We're Back!

Hey everyone!

Just a quick message so that you know Brendan and I are back from Ireland safe and sound! The Irish landscape was lovely, but the Irish people were more lovely. Even during the couple of days when it was rainy and cold outside, we got a taste of incredibly warm Irish hospitality. The time with Tom, Tina, Orla, and Robert was a little piece of heaven for us because it was like a little piece of home. Hopefully we will be able to go back someday, but at least for now it has been quite an adventure and a really rewarding trip.

Brendan took a ton of good pictures and we'll put those up as soon as we can. Hope everything is well at home and we'll talk to you soon!

Always,

Rachel and Brendan

Happier Things : )

Okay, the election is over and we’ll see what happens. On to happier things! This Saturday Brendan and I leave to visit Ireland. We have a five day break from training so we’ll be flying up and staying with Tom and Tina and seeing a little bit of the country. All the Downeys that have been to Ireland: please e-mail us and let us know if there are any must-see spots around Tom and Tina’s house. We have just three full days to see whatever we can, so advice is definitely appreciated. Thanks!

Even more importantly, my brother James is turning 16 on November 6^th. This is a day he has eagerly waited for! I’m sure that he will celebrate his birthday in the DOT getting his driver’s license : )

From left to right: Johnny, James, Phil, Isaac, and Zach pose next to a cascading waterfall in the Colorado Rockies during vacation.

James is active in choir and football. He can sing like an angel, and has just made the top court for the Dowling Choir’s madrigal dinner (along with Phil), which is a big honor. But he also has an intensity that is perfect for football. When James is in the zone I would hate to be in his way. He’s hardcore and does all of the football training and then for fun he’ll run with his Cross Country friends who run six or seven miles a day. He is also incredibly intelligent and excels in school.

One of my favorite memories of James is that during high school and when I would come home from college, James would always wander into Laura and my room when we were studying. Then, while pacing constantly, he would talk and talk and talk…about everything! I have a feeling he could talk for days if he had the opportunity : ) That kid’s mind and body are always going a mile a minute.

When he was little, he used this creative energy to build block forts and houses. We thought he might grow up to be an architect, because he could play with blocks and legos forever and designed pretty cool things. Even in recent years, he has made and painted many elaborate models (mostly Star Wars) that look really good. Who knows where God will take him, but we know he’ll be successful!

I’m so proud of him. Over the past few years especially I’ve seen him growing up a lot in how he relates to other people, in controlling his intensity, and in learning how to be gentle and strong. He also has done a great job of picking friends that will push him toward God and that love the outdoors, sports, and have a great sense of humor. As I get older I realize more and more that the people you choose as friends have a huge impact on how you think and act (good or otherwise). James has chosen wisely in that area.

Finally, here’s James doing the Alligator Dance at Brendan and my wedding. I’m so happy that James and all my siblings are not afraid to be crazy and have fun (doing things that don’t endanger your health, just your pride). These are the classic things I’ll remember about James forever. Stay awesome James - happy birthday!

Love Always,

Rachel and Brendan

Election Countdown

Dear family and friends, I hope that you are excited for this Tuesday! The question that has been haunting us constantly for the past two years will have a definitive answer and we will begin to deal with the consequences.

I can’t tell you how wonderful it has been living in Italy during the last months of preparation for the U.S. Election! Brendan gets updates on the internet, but other than that we are FREE from the incessant commercials and hype. Ok, that’s partially because we watch almost no TV too – whenever Sister Pat turns it on for the news they’re broadcasting on the U.S. election also. The whole world is watching and waiting just like we are.

So what are you going to do? Vote? I hope so. We just sent in my absentee ballot today, and Brendan’s was sent in three weeks ago (it’s a long story…). It’s so nice to have it sent, so that our votes can hopefully make a difference.

Brendan and I have been praying daily for the result of the election and for America in the future, regardless of the decision on November 4^th. I know many of you have been doing the same. Keep it up – prayer is powerful and effective, especially when combined with action!

So who will you vote for? It’s easy to get very emotionally involved because politics is a subject that really exposes our values. But emotions aside, it’s easier to think logically in terms of numbers. It’s almost necessary when both major parties have a lot wrong with their judgment. Until there is a political party that truly values the dignity of all people of all ages, and applies that value to the laws of the state and country, we will be stuck in this horrible position. Here are the numbers on some very important issues…

Death Penalty – 42 deaths in the U.S. by death penalty in 2007
www.deathpenaltyinfo.org This is becoming less of an issue as more states make the death penalty illegal.

