The Story of a Hol(e)y Suitcase

Do you ever have those moments where you think, “Is this seriously my life?” Yes? No? Crickets? Well, if you have, then join the club that this girl is a platinum member of. This past summer, I’ve realized that I’ve used this phrase a lot more than the average joe. I think this phrase is seen and heard most often in major moments of gratitude, embarrassment (like when you hit your face on ice and think… seriously?), or moments of spontaneous awe (like being on a mountain top and thinking “no way…”). I've thought it quite often in the past 5 months, and as I look back to reflect on how to describe it all, there’s really only one tangible object that I think depicts and does my life justice at this point, and that object is: my suitcase.

My summer in one image (and yes... it still can't totally shut).

We all have them – some are duffels, some have rollers, but mine is one that has more than just a few holes in it by now…symbolizing the great amount of wear and tear it’s been through. It’s filled with the remains of scorpions from being on mission in Ecuador, with snow boots from an amazing leadership training in the mountains of Colorado, with sand and cicadas from FOCUS Staff training in Florida, with encouraging notes from mission partners I can never say thank you enough to, with business attire because #adulting is a real thing, with sour patch kids because it’s the only candy that doesn’t seem to melt in hot environments, and with memories that can never be replaced even if I tried.

This summer, there’s been a couple things I’ve realized through the adventures I’ve had with my little buddy suitcase. Here’s the thing… living out of a suitcase REQUIRES (not suggests…. Those airport people are intense!) you to only bring what is necessary. It limits your space and helps you narrow in on the most important things. The suitcase tells you, “Stop. Get rid of the junk that doesn’t have room in here.” It’s a lifestyle of simplicity – one of trust that even if you forget something or don’t have room, you will in fact survive with what you bring. I’ve learned that it’s one of the more freeing decisions I’ve made to only bring the things I need. Also a healthy reminder that less is not only more, but it’s also lighter (hmm… wonder if we developed our perspective to be like this… maybe I would have fewer burdens if I just let a few things go). You see, control is a SERIOUS issue I have… I like to know what will happen in any given situation and I want to be able to impact it in one way or another to ensure that it’s going to be okay. Mother Mary kindly reminded me what it’s like to have the exact opposite of that issue of control. She repeated to me on the weekly in the past 3+ months: “Do whatever He tells you.” I realized that Mary probably only lived out of a suitcase in her life (metaphorically of course… they were way too creative back then for common transportation methods). I asked her how the HECK she was so good at just relinquishing control on the daily… her answer was pretty simple. She had so much trust that she was fully confident in hiding in Jesus’ humility. Yet another way to be more free that I’m denying so often. In addition to teaching me how to live simply and fully dependent NOT on myself this summer, the suitcase also goes wherever it’s asked. Wanna go to Florida? Ok. Need to go to Texas through a very long, hot car ride? It’s down to do it. The suitcase is totally flexible and willing to go wherever it’s asked. HOW HARD IS THIS, RIGHT?! You’re totally gaining more respect for suitcases aren’t you? #goalattained. But really… we humans struggle with this, especially myself. It’s like ‘Ok, I’ll go where I should probably go, but not in these specific areas of my life.’ I want to have the mentality more like my suitcase: one of not just obedience, but also of awareness that while the ride might be uncomfortable, bumpy, and unknown, that saying YES might lead to a pretty rockin’ destination.

So as I turn the page into a new year, I’ll probably have to buy another suitcase (MAJOR bummer…it’s like having to throw away your childhood blanket… we all know that feeling is the worst) because mine is shredded at this point; but, hopefully I get to fill it with more memories, joys, laughter, travel experiences, hilarious conversations, and moments of presence like I’ve had this summer. Cause honestly, who likes an empty suitcase anyway? Time to embrace the inner-nomad in ya. J

Awe-some and Awe-struck

Ya know, a lot of friends and family members have asked me how I’ve been and what life as a missionary has been like since I’ve graduated college and taken on this crazy role trying my best to share the Gospel on the college campus. It’s funny because this simple question always encourages me to ponder. To ponder on what the Lord has so graciously given me this semester that I haven’t set the time aside to think about and actually give thanks for. To ponder how much He’s loving me through certain circumstances. And to ponder His goodness, beauty, and truth. But this question everyone asks is surprisingly difficult to answer. Not because I don’t have an answer… but because the answer in my head seems to be a much longer explanation than people might be expecting. And to be honest, it’s hard to find someone in this world who wants to listen to more than a 5-minute response about how life REALLY is. So taking this into account, I decided to answer this question in its fullest, most simple way. This semester as a FOCUS missionary has been AWESOME. Let me tell ya why:

Having the hardest most challenging summer of my life. That was AWESOME. It helped teach me that I can’t rely on myself but seeing as that’s a reality, I can rely on someone greater than myself to do the heavy lifting.

