A famous Jesuit, Pedro Arrupe, in his most famous prayer,
says, “Be in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything.” My first time
to Jamaica, I got the “Being in love” part down; the staying in love I thought
would be a challenge. As we got in the plane on Saturday, I recounted all of my
adventures, consolations, and desolations of the last trip and prepared myself
for this second chance to see if and how I could stay in love with the kids,
with the process, with the falling into discomfort, with everything. And this
trip has truly proved to be a great second chance, shared with these children
who so rightly deserve a second opportunity, and should not be abandoned again.
Today was an eventful day. Many of our team members got sick
so our planned trip to Jacob’s Ladder was quickly changed into a day of
painting and playing with kids at Sophie’s Place. Pushing forward through
changed plans, paint fumes, rain, the anxiety of who might fall next to the
looming stomach flu bug, and trying to serve the children in the best way, made
for a lot of opportunities for second chances, taking breaks and trying again,
preparing ourselves for the next time, and getting the support needed not to be
alone taking that second step.
That has been the most important thing for me and something
that has made me reflect on second chances. I wasn’t sure I was coming back, I
wasn’t sure if this was going to be a great time to give Jamaica a second
chance, but through preparation and experience behind me, and the support of
the team members whom I have either just met or whose relationship has strengthened
through these new experiences, I have given it a second chance, come a second
time, “stayed in love”--and that has made all the difference.
- Cecilia (2nd Year)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment