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My dearests friends and loved ones–
As we come to a close fo the Christmas season, and after the Feast of the Epiphany, I am reminded of the Three Kings, The Magi. They follow the star over Bethelehem in order to find Jesus. When I began this journey almost two years ago, my motivation was the love of the youth and my urge to lead them closer to Christ. What I failed to realize was my own personal need to become closer to Christ. As I walk with God and search for Him more and more I find myself following a star that leads me to Jesus. That star is over Laredo, TX for the time being.
After prayer and discernment I have found myself in need for more time to know Jesus for myself. Normally this would not be a problem for the sisters–they are forever willing to grant each young woman however much time she needs to fully listen to God’s call. However, over the past four years as I went throught college, I took on loans to finance my education. The amount is quite large, so in order for myself to discern longer I asked the sisters’ permission to live within a community while working at one of their schools to pay back some of my educational debt.
While in Laredo I will continue my discernment of the religious life, living the religious life as closely as I am able while teaching at the 3 year old through 8th grade school. I am not sure what I will be teaching or waht capacity I will be involved in at the school, I just know I will be a paid teacher at Mary Help of Christians School. I will continue listening to God’s call to the religious life and in what capacity He wants me to serve him. The “rules and regulations” will be similar to my life in California, ie. early mornings, prayer, daily eucharist, and limited phone, internet and travel access.
I am quite saddened to leave California for I have fallen in love with the girls I live with, the students I teach, and the sisters I learn from. My leaving has little to do with my unhappiness but mostly because of my need for more time to discern God’s voice in my life. One of the priest’s here always mentions to take time each day and ask God, “What are you asking of me?” God is asking me to take more time to listen to His voice in order to find Him and become the best me.
I will be leaving California on Jan. 19 and travel by air to San Antonio, TX. From San Antonio, I will travel to Laredo and begin within the school the very next day. My mailing address will change, and will be as follows:
Mary Help of Christians Convent
10 East Del Mar Boulevard
Laredo, Texas 78041
My email and cell phone will remain the same. I do not know what God has in store for me once I arrive in Laredo, but I trust that I will find Him more clearly within Laredo. I trust in Him, to let His will be done. I ask for your prayers during this time of transition, as I am very scared to leave what has become familiar and comforting.
United in prayer,
Amy

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