Euthanasia – 49 deaths in Oregon in 2007 http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/pas/docs/year10.pdf

There are not many because currently only Oregon has legal euthanasia. But it will become more and more of an issue because many states have been trying to get it formally legalized (but have been unsuccessful as of yet).

Embryonic Stem Cell Research – I spent twenty minutes trying to find stats on how many embryos/babies were destroyed for research in 2007, but couldn’t find anything specific except that pro-embryonic stem cell research people are hoping to get people to donate at least 200,000 from infertility clinics.

This also is an issue that will become more and more prevalent if democrats are elected. Bush compromised and gave federal funding to start 78 lines of embryonic stem cells (lines made by destroying many embryos), but banned more funding in the future. The Democratic parts of Congress have been trying to override that ruling during his term, but have been unsuccessful. It will undoubtedly come up again in the future.

And to clarify, I have no problem with adult stem cell research which has been VERY successful in curing illnesses (I think it was more than 70 conditions as of now). If no embryos are used then no human life has to be destroyed in the process.

War

4,189 U.S. casualties in the Iraq War so far.
http://edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2003/iraq/forces/casualties/

There have been an estimated 1,203,640 U.S. casualties in ALL wars the U.S. has been involved in, as of January 2007. Plus a few more with some casualties in the Iraq War from January last year until now.
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_many_US_soldiers_were_killed_in_all_wars_fought_by_the_US

Keep in mind that this is the number of casualties during more than 200 years of fighting wars!

Abortion –

Approximately 49,915,600 babies have been killed since abortion was legalized in 1973. That’s almost 50,000,000 deaths in 35 years! That dwarfs the number of U.S. soldiers killed in all our wars! You may begin to see why many people treat this as a single election issue.

And if you'd like to compare the numbers to the other issues listed above, there were approximately 1,287,000 abortions performed in 2007. The disproportionate effect this issue has on our country cannot be ignored.

These numbers are from the Alan Guttmacher Institute, the research institute that gets numbers directly from Planned Parenthood abortion providers and tracks data for the govt. http://www.nrlc.org/Factsheets/FS03_AbortionintheUS.pdf

If that many babies have been casualties of abortion, imagine the far reaching emotional and physical effects on the parents, especially the mothers, on the misguided doctors who perform the abortions, and our society whose conscience dies little by little as we accept this tragedy. Not only that, but what example are we giving to the other countries of the world? Being in Italy has really made me understand that American standards have had a big impact on most countries. That’s a lot of responsibility.

Mother Teresa said, “For me life is the most beautiful gift of God to mankind, therefore people and nations who destroy life by abortion and euthanasia are the poorest – for they have not got food for one more child, home for one old person. So they add one more cruel murder into this world.”

She also said, “It is very painful to accept what is happening in Western countries: a child is destroyed by the fear of having too many children and having to feed it or to educate it. I think they are the poorest people in the world, who do an act like that. A child is a gift of God!”

And again, “Abortion is the killer of peace in the world…the greatest destroyer of peace, because if a mother can destroy her own child, what is left for others but to kill each other? There is nothing to prevent them.”

Mother Teresa applied Jesus’ love in our times – her life was spent living with the poor, lavishing love on them. She knew that abortion does not help – it can only hurt. In fact, a topic that took up a significant part of her Nobel Peace Prize speech was a complete rejection of abortion and challenging us to stop slacking on the life issues.

I don’t expect you to be the next Mother Teresa, but these are the values and responsibilities that Jesus gave us and that are consistent with the dignity of every person. If you consider yourself a person of faith you’d better be intimately involved with both alleviating poverty (physical and spiritual) and protecting the most vulnerable (the unborn children and the elderly among others) in your actions, including the way you vote. Most of the republicans I know are people who are pro-life in their voting and actions and they are giving their time and treasure to the poor. But in my experience I haven’t met many democrats who are actively pro-life, which makes me sad. I would love to be shown otherwise, but I’ll wait for that day.

