A new "way of seeing"

Tomorrow we leave for Jamaica and I am torn. On the one hand, I want to be completely open to the experience and not have any expectations. I want to be expectant, but let go of my expectations. On the other hand, I certainly have expectations. Mostly, I am praying that my perspective will be changed by my time in Jamaica—my perspective on the poor, the world, God, myself. In short, I am hoping for a new “way of seeing.” Perhaps it’s my recent reading of Julian of Norwich and her emphasis that we must learn to see as God sees. Reading Julian called to mind something John Cusick often said when I heard him preach in Chicago—that we sin because we don’t see ourselves the way God sees us. John and Julian both agree that God’s way of seeing is love. I’m hoping my time in Jamaica will “open my eyes” to this way of seeing. This is my expectation, but who knows what God has in store for me, for us, for Mustard Seed? We’ll have to wait and “see.”

-Douglas Leal

A deep breath and then a release

It will be a matter of days and hours before our plane touches down in Jamaica. Our last meeting before the trip was a mixture of prayer, smiles and laughs. Some of us are concerned about being open to being a vessel for the work of God. Others are trying not to have expectations. We're all excited that one week from today we'll be sitting in Mustard Seed Communities.

With semester break peeking around the corner we are now kicking into high gear for our academics as well as our trip. Two of our members are completing the first draft of their thesis and others of us are preparing papers that are due this week.

Tonight, we discussed what emotions, smells and sights we will encounter as we touchdown in Montego Bay. Words such as community, cacophony, release, interesting smells and excitement rose during our conversation.

Having only known each other for a short while it will be interesting to see how our relationships develop in the next two weeks.

Logistics are planned out with drivers to and from the airport assigned. We are packing our things and gathering items such as sunscreen, bug spray, medications and water bottles.

We have a sending forth liturgy planned for 12:15 p.m. Tues. at the Holy Spirit Chapel at the STM.

It is hard to believe our trip is here after months of planning, fundraising and raising awareness.

We are unsure how the blogging will work at Blessed Assurance if it will work at all.
A running notebook(s) will be kept from each day and perhaps posted once we return.

Thanks for all your prayers, thoughts and kind words thus far. The most exciting part of our journey awaits.

Raising funds, awareness

The fundraiser was a success. Organizers estimated that 60 people came through the doors ready to donate, donate, donate. We raised just under $1,000 from Friday night's event that drew students, faculty, friends, and relatives.

We sold out of the homemade rum punch. The Jamaican food we served was devoured. And all-in-all folks stuck around and had fun.

Many of us on the team were surprised how successful we were pulling the two-hour event together. It was magical watching everyone in action.

Many of our silent auction items were sold. And folks seemed pleased with the items they walked away with.

We have our last formation meeting Sunday to talk about community. Wendy e-mailed us today and told us our project during our trip will be digging ditches and painting.

It is hard to believe that our trip is almost here.