Throwing pieces of watermelon at other FOCUS teams during summer training. AWESOME. Living life on the edge. It’s a fun thing to do.

Feeling alone in a foreign place with no friends, no family, and no idea what I’m doing. AWESOME. Sometimes being fulfilled completely to know God and your purpose in what He’s trying to tell you requires first being stripped of everything you’ve ever been familiar with. Forever grateful for being pruned the way that I was this semester.

Talking to hundreds of individuals and families who were willing to financially and prayerfully invest in the mission I’m striving to live out. AWESOME. People who support helping humanity be better was so encouraging to see! Praise God for those people. Beyond grateful.

Watching sorority skits during rush week (my first week on campus). AWESOME. Helped expose me to the great opportunity there was in the Greek System at A&M and it helped me meet the women I would be working with through the semester.

Owning a popcorn machine. AWESOME. Endless entertainment.

Meeting Mary at move-in day, a girl who tried to find every excuse to escape her parents. AWESOME. Mary went on to later join a FOCUS bible study and form community there. Thank God for rebellion in the best way.

For phone calls with best friends when you really need to talk to someone who knows your heart the best. AWESOME. Talk about comfort when you feel isolated and clueless. Thanks Jesus.

Getting coffee with strangers who you’ve never met but who you’ve prayed for for months. AWESOME. You are too good to me, Lord. These women are rockstars.

Getting into a movie at the theatre for $4.75 because they think you’re a student. AWESOME.

When a sorority woman who is busy 24/7 makes time for discipleship and holy mass at 7am every week. AWESOME. Who does that?! Saints do! Saints, I tell you! Thanks for the holy witness 24/7 my 24/7 stud.

Being told you’re leading a mission trip to Peru with 20 students and 5 other leaders. AWESOME. Let’s climb Machu Picchu and serve like never before.

Starting bible studies and having some weeks where only 1 of 10 women showed up. AWESOME. Why? Because those conversations were life-changing. Thank you Holy Spirit.

Having meetings with my team director and being reminded that I am a daughter of God and that having me-time is in fact crucial (and not selfish) to being happy, fulfilled, and joyful. AWESOME. ‘Nuff said.

Letters from high school and college friends. AWESOME. A constant reminder to never forget where you came from.

For team nights drinking beer and watching “Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken.” AWESOME. My teammates love me so well and I am eternally grateful for their constant affirmation. They’ve taught me that community is vital to living as a part of the Body of Christ.

Watching a disciple gain the courage to attend an Interview Weekend with FOCUS and submitting to God’s will the entire way through. AWESOME. What a witness of willingness to follow Jesus Christ.

Driving 12 hours to celebrate a sorority sister’s wedding in Kansas. AWESOME. Young people making commitments and not being fearful of decisiveness makes me HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!

Receiving picture texts from spiritual directors. AWESOME. Super holy people who help me get to Heaven every day through their advice, direction, and prayers for my poor soul. Thank God for them.

Having a roommate who teaches me that people are far more important than things… especially when she refused all semester to upgrade from her cheap flip phone. AWESOME. She taught me how to live against the gradient of the world.

Answering hard questions and recognizing I don’t know everything when a disciple asks questions about truth. AWESOME. Thankful for the humility check and recognition that I’m never finished learning.

When a girl from bible study cries tears straight from her heart and shows me the most vulnerability any human has ever shown to me. AWESOME.

Learning Aggie Traditions. AWESOME. They’re weird, but sure are cool! Gig ‘Em!

Falling in love with praying the rosary and growing closer to Jesus with Mary holding my hand on my way there. AWESOME. Moms are so wonderful. They also send you cool packages like my earthly mom did 3X this semester. Thanks for loving me so well, mom.

Getting the flu. AWESOME. Ok… this one sounds weird. But it’s the only way Jesus could make me slow down. And that was awesome. What a stubborn human I am.

For a friendship with a human who loves potatoes as much as I do. AWESOME. So many life chats and challenging each other in virtue. Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful.

Onesies, hot chocolate, and reading scripture in front of Christmas trees. AWESOME. Holy friendship speaks a unique language to my heart. What unity Jesus gives to us!

