“Take, O take me as I am. Summon out what I shall be. Set Your seal upon my heart and live in me.” ~ Hymn Lyrics John Bell
Jubilee is time to give God praise and thanks for all the gifts of life: family, friends, community, ministry, pleasures, and pains. It is a time to admit failures and rejoice in God’s mercy and forgiveness, celebrate the present, and welcome the future with confidence and hope.
My life has been full of adventures beyond the dreams of a farm girl. My ministry was in six different states for forty years. I was without a Sister companion, but God provided friends, co-workers, and persons of various ages, cultures, and religions to expand my vision of community. They taught me God is present in the great and least, the rich and poor, and the strong and weak. Travel has been for study, guiding high school students in countries Spain, France, Italy, Austria, and England. Study in Jordon and Israel was my Father’s gift. Maryknoll sponsored my campus ministry trip to Peru and Bolivia. A home visit to Germany with two university students included daily bike rides, camping, and learning my German heritage.
A three-week trip to China was a surprise from a Chinese graduate student who became successful in her career. Years later she sent me a plane ticket to meet her family and spend three weeks learning about China. I was frightened to travel alone, but I found the Chinese were hardworking, family-oriented, and fun-loving. Although I could not speak or understand the language, I explored many religious and cultural sites with my
young guide. China will always loom great in my heart.
Now I enjoy volunteering at Blodgett and Mary Free Bed, Crossroads Prison Ministries, Home Store, and visiting Aquinata Hall daily. All that I am I give back to God and trust the seal on my heart remains unbroken.
