Hi Everyone,
As I begin this blog, I pay tribute to Jean Vanier who is 78 years old today. he is the founder of the L'Arche movement.
Well at the end of my first real week and it seems like I have been here for ever. I am really entering into the routine and doing some things automatically. The first week, I was like "O how am I going to remember all of this?" Now it is coming like I have been doing it for a while.
I drove Camilla, my co-house assistant to the airport and well for anyone who knows me, I left the house thinking "How do I get to the airport?" We left at 5am for the 7:30 flight in case I got lost. I was told to just go down Yonge street, turn west on the 401 and follow the airport signs. Well this is me we are talking about. I probably scared poor Camilla to death as I was doubting myself all the way down Yonge Street thinking I had missed the exit and would come face to face with the CN tower. Well finally there is the 401 but then I almost missed the exits two times to go to terminal 2 and almost took the airport road instead....I made it back safely and Camilla was probably relieved to get out of the car. I would have failed my driver's test with CAA easily this morning.
Tom Krusiak and I went to Mass this morning and I thought it bad the first Sunday. It was worse this morning. I grabbed a bulletin and was looking at the email and thinking.....I should write them, but then they will know who i am and Tom always wants to sit in the front row. It is just terrible. The priest giving the homily appeared out of thin air by the sacristy door for the gospel (which was read by the deacon) and then gave what I would not call a homily, but rather an explanation of the lives of the saints Martin de Porres and Bernadette. I will admit once again that the parishes back home spoiled me for good liturgy. I am considering pulling stakes and going somewhere else for mass. I also want to check out the United Church on the corner for something different. I hear there is some good stuff going on there.
On the way out of mass a lady stopped me and Tom and greeted us. It was Mary Bastedo who is part of the Daybreak community here and manages the Cedars retreat home on the property. I have heard about her from Phil and such wonderful things at that. Well he was not lying. She invited Tom and I for lunch and was a treat to talk with. I was able to share some the events of my year and my hopes and dreams ahead. It was like I knew her long before today. I have been blessed with the richness of people from Daybreak who are genuinely interested in my presence here and how I am doing. I am garnering a great support system and am thankful of that.
Well this afternoon it was out to Papa Joe's for coffee with Mike Ricci and then off to the public library with Tom, Kara and Mary Anne to pick up some books. I had to follow them around to make sure they were safe and that the content of the books were appropriate. It was fun to watch their excitement as they found books. Mary Anne found one and said "Yes this is the one I was looking for" It was a history of the United States. We had lots of laughs and this was is always so much fun for them.
Where Camilla is gone Carmen the house leader is here all week. It is getting us a chance to get to know one another. She is a neat lady and well structured and knows what needs to be done in the house, the little details that make for great care for the core members. After I finished supper, I cut the grass and helped John with his medication, shower and foot care. of course I helped Tom Krusiak with his teeth brushing which is always neat. You have to know Tom. He is gentle, humourous and deeply spiritual and you just can't help but love him no matter what he does. But that goes the same for all of them really. They all are so unique and lovable and most of all they are teachers and I am learning so much already.
Well I need to make a couple of phone calls and wish you all a good night and continue to ask for your prayers. My love to you all!
Jeff