Missionary summits that allow you to bond with other first year missionaries about the struggles of missionary life. AWESOME. I learned really quickly how important it is to remember the people who are in my same shoes across the country. These people get me through the hard things. Praise!

The holy hours every day that were difficult to not press the snooze button for. AWESOME. What used to feel like a century of prayer in holy hour is oftentimes filled with me asking for more time there now.

Going to confession accompanied by women who hadn’t been in years. AWESOME. Talk about heroic courage. Bring on the virtue!

Watching a teammate get engaged in the choir loft of the church. AWESOME. Yes vocations. Yes holy relationships. Yes yes yes!

Halloween costumes. AWESOME. Creativity is best depicted on Oct. 31.

Pumpkin Carving. AWESOME. I’m not good at it. Nor do I make very cool designs. But hey, it’s still fun to try to make cool pictures on a veggie and cook the seeds with girly gals who don’t judge me.

When your twin comes to visit you and meets 2,313,567,235 students (ok… maybe not that many) and acts as chipper as ever! AWESOME. What a gift and her true showing of having a missionary heart.

Falling into the ocean while trying to get into a kayak on team offsite. AWESOME. Water was 50 degrees but I think I’m gonna live an extra 20 years because of how long I laughed.

Missing flights to your friends’ wedding over Thanksgiving but having the time to talk to 2 priest friends and a seminarian bestie. AWESOME. God’s timing wins every time, not mine.

Hugs, snuggles, and Chipotle with a disciple who wants to make disciples and evangelize with everything she has. AWESOME. So cool to see the vision of the women I’m fortunate to work with. What a gift.

Spontaneous phone conversations with my mentor to hear the words, “Fallon… how are you?” after already once asking the question “how are you…” knowing that I’ve filtered my answer. AWESOME. Teaching me the art of vulnerability.

Giving blood for the first time and fighting the fear of needles with a dear friend by my side. AWESOME. Led to the craziest discipleship ask I’ve ever had. Thank you Lord for giving me souls who help me live life on the edge!

Being a FOCUS missionary and striving (emphasis on this word) to live life in the smallest of ways as a disciple of Jesus Christ, even after failing time and time again. AWESOME. What a privilege it is to live mission in this life on earth. GOSH JESUS YOU LOVE ME SO MUCH. Life isn’t perfect but You are. Thankful for Your abounding mercy, forgiveness, and for smothering me with lots of love. Pure awesomeness.

Until next time…

+JMJ+

Jesus Is the Ultimate Flirt

When I’m ever asked about my favorite (and most embarrassing) memories, my mind goes straight to the experiences in my past with the most tangible moments – walking the Great Wall of China, going head over handle bars on my bike riding down a seemingly huge hill at the golf course, remembering the smoke smell after a huge firework show in my backyard on July 4, cheering my dad on at his basketball games. There’s a million memories that I could recount in the short 22 years I’ve lived on this beautiful planet, but the ones that stick out the most are those that involved things I correlate with my senses. I’m no biology or anatomy expert (I actually somehow skipped taking any sciences in college #WIN), but I guess that assumption seems pretty basic for most people.  

It wasn’t until I was snuggling with a sweet Chi Omega this past weekend at a girls night that it dawned on me how aware God is of this reality. Seeing as He created us humans, He would obviously know how to best connect with us into the depths of our soul, right? Yep. That Creator Guy… He’s a sneaky one! And He knows how to love us best, even when it might not seem like it.

Until a few years (4) ago, I HATED talking about love. I loved the idea of love… because it’s what I received such joy from when I was around my friends. But I for some reason hated talking about it. It made sense in my head that I could share that with others but it confused me a lot when it came to the concept of someone loving me. Because of that reason, God’s love was something I struggled with for a longgggg time. So let’s just say when I had someone in college say, “Let’s figure out our love languages!”… I wasn’t her biggest fan. But I took the stupid test anyway and it told me that I best received love through physical touch and quality time. Psh – how could a test on the internet think it has ANY idea how I best receive love?

As I was sitting in mass this weekend, reflecting on the idea of the way I best receive love, I couldn’t help but think how incredibly good God is at knowing my love language. Disclaimer: I LOVE talking about love now… primarily for this reason. I receive love best in ways that involve physical expression of that; for instance, I’m a HUGE FAN of hugs, snuggles, and everything in between. If you’ve known me for 1 day… you would probably know that about me. But I was praying in preparation for communion this Sunday, and I thought, “Wow, God… you nailed it.” What a gift God has given us to receive Jesus’ body, blood, soul, and divinity in the Eucharist! Jesus is SUCH a flirt in this way. He gets me. And I’d venture to say there’s other ways He has connected with me to show me His love, but this is a biggy. And I know He’s trying to flirt with you too. Now the question is… do we flirt back in response?

