Overwhelmed by Gratitude

This past week I was fortunate to head back out to the state that is round on the ends and high in the middle, the great OH-IO, in order to spread the word about my DVUSA experience. The trip sent me back with a wave of emotions ranging from sadness to overwhelming gratitude. As my alma mater was one of the schools I visited, I could not help but miss the friends and community I had during my four years at the University of Dayton.However, as I began to tell my friends (and some strangers) about my life with DV, I felt so much joy about my current ministry. As I watched the throngs of nervous college seniors (and JUNIORS for some reason...do they know they still have AT LEASE a year before they have to stress themselves out about their future?!?!) my heart was filled with compassion for their worry about their futures and I tried my best to ease their pain.

Thinkin back to that final year of college, I had no idea I woudl be working with DVUSA this year. My thoughts were towards getting and internship and eventually a job working with a human rights non-profit. However, God had quite a different plan and, when I think about what could have been, a BETTER plan for me. Although I must admit there are some days my heart aches for my friends and family to be near, it is nothin compared to the joy I feel when I'm working to help the women I teach. The perspective I get from thinkin about their lives of work, school and taking care of their families is humbling. To think I use to complain about getting out of work half an hour late! I was (and still am) lucky enought to be able to do something for myself when work is done. These women are constantly working for their families and their future and barely have enough time to sleep 5 hours a day let alone get some "me" time.

I suppose my trip back to my home state was more than just an opportunity for me to share my DVUSA experiences, it was an opportunity for me to realize life is a constant change and that's a GOOD thing. Had a spent another year at UD with my friends, I would have missed all I have with me now. I thank God for this year so far, for the rest to come and for whatever comes my way next.