I voted for John McCain and Sarah Palin because Barack Obama has a 100% voting record for the NARAL for the past few years (meaning that the leading pro-choice organization gave him an A+ for voting perfectly in support of abortion). He also voted against banning partial birth abortion, a horrible procedure where a baby is being born and is halfway outside the mother's body and is killed. I won’t say how it's done here, but it brings me almost to tears when I think about it. http://www.ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm

The murder of the innocents is of prime importance to me. To be honest, I checked out the voting records on life issues for each of the president and vice president candidates and the only one that was really good was Sarah Palin. I would vote for her for president if I could because of a solid stance on most of the life issues. McCain is a bit more iffy, but much better than Obama or Biden. So it's a sad state of affairs, but I do know that McCain will do a better job of protecting the innocents and has the international experience to make things better. But I don’t put all my hope in a president (thank goodness!) because there is only so much that a president can do. What I wish for America is a change of heart and a return to what’s really important.

God bless America…

~ Rachel and Brendan

A Tribute

We’re more than halfway through our formation, and it’s about time we told you about the people who are helping us on this journey.

Sister Ana Florinda is our Tetum teacher and is a Canossian Sister from East Timor. We meet with her for two hours on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for our lessons. Right now she’s in Rome studying, and then she will go back to a mission in Indonesia (right next to Timor).

She is one of the most optimistic people that I know and her laugh is long, loud, and contagious : ) Just thinking about her makes me smile. She seems to be one of those magic people who can go through horrible things and suffer much, and just let it go. Sometimes she tells us about Timor and she’s not afraid to tell us the good and bad and lay it out where we can see it, but in a second or two she’s smiling her huge smile and laughing at our pronunciation : )

She has the true joy that knows even if there is some pain it is temporary, and knowing Jesus and living for Him is worth infinitely more. There is nothing we should fear. That’s something that’s always good to hear, but to see someone who lives in that reality is way better!

Sister Mel has to be included too, even though we don’t have a picture yet! We’ve been getting to know her only lately, but she’s been part of our recreation time so she gets a special tribute : ) Sister Mel (Melissa) is from Brisbane, Australia, like most of Brendan’s extended family. She was a VOICA volunteer in Malawi, Africa, for a month and she said that it stole her heart in that short time. From there her spiritual journey led her to join the Canossian Sisters.

She was a P.E. teacher! Our tribute to her is for her soccer skills! She said she hasn’t played much soccer, but she played field hockey in Australia which she described as “rugby with a stick” : ) You could tell too – she was tough! She and I took on Brendan and Chris, and even though they pulled off a win it was very close (and she was playing with a skirt and dress shoes on – I have no doubt when we play again we’ll put up even more of a fight ; )

Then there is Diggy, pictured here with Chris working on supper. A forty year old Filipina who looks like she’s in her late twenties and acts like she’s younger (in a good way). She’s a great cook and has a voice like an angel. She has an incredible story and has been all over the world, working as a missionary for two years in Papua New Guinea and for two years in Togo, Africa.

She wanted to be a Sister, but had too many health problems. She has had many operations on her spine, one that left her partially paralyzed. She is strong and optimistic and is now able to walk again with a lot of hard work on her part and the help of a many miracles from God.

Right now she is helping the Sisters in Rome with all the little details and assisting in our sessions. She led us on a week long Youth Encounter retreat. She has done these all over the world, but it doesn’t seem like it ever gets old to her. During the retreat we had a chance to get to know ourselves, each other, and God better. We all took it pretty seriously and were able to open up about deeper stuff. It was a chance to really think about spiritual side of life and apply it to your head and heart.

Next is Sister Lisa. She is from California and came to Rome to study Theology and was asked to stay with the Sisters here. Right now she is the person who keeps all the computers up to date and maintained, as well as doing sessions with us (she speaks English and Italian, which are the two main languages of the volunteers).

She’s very down to earth and good with people. It’s funny to hear her talking about updating her iTunes or referencing normal young people things. She is also very open and isn’t afraid to break through the teacher role and share personal stories that we can relate to.

She took us through sessions on the seven sacraments with a lot of information that we’ll be able to share with the kids in our classrooms in East Timor. It was something that most of us thought we knew pretty well, but I learned a lot more about the history and lots of scripture to back them up and great quotes from top spiritual thinkers. It was a good review.

She’s also led us in more informal sessions on personality types. For about a week we tried to find out what our dominant types are, our strengths and weaknesses, and how that effects our reactions with others. We also tried to apply how Jesus showed the strengths of each personality type, giving us an example.