The Trap that Seems to be Snatching Us All

With so many people leaving the Catholic Church in the past decade, I've noticed more and more reasons people are giving to this seemingly intriguing reality. Coming back home to New Mexico is always a treat – seeing family that I’m usually 12 hours from, going to restaurants that I grew up eating in, and seeing all my neighbors and high school friends at the hometown Walmart. They’re all among the many joys I receive from coming home. But in the Church (and really, across the board in and throughout all religions), I've noticed there’s an increasing desire to do the exact opposite… to not come home, but rather, embracing the choice to run away.

I've realized over this Christmas break a reoccurring phrase: “I’m loving college, but I just can’t find a church that I like…. So I’m struggling with that,” or “Well, we've been church hopping for a while now… but no luck.”  I think I've heard these statements about 15 times in the past 4 weeks when I’m catching up with friends, and even with parents who are describing their kids’ college experiences. At first, I simply thought, “Darn, that’s a really important part of living community in such a crucial time in their lives, so I hope they find one,” but after a while, I started to reflect on the reasons why this is such a problem.

Looking at our culture today, especially millennials (and I’m guilty of it too), is that if we don’t like something, we immediately dispose of it (for me, I see this in my shopping habits haha). Our self-centered motives lead us to something that gives us satisfaction, which I assume is somewhat natural in parts of life – like choosing between fruits or vegetables, or picking out a shirt to wear on a Wednesday morning—naturally, we are going to choose the one that we like better or that looks best. The diversity is essentially limitless for food and clothing, and I’ve noticed that our generation has transferred this mentality to everything else in our lives (i.e. our religion, family, beliefs, and convictions). Everything seems to have become a disposable now. Some of the most sacred traditions of our lives have even become that way. Marriages are now disposable with divorce, children have become disposable by many through abortion, and it’s as easy as a simple phone call to change a credit card account that contains all your savings. The list seems to go on and on and grows as we continue to place ourselves at the center of every decision we make as people.

I've noticed a similar effect happening with this “church hopping” predicament that many of my friends are struggling with. But here’s my initial question…When has attending church shifted from being about God to being about us? If we don’t like the pastor or priest of the church, we switch. If we don’t like the music, we leave. If we think the service or mass is too long, we try a different church the next week (or worse… stop going). The amount of variables in a church service are countless, from the choir to the pastor to the physical space to so many other things, even a robot could find a reason or excuse to leave a church. This self-satisfaction that we strive to find in attending church seems to be the opposite of what Jesus wanted when He created the Church. One of my favorite parts when sharing my reversion back to the Catholic (or ‘Universal’) Church is the beauty in celebrating and focusing on Christ the entire mass – the way it was created for. See, the Church isn't like making a decision between mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup. It’s not something we as humans do to ‘feel’ good or based on which one fits our own individual tastes. If it was, there would be no reason for truth. People would be able to define who Jesus is for themselves, they would be able to define morality for themselves, they would be able to interpret scripture for themselves, they would be able to leave if they felt like it, etc. You can probably see where I’m going with this.

Those of you reading this post are 1 of 2 people right now – you’re thinking “Woah, that actually makes sense,” or you’re saying “this is making me really angry, I can’t believe she’s telling me how to live my life. I can make my own decisions. She can make her own.” First of all, thank you for reading this blog post. Second, I’m not here to try to tell you how to live your life…. But I do think it’s interesting to dig deep with Jesus’ teachings to see how he laid it out to be from the very beginning, yet how we've switched it all around to cater to our own desires, wants, and needs. John Paul expressed it really well when he said, “People inevitably reach the point of rejecting one another. Everyone else is considered an enemy from whom one has to defend oneself. Thus, society becomes a mass of individuals placed side by side, but without any mutual bonds. Each one wishes to assert himself independently of the other and in fact intends to make his own interest prevail” (no. 20, Evangelium Vitae).

