Thank You Jesus.

As I gaze outside the frosted window and the snow is gently falling to the ground, it’s hard to believe one week ago I was boarding a plane to leave the beautiful sunny land of Zambia. My time in Zambia as a Dominican Volunteer was filled with a bundle of blessings – joyful and challenging times. Before departing from Zambia, one of the Sisters asked what the “Golden Thread” was throughout my experience. I am blessed to say the golden thread for me was “Gratitude.”

My heart is filled with gratitude. For the opportunities and experiences made possible by DVI, the sending community Dominican Sisters of Peace in Columbus and receiving community Dominican Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heard of Jesus in Zambia.

Sometimes God gives us opportunities that are far beyond our wildest dreams, past our deepest desires. It’s in these moments He gets our attention to teaches us some of the greatest lessons about life and about His love for us. My experience leading up to my departure to Zambia, my time spent in Zambia, and now upon my return – I am experiencing God in ways I have never expected. My heart has been forever changed by the country, the people, the experiences and the challenges.

My prayer is for future volunteers to be open to hear God’s call and to be flexible for the Holy Spirit working in their lives and in their mission. My prayer is for the volunteers to have a heart of courage and compassion – for the ability to hear the whisper of God’s voice amidst loud voices in this world.

May DVI and all the Sisters who accompanied and supported me in this journey be forever blessed in their vocations – may they be filled with deep peace and joy in serving God and His people.