Living in community (sharing everything) with different types of people with different cultural backgrounds, things can get strained if you expect the other person to be just like you. So it’s been good and Sister Lisa is a great teacher, who we’ve learned a lot from academically and at a deeper level.

And finally, Sister Pat, the genius who coordinates all the international missions and our daily lives in Rome. Here she’s pictured holding a heart made for her by the last group of volunteers with all of their handprints. Sister Pat is still a mystery to many of us, but she is loved and respected very much.

She is sooo much like my Dad! Sometimes Brendan jokes that Sister Pat is really my Dad in disguise and that he has followed us here to make sure we’re ok : ) Ok, it’s a joke, but sometimes we wonder…

Sister Pat is one of the most intelligent people I’ve ever met in my life. She was in her first year of medical school when she decided to become a Canossian Sister. She explained her decision to us: she knew that Jesus would be able to find doctors if that’s who He needed, but the one thing that Jesus can’t and won’t do is force someone to love Him. She strongly desired to fill that need: to love Jesus passionately and offer her life and whole heart to Him. I have no doubt that Sister Pat would have finished medical school with flying colors and could now be a wealthy doctor, but what an adventure her life is now!

She is also one of the most perceptive people that I have ever met. She notices everything and she’s not afraid to give compliments or let you know if it would be better if you did things differently. She’s a valuable friend to have around because she’ll give it to you straight, and doesn’t waste time trying to give warm fuzzies first. You know that a compliment from her is one well earned.

Because we all respect her it is sometimes difficult to accept her constructive criticism. But we can tell that this has happened with past volunteers, but that when they got to the mission site they were so thankful for her! She tells us directly things we need to be doing to get ready, and stories of volunteers who haven’t and the have experienced the consequences (example: slacking in your cleaning = giant insects and rats!).

Dad, in case you’re wondering, the reasons that you and Sister Pat are similar are: you are incredibly intelligent, perceptive, and you are often the center of things socially. Your opinion is respected because you aren’t afraid to tell someone the uncomfortable truth that might help them grow. And the same as Sister Pat: a compliment from you is a compliment that means a lot. So it’s a good thing : )

So those are the key people responsible for our formation. The first month and a half has been such a blessing, and it is so perfect that I know Jesus must have had this in mind for us. We’ve have grown a lot already, and having this time to focus on faith before we go to East Timor will no doubt make us more effective in our mission.

Wishing you all the best!

Rachel and Brendan

Saint Peter's Basilica: Round Two

It’s been good day… Things have been fairly relaxed around here this week, much more so than past weeks. Today we didn’t have an afternoon session so Brendan and I were able to sneak away for a free tour of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The tour was great! Wow! It was so much better this time to learn more of the depth and history of the area. To me it was a symbol of Catholicism: the first time we just came away impressed by how it was big, beautiful, and pointed to God’s greatness! But there was so much more to be discovered! And with a little help whole layers of depth and history we’re unpacked before our eyes. Especially the depth of the design and the theological truths that went into all of the art – everything means something.

The first part of the tour we learned more about St. Peters Square. It was built in the shape of a key, because Christ gave Peter the keys to the Kingdom. Above a gorgeous colonnade are hundreds of statues, 99% of whom were martyrs for the faith. As the statues deteriorate they are replaced by more recent saints. The latest statue to go up is that of Saint Therese of Liseux, a French saint from this century, who was named a Doctor of the Church by Pope John Paul II.

This was really cool to hear for many reasons:

1.) Saint Therese reminds me of my sister Laura. She read St. Therese’s memoir, Story of a Soul, and I know it had a big effect on her. For the past few years she has had a quote by St. Therese on our whiteboard in our room at home. It was something about asking Jesus to burn like a fire more and more within her. If you see her, ask Laura to tell you what it is because it was really good.

2.) Saint Therese’s example and writing were ones that inspired Mother Teresa of Calcutta to become the incredible woman that she was. Mother Teresa’s name was Agnes, but she chose the name Teresa after St. Therese when she became a Sister. Mother Teresa is basically my hero and her writings and example have played a major role in my spiritual growth these past few years. So as she inspires me, St. Therese inspired her.

Because St. Therese inspired Mother Teresa, I am currently reading Story of Soul to see what so captivated MT. I’m about halfway through and it’s amazing! It helps me to see the beauty in childlike faith and the importance of loving Christ passionately : )

Also outside, this is where Pope John Paul II was shot in an assassination attempt when he was going through the crowd during his Wednesday papal audience. Even though so many of us would be bitter or frightened, he continued the papal audiences and more importantly was a beautiful example of Christ when he visited the assassin while he was in prison and forgave him.

