here so I am excited to see them! I truly have made a home here with my little “covid bubble”. I consider them my family now! Although, when I signed my commitment to the House of Brigid in February of last year this is not what I planned nor what I expected. It’s an unfortunate but true statement to say this is not what I had originally hoped for! I expected more world adventures around Europe and more new Irish friends.
The phrase I continue to hear from parishioners in the church is that they “feel sorry for us” because we have not been able to experience Ireland and its culture. I think all of the HoB fellows and I can agree that this is not what we had planned which is upsetting, but the past year has not been perfect or at all what any of us had thought.
One the many things covid has stripped away in the last year is receiving the sacraments regularly. However, fortunately, Katy and I were given the chance to go to confession last week for the first time since March. My confession was full of joy and peace. I felt so whole. During confession I was reminded that I am both desired and loved by God. However, at the very end of confession, something little that had nothing to do with my confession made me feel small and insecure. I won’t explain the situation that occurred, but as I walked out of the church, I began to pick myself apart. I started to let a five second miscommunication define my worth. Then, as I picked myself apart a little bit more, I realized that the devil was working overtime to make a situation that was so wonderful, be marked as a tug to my worth. And, through this realization, I could see God shining his love down on me. God’s love that fuels all goodness, joy, strength, and every other blessing one can think. His love is so perfect, yet He decided I am worthy and deserving of having it!
I tell you this story because I find it necessary to draw attention to the thing that covid can never take away: God’s love. Through all of the craziness and disappointment in the world it is important to remember that life is good because God is good. This year has undoubtedly been hard and everything has not gone as scheduled; yet, we are loved by God. God’s love and goodness means several things to me. It means that as His child, He is always using me in my current situation, even when I cannot see His presence. It also means that He knows the desires of my heart and wants these desires for me. This means he knows the desire I have in my heart to have the opportunity to meet more Irish people and see this beautiful country, so He will give me this opportunity.
So, I place my trust in Him! I will attempt to give him control because life is good because He is good. When the time comes (and it will) to safely go to a pub or leave an area farther than five kilometers, you know I will be running at the chance with a smile on my face!
Thank you for checking in!
Sincerely, Katie
