As
day two began, I went into it the same way we’ve been going into
every day- clueless. By saying clueless I don’t mean that it was
disorganized and chaotic, but more so everything came as a surprise
so we were forced to live in the present and embrace each moment.
Though I prefer to be in control and enjoy organizing everything on
my own, it was an oddly peaceful experience.
Throughout
today and the previous day, we made a trek around the community to
meet the families and take a census for Sister Liz who would later
use the information to orchestrate local activities. We encountered
many kind souls and several insects too. Although this was exciting,
my favorite part of today was definitely celebrating Mass with our
friends from Didya and the local Tepeyac community.
I
knew it was going to be a Spanish Mass, but I didn’t realize how
much Spanish I could actually comprehend. I must admit that I could
not translate each individual word, yet I knew exactly what was
happening at each part. My parents know how much I love talking about
the Eucharist and the Catholic social teaching of solidarity
(considering I did draft an entire college essay on it), but just
when I thought I couldn’t love it any more, Jesus proved me wrong
(as he often does). It was truly a beautiful experience to witness
people all across the globe celebrating Mass in the same order as us
and consuming the same body of Christ as us. By being forced to focus
only on the present, I was able to see the Universal Church fully
present in that Mass. I remember always learning that catholic means
universal, but I never really understood it until this moment.
As
I eventually come home, I want to take this experience with me by
being more open and joyful towards our family trips to India. In
previous years when we visited relatives in India, I was always
closed off to Mass because it bored me since I had no clue what they
were saying, nor did I put in effort to participate. Each day here
has reaffirmed me that when we take the slightest moment to be still
in the presence of God, He rewards us tenfold.
For
these unpredictable days and relaxing instances of being wrapped in
the Lord’s sweet love, I am ever grateful.
P.S.
Mom, Dad, Breigh, and Casie- I’m praying for y’all and miss and
love you!
