As Lent Begins

I don't know if it is politically correct to say so, but Happy Lent! I hope that everyone got all of the partying out of them over our retreat, Valentines Day, and Mardi Gras :).

Since coming home from our retreat (which was absolutely amazing!), things have really picked up speed. On Tuesday my supervisor formally offered me a job for after I finish my DV year. I was flattered by such a strong display appreciation for what I have been doing here at Casa. I have a week to let her know my decision, and I am doing my best to give it due consideration. I am still leaning towards teaching in the fall, but I don't want to overlook this opportunity.

Then, yesterday we had people over to interview for the 2 open casework positions . I am sooo ready for them to begin and get settled so that I can pass on to them and the current caseworkers all of the things I am doing that the caseworkers should be doing.

Currently, I am swinging between the two extremes of wanting the future to come now so that I can begin the rest of my life and really needing extra time (I don't know where it is going to come from) to think and pray about and plan and work towards the rest of my life.

This leads me into my 'Facebook status' that Stefanie forgot to ask me about. I think my status would say something like "Casa and Genesis House: Temporary homes, preparing for the future" (fyi, Genesis House is the name of my community). In both Houses/Casas, people are in transition. A common phrase at Casa is that we are "preparing the children for permanency." Even though Casa and many of its employees have been around for a long time, we try to always recognize that the children's lives are on hold while they are in our care and that our goal is for them to be better prepared for the next part of their lives.

Similarly, Genesis House is the formation house for the Dominican Sisters of Houston. As Sr. Pat likes to say, we are the "revolving door community." People are in and out, year to year if not more frequently. This gives the sense that, while we have a good community now, it is not a lasting situation. While I do think that both Casa de Esperanza and the Dominican Sisters of Houston will be a part of my life even after this year is over, I also have a strong feeling that where I am now is not permanent.

In all truth, not too many things in our lives are or will be permanent, but right now I am especially in-tune with the fact that my current situation is temporary. It also remindes me of what Lynn Allvin said at Orienation, that we are voluntarily displaced during our time of service.

In light of my (much longer than I had anticipated) post, I challenge you, my fellow DVs, to share your experience of being in ministry and community temporarily and as a voluntarily displaced person.

On a similar note, I would like to hear what other people are doing for Lent, especially for the accountability. My action for Lent is that I am going to set aside time every day to pray and listen to God.

Many blessings during this Lenten season!

With Love,
Kristen