Quarantine Coping

Although eventually I had no choice but to come home from my study abroad, for a time it was my decision. Even when I asked my mom and dad what I should do (read: please tell me what to do so I don’t have to choose) they left it in my hands. I had lots …

Well, that just happened

“Well that just happened.” That’s what I find myself thinking often, followed by laughing. You know those situations where you are just not sure what else to do in response? Something odd and unforeseen happens to or around you, but it is so unbelievable or out of the ordinary that a shrug doesn’t cut it …

Death with Dignity

Pope Francis is one of those well known humans that people of every faith and background can easily love. And so, I'll begin a tough subject with a quote of his, "A population that does not take care of the elderly and of children and the young has no future, because it abuses both its …

Heart Stirred: Go, Give AND Receive

Hi friends! I'm super happy to be able to bring you a guest writer for this week's bonus post! A stranger whom I quickly became good friends with, Tracie, will be bringing us back to my time in Belize, the second leg of my gap year. Enjoy, as I did! Belize 2.0 By Tracie Thibault …

In awe

A glimpse at my usual schedule, so far: Note- all of this is done in English (though their accents aren’t always easy to understand) 5:30am wake up 5:45 prayer with sisters and “the girls” in chapel (on the property) then drive about 10 minutes into town 6:30 Mass at St. Peter Claver Roman Catholic Church …

Little life-changers

My time volunteering locally is coming to an end. Early Thursday morning I will be getting on a plane to Belize City. Where I will be staying the next two months, Punta Gorda, Belize will have a low of 65°F that day. Here's hoping I won't have any trouble getting internet access and posting every …

Holiday Break Volunteering

As I've mentioned and I hope is evident, my gap year is not just me "taking a year off".  That being said, I have noticed a significant decrease in my stress levels compared to this time a year ago.  With Christmas on its way it feels like such a luxury to have the time and …

Bubble popped

Today I saw a group of nuns in habit for the first time since I graduated and I literally started beaming. They were just shopping in the same Lowe's as me, minding their own business. You see, I haven't just gone to Catholic schools all my life; I've gone to Catholic schools with nuns all …