Here are the Swiss Guards - basically body guards of the Pope. They may look harmless and mostly for show, but they are trained by the American Secret Service. A few guards are always around in this garb for decoration, but most of them can be seen in dark suits and ties walking around the grounds, like real Secret Service.

Our guide told us that the requirements for being a Swiss Guard are that you are Swiss, Catholic, and about 5’10” or taller. Most of the Swiss Guards begin when they are around 20-25 years old. Their initial term of service is 3 years and then they can decide if they want to stay and make a career out of it, or move on to something else.

Then we moved into the church. As you walk into Saint Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world, you enter the ‘vestibule.’ Around the top of the area are 33 statues with the names of the early Popes, the successors of Saint Peter, all who were martyred. These popes only served for months at a time because as soon as a new Pope was elected, they were sought out and executed by the Roman emperors.

The Basilica was built around the time of the Reformation and subtle answers to the accusations that the Church had lost her way were worked in to the art work. These 33 statues show that the Catholic Church was built on the blood of the martyrs, including these first successors of Peter, whose authentic faith was evidenced in the sacrifice that they made. These popes were true servant leaders, who led the Christians faithfully.

From the vestibule you go through more doors with engravings of the preaching and martyrdom of Paul and Peter. Paul is pictured with a sword and a book because scripture is like a double-edged sword and Paul wrote most of the New Testament. Peter is pictured handing off the keys of the Kingdom that Jesus gave him specifically when Jesus said to the disciples “Who do you say that I am?” and Peter answered that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God.

The bottom panel shows how they were martyred, Paul by being beheaded (since he was a Roman citizen) and Peter by being crucified upside-down because he said he was not worthy to die in the same way that Christ did. Peter was actually martyred in an arena that was right in front of where the church is now and the church was built over where he was buried.

Then if you stand at the back of the church, there is a circle of beautiful red marble. Nowadays it is worth more than gold because there is no more to be mined. It was taken from Egypt by the Romans when they conquered it and was used in Rome as the place where emperors were crowned. At the time the Romans were using it, if you weren’t an emperor or a very important person and you dared to walk across the circle, you were immediately executed. Later in history it was given to the Church and now it sits in the back of Saint Peter’s proclaiming that those who enter are much loved and kings and queens in God’s eyes.

One of my favorite parts was seeing the pillars that are the main supports for the church. They are fairly simple, but they have statues on the inside that you see as you look toward the altar at the front of the church. The statues on these pillars are all of monks, sisters, etc. all who were known for the way they cared for the poor and made Jesus known through acts of charity. They wanted to represent that this is a core value of the Catholic Church, one that is near and dear to Jesus’ heart. This core value is near and dear to Brendan and my hearts too, so it was great to hear.

And the art! Did you know that there are no paintings in Saint Peter’s? I definitely didn’t! All the artwork are mosaics based off of Michaelangelo and Raphael’s paintings that are now in the Vatican Museum. The artists had their students painstakingly place small colored tiles or stones into the pattern prescribed by their paintings. I can’t imagine how long it took because the mosaics are everywhere and so detailed!

And then to see the main altar…on the pillars that surround the main altar are mosaics of the four Gospel writers Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John (the circles above the lights). So not only is caring for the poor a core value of the Church, but the exceptional appreciation for the truth of the Word of God in the Bible is depicted in prominent places and it is preached from this altar.

It’s tough to see in this picture, but the altar is part of a dedication to the Trinity. Directly above the altar in the top of the dome is a depiction of God made by one of the great painters. Directly below that on the decoration above the altar there is a carving of dove that is often used to symbolize the Holy Spirit. And directly below that is the actual altar where Jesus comes to us in the Eucharist. So in one line from the top to bottom of the church they have a symbol of the Trinity.

It was definitely a good afternoon for Brendan and I, with a great chance to look into the depth of the church. And this blog is just the tip of the iceberg, even of what we learned during the tour! We hope that all of you get to come here someday! K, gotta go!

Love,

Rachel and Brendan

Crazy CARITAS

Yesterday Brendan and I have been married for five months! We celebrated by going to help at Caritas. Every Friday we have the pleasure of helping out at this Catholic soup-kitchen/medical clinic/huge shelter in downtown Rome.