I’m gonna take a big step out there and venture to say that if this focus was changed, our college students, parents, and grandparents wouldn't find a problem finding a home in a church community. I would also venture to say that there wouldn't be a high volume of people leaving the Church, but rather, returning home to it. In reality, we were all meant to live in community with each other from the very beginning. Let’s start looking at ourselves to see how each of us can come to recognize truth – not by our own standards, but rather, from the One who came to create them. It might come as a surprise to some, but the One who created them actually did so in a way to make us all happy. And that’s what we’re all searching for, right? To satisfy our own desires. Well, that’s convenient! Let’s go home…. Together.

God Bless!

Eucharist = Thanksgiving

It's so strange to think that school is already almost through the first semester, and so much has happened since getting back to Kansas from my crazy, awesome, spontaneous summer. With so much going on, it's been tough to sit down and process all of it. But with Thanksgiving today, I've been able to do just that.

In the past four months, I've been blessed with a job after college, have had the opportunity to direct a 75-person church retreat, celebrate birthdays, friends, and so much more! Through all of it, I can't help but be in awe of our Lord's goodness. I've been taking a virtue class this semester, and it's really taught me the epitome of what God desires for each and every one of us -- that is, eternal happiness.... and that starts while we are here on Earth. If you think about it long enough, it blows your mind to try to process the reality that through every situation, everything is turned toward our good, regardless of whether it seems that way to us or not.... it's the way God created it from the very beginning.

There are millions of families in our world, and I can't fathom how thankful I am for mine. It makes me hope and pray for solid families in our future -- families who care so intensely for their children and desire the best for them -- to nurture them, love them, and spend time with them, even in a world that it's so easy to become distracted.

I'm overjoyed to announce that I've accepted a job after college for the next 2 years as a Catholic Missionary on a U.S. College Campus. After discerning this for quite a while, I felt very called to share in this mission. I look forward to graduating in May, going to training in Florida for the months of June and July, and finding out my placement then for the next year! It's going to be one giant adventure, and I'm looking forward to every moment of it. Meeting people and hearing their stories is one of my favorite things about life -- and living that as my job.... I can't imagine anything better!

I hope everyone has had a blessed Thanksgiving, with friends, family, and loved ones. I have cherished my time back home in Portales for this short break... especially since it's been about 7.5 months since I've gotten to come back! The fewer times I get to visit, the more special and rewarding it all is. I guess that's what happens when you become an 'adult'. God Bless you all!

What Are the Odds??

As I'm wrapping up my final weeks in New York City, I've fortunately been able to reflect on so many of the things I've experienced, seen, and learned in the past 8-10 weeks. Soon, I'll be back at KU, starting my senior year of college (woah!), and making decisions that God only knows which way they will go. I could easily say, though, that this summer, from the mission trip I took to China working in the underground churches, to working as an intern for the NBA, has taught me more about myself, life, and people than I have learned in a LONG time (I would bargain to say... ever).

This summer has flown by. While I thought it was going to be one of the most difficult summers of my life, being so far from my friends, family, home, and comfort zone, I was pleasantly surprised. I was blessed to see so many familiar faces that I can't even count all the visits on two hands! Whether it was from my parents and twin sister, sorority sisters, KU classmates, church friends, and more, the amount of people that I was able to see this summer absolutely shocked me. It made me feel so close to home, and it was definitely a subtle blessing that God sneaked into my daily routine (surprises are the best!).

Another thing I learned while in New York City was how this city totally SQUASHES its stereotype. So many people see NYC as a crazy huge city with snobby people who are nothing but self-absorbed and rude. The way I look at it, every place has these kind of people. But, everyone's allowed to have a bad day every once and a while, right? I couldn't disagree more with the NYC stereotype. The second I got off the plane at LaGuardia Airport, I was greeted with nothing but positive, helpful people who were more than willing to go out of their way to assist me as a 'New York Newb.' Isn't it funny how our perceptions change once we actually experience a culture rather than judging them from the outside? The culture, diversity, and opportunity in NYC is truly one of a kind.

One of the most memorable things I saw in NYC was an adorable moment between a dad and his 4-year-old son on the subway. The subway was my source of transportation all summer (and let me tell ya, it was SO NICE not have to pay for gas!), and one day I ran on trying to get home around 530pm. The subway quickly became packed with people (we felt like sardines), except in the corner, I saw a dad teaching his son to read, even through the hustle and bustle of the subway. It doesn't seem like a very big deal, but this was a huge moment for me -- it reminded me that even in the craziness of NYC, or whatever city that comes to mind, there are still people. With feelings. And families. Trying to achieve the same things that people everywhere desire -- love, happiness, truth, education, and fellowship.

