Hearts on fire

That is exactly how it felt. Our hearts were on fire. It felt so amazing to meet other people who were going on journeys away from the safe and usual path. Among this wonderful group of people I was not crazy anymore for wanting to leave our easy and cuddly existence and embark on a yearlong journey away from all our loved ones, and as many of you know they are not few ( seven children and six grandchildren , sisters, brothers and everyone else). Meeting all these other volunteers made me stronger. I was constantly in an elated state and felt so connected to all of them.
Wow!!!! the bonds we made.
The hugs , the tears... the hugs.
All I can say is I feel like I will have brothers and sisters living in the most remote areas of Africa, Asia , the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The retreat was so amazing. The retreat house, Stella Maris, is situated in Long Branch, New Jersey, right in front of the  Atlantic Ocean, where you can hear and feel God's power and strength.
We had speakers that included alumni, people who had been volunteers, who shared with us their personal stories. The things they would not do again and the heart touching stories of their journey.
We were so touched when  Maryjane's Church , Holy Cross of  Rumson, New Jersey, blessed us with a Mass of Blessing and sending forth to serve the needy of the world. Our hands were anointed and they sang such beautiful hymns including one of our favorites, "Lord When You Came to the Seashore". Afterwards they had a beautiful reception and Mary Jane's students were there to help and cheer us on. Maryjane is one of the volunteers, she is a seventh grade teacher at the Holy Cross Catholic School  and she is headed to Africa to teach English as a second language.
After spending five days with this wonderful group of people going back to Winston-Salem  felt like going back to reality to face all the preparations again.
 Oh,  but this weekend was what I needed to put things in perspective. Just yesterday when we went to Mass the song we sang was one that spoke directly to Hernan and I, but nowadays every song and every homily seems to speak directly to us. Calling us by name to be the hands that serve the needy. Leaving things behind. Here I am , Lord. Will you go where you don't know and never be the same.Lord send me where You would have me, to a village or the heart of the city, I will remember that You are with me. Just like our priest said he did not call us  because we are perfect or better than others, He did not choose His apostles because they had a great resume, He chose us because He believed we could do it, because He believed we could be His hands.
Thank you!!!! to the CMMB board, to Richard, Laura, Anand and Yuen for making this beautiful and amazing retreat possible.
Now I feel like I really can embark and do anything I am called to do , all with His help and your prayers.