Every time we go I notice new things. It’s similar to helping out at soup kitchens at home, but because of the language barrier we spend more time observing than in conversation.

Last night Brendan was “body guard,” in charge of easing the people in a reasonable pace, and I was a water girl with Michela and Sali. It was tough work, but much more rewarding. The other jobs are giving people tickets, giving them trays, and giving them their choice of food, all of which occur quickly and with a counter separating you. Being out among the people was my favorite job so far, even without knowing much Italian (but we get better every week).

The people are the same as in shelters everywhere, but you see what you want to see. Some volunteers might come and notice only the drug addicts and prostitutes. But when you observe more closely you will see that many people are there because health afflictions have bankrupted them or because they are refugees who have been sent to Italy.

There are many cute older people there who walk with short shuffling steps. During the minutes it takes them to shuffle from their table to the door, they always yell a friendly goodbye. I’ve seen people with urine bags hanging out of their cargo pockets and people struggling to walk with special types of braces.

And you wouldn’t believe the number of refugees that we see at Caritas. Because Italy is just over the Mediterranean Sea from Africa, many refugees are sent here. Every week we meet refugees from Nigeria, Somalia, and Ethiopia, among other African countries. They are all very nice, but frustrated. They spend all day looking for jobs in Italy, but can’t find one. They don’t have a place to stay, so unless they get a spot in Caritas or other shelters they sleep in groups on the street. They speak English or French, and like us they have to learn Italian gradually. They really seem to want to work and even have asked if they could volunteer at Caritas like us, because people need meaningful work to feel like they have value.

On our way to and from Caritas we see many Africans who look like refugees bedding down for the night with the homeless on the streets. We saw men who looked like they had been highly educated in their countries wearing suit coats you could tell had once been expensive and nice. They wander the streets and headed toward Caritas toward dinner.

All I can think of is what if our family was in the same situation - how frustrating it would be for my parents… to be well educated, maybe top of your field as an engineer or a doctor in your home country, and then forced to go to soup kitchens for food because you couldn’t get a good job in the country you had been sent to for safety and a better life. I think it is must be hardest on the older adults. When you are young it could be an adventure, but being middle aged and having to start over would cause all but the most resilient people to despair.

Another group that many people would be surprised to see are the many women that come to Caritas for food and shelter. I’ve been really impressed with the number of women they are able to keep off the streets. And they have such stories… Last night I met Samantha and Nika. Samantha is a law student who just graduated and hasn’t been able to find work yet. Nika is young woman from Romania (a very poor country itself) who came to Italy to work for a family, but they treated her very badly and she left. I hear lots of stories, most that you wouldn’t expect to hear at a shelter.

But among all these struggles there are always the heroes: the people themselves who are trying to make the best of a bad situation, and the people that work or volunteer at Caritas. Every Friday at the front desk there is a Monsignor who reminds me of my Grandpa Bill by the way he looks and his mannerisms. He is a staple for the people that come and is always talking and joking with the people that come in. You can tell that he is their favorite.

There is also a man who gets the information from new people. He teaches Latin at the high school in Rome and he knows a little English. He has been helping at Caritas almost every Friday night for five years. He is so humble and was telling Brendan that he only wishes he could do more, that his work “is just a drop in the ocean” like Mother Teresa said. But it is a needed drop.

And finally there is Carlo. Carlo began working at Caritas nine years ago when he was our age (early 20s). He was so dedicated to this place that he worked his way up from being the guy at the front gate to the head of the soup kitchen and helps coordinate the meals. Carlo is a people person who speaks Italian and English and he spends the whole night supervising and making sure that things run smoothly. He is kind and funny, but he can also be tough when someone starts yelling. The people know that he cares about them and they respect him.

It just goes to show you that the people that you want to be friends with are people who are deeply involved in service. Over the college years, the people on the Service and Justice Team at St. Thomas Aquinas were some of my very best friends. When you are surrounded by people who live to love God and other people you can’t help but be inspired to grow closer to God.

Please pray for the people at Caritas and the volunteers that serve them. And go serve at shelter near you! I can honestly say it was one of the best anniversary/dates we’ve had!

Love you all,
Rachel and Brendan

Bondia Timor Leste!

Ok, I suppose many of you are wondering if we’re any closer to knowing what’s happening with East Timor. We’ve been learning bits and pieces the whole time, but now we know more details.