One of my best friends from KU who is interning in San Francisco this summer told me early on that the one thing she learned living in California was that she couldn't compare anything to home. This was another lesson I learned. Every experience is different, and the adventure of it is to embrace it, rather than reflecting on the differences. I absolutely loved walking to work every morning and hearing anywhere from 5-10 different languages being spoken. Going to dinner at the world's largest Applebee's was quite the experience as well! These are all unique experiences that I wouldn't have in Kansas or NM, but being able to look at them with new eyes helped me embrace them more and get the most out of all my experiences.

It was through this summer that I was able to learn multiple life lessons (as mentioned before), but one of the biggest lessons I learned was that different isn't always bad. Coming from small town USA, it was difficult making the transition from comfort zone to the unfamiliar, big, bad city life. But after going away 12 hours from home to college, leaving for a mission trip 18 hours across the world on a plane, and living in NYC for 10 weeks with no one that I knew, I have learned that wherever you go in life, you adjust. Some places might take more time than others, but regardless of how you feel about how "you'll NEVER" do something, I would suggest never use the word never... because trust me, I NEVER thought this southern heart of mine would live in NYC for a summer (what are the odds!?), but it is easy to say that I have fallen in love with this city, even through the rough, initial transition. Life is crazy and fast and fun, with new changes every day, but I think if I could suggest one thing for y'all... it would be this: Go somewhere you are unfamiliar with, and don't go with anyone you know. Learn to be independent, make your own decisions, and find your own passion without people of influence breathing down your neck. It is these kind of situations where God reveals His Will for your life.And this time, you can actually hear it. But, you'll never be able to truly see it clearly if you don't take that leap.

I can't tell you where or what my next step in life will be. I've enjoyed every single experience I've been offered up to this point -- each one offering new perspectives and outlooks for me to think about, which I can only credit The Holy Trinity for, because I know these experiences are molding me closer to Sainthood. But what I do know, is that whatever is out there for me, through prayer, I'll find it.


"There's 1,000 ways to lose, and 1 way to win." - Mike Bantom (VP of Referee Operations at the NBA); stop looking for the 1,000 ways to make excuses for yourself -- find the 1 reason to be the best version of yourself, and run with it.

See you in 3 weeks, Kansas!
Praising Him Always.

Saturday Mornings Were Made for Thankfulness

Looking back at the past few weeks makes me that much more excited for the next few! During these weeks, I had the opportunity to go visit my twin sister, who is interning in Pittsburgh, PA. Pittsburgh is a BEAUTIFUL city! We were able to visit the famous St. Anthony Chapel, where over 4,200 Saints relics were held, as well as taste some amazing seafood, explore the streets of Pittsburgh, and overhear a little bit of a Luke Bryan concert playing in the Steeler's stadium. This short, 60-hour trip was well-worth it.

Fourth of July was a week/weekend that I will never forget. I was fortunate to spend the Holiday with my parents and twin, as everyone made a trip to New York. The many trips getting lost on the subways, deciphering where to eat, and being lost tourists was well-compensated by the time with family, delicious food, moments of laughter (there were many), Broadway shows, Empire State and World Trade Center tours, Central Park lunches, sitting under the fireworks at South Seaport, and so much more. Seeing as I won't be able to go home until Thanksgiving, it was such a blessing that my family was able to visit me.

In addition to family, I have had the chance to see a few other familiar faces while I've been in New York! It started with a sorority sister, who I briefly met with after mass on my 3rd week in, and since then, I've been able to see a dear friend of mine, Janelle, who was coming back from a trip to Italy with the Apostles of the Interior Life (the Sisters I receive spiritual direction from at school -- they are too awesome to describe in words), our leadership and development coordinator at St. Lawrence, Karen, and this weekend, I'm meeting up with another sorority sister in my pledge class to grab some dinner while she's visiting. Next week, I have more sorority sisters coming to visit for vacation (GO KD!) as well as my aunt and cousins. This summer that I thought would make me feel so far from home has been blessed by the comfort and presence of so many familiar faces. Praise God!

My internship continues to astound me -- it is busier than ever, but going great! Learning so much in the process -- not only about the work world, but also about myself, my passions, and so much more. I hope to share these experiences with y'all when I come home to see you or through a phone call to catch up! As I sit here eating my egg sandwich and strawberries on this beautiful Saturday morning, I hope every one of you has an amazing weekend, filled with summer joy and laughter.

Thinking especially of my mom and all her volleyball players as they begin their summer workouts this week! Much love, everyone!