We will be leaving Rome during the first few days of December, by December 3^rd at the latest. After a really long time flying, and a bus trip through West Timor to East Timor, we will make it to Dili. Dili is the capital of East Timor and the largest city. Brendan and I will stay in Dili, but Sali and Chris will continue on by bus to Baucau where they will live in the volunteer house with Dogmara (Sali’s sister).

Oh, and another important piece of information: since we are leaving for East Timor during the first few days of December, we will return to Rome at the very end of November and be home in Des Moines early next December – a month earlier than we anticipated! We’ll probably be dying of cold after a year of 100^o F days, but it will great to be home a month earlier than we thought.

Ok, more on where we’ll be staying. We just found out that Brendan and I will be staying with two Australian volunteers in the Dili volunteer house near Comoro, the name of the complex run by the Canossian Sisters.

The house we’ll be living in doesn’t look bad at all. To be honest it’s not much different from living in the Roman VOICA house. We really are getting back to the basics here – we cook on gas burners, no microwave, we dry our laundry outside, we don’t watch any TV…everyday is an adventure compared to the conveniences we’re used to. In Timor the house looks similar - little and very simple, but clean, which will be great!

Another picture of the volunteer house.

And now we know more about what the Sisters do in Dili and Baucau. In Dili the Comoro complex is home to all levels of school – kindergarten through college, has a boarding area for students that come from the country side, a church, an area for the community of Sisters, and a health clinic. Here are some of the pictures from past volunteers.

Past longterm volunteers by the classrooms. We heard that the volunteer house had a squatting hole-in-the-floor toilet before, but because of the volunteer second from the right was older and the squatting hurt her knees they got creative and made some type of makeshift toilet. Hopefully that’s still there!

Here are some of the primary school kids. We’re being especially groomed to be teachers in the school, because they’re really trying to teach the children English. Once we have a better grasp on Tetum we may be able to teach other classes too. They even have some old school computers and try to teach them the basics. With Australia so close, having English and computer knowledge can greatly improve their job prospects in a country where unemployment is one of the biggest problems.

They also have a health clinic at the school and that’s where I’m hoping to work in addition to teaching a bit. Sister Sonia, the volunteer coordinator for Dili, has asked Sister Pat for our resumes so she can start thinking about the best place to put us. Please pray that God puts us in the jobs He wants us.

And here are some more pictures of volunteers in classrooms. It gives us an idea of what it might be like for us.

This is the college section of the school.

The Sisters are obviously doing a great job of trying to lift the people up here spiritually and with a quality education. The pictures look fairly calm and not so different from home, but the reality is that Dili and all of East Timor were ripped apart by violence and the destruction of most of their infrastructure only nine years ago during their struggle for independence.

Last night we watched a movie called Answered by Fire about East Timor’s independence in 1999 and the violence that followed. I felt like I was watching Hotel Rwanda again… but it felt closer, because the movie held the experience of the people who we are going to live among and serve. We will be teaching not Iowan children, but children and teens who may live with the memory of watching a relative be murdered by machete. They may still be trying to comprehend a world full of uncertainty and evil.

But the deep faith and their courage are apparent in what we have learned of their history, in the East Timorese we met at World Youth Day, and in our teacher Sister Ana Florinda. It is easy to act courageously when you know you are safe, but to be courageous when you know you will probably be killed for it, is completely different. I have never been courageous like that…

The movie makes me wonder who am I to be given the blessing of security based on the place I was born and family that I was born into? All I know is that to those who are given much, much is expected from (like in the parable of the talents). I have been given the world, a wonderful husband, family, and friends, and a confidence in an unconditional love, so it would be fair to expect that my whole time here on earth should be devoted to those who were given less by birth.

In the gospel at Mass this morning, God read my mind as He usually does. Still thinking a lot about the movie, I thought about the many people who risked their lives to save others when the Indonesian militias were on the rampage. And the part of Luke that was read was where Jesus says not to be afraid of those who can kill your body but can’t touch your soul, but be afraid of the one who can condemn your soul to hell. And I thought of the people who knew by faith that to do the right thing they might lose their life, but save their soul.

Brendan and I are blessed that God has allowed us on this trip to be history-makers with them as they form their new country. Hopefully we will be able to help in some incredibly small way, if only in showing solidarity with them. Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. We love you!

Always,

Rachel and Brendan