Hey, this is my first entry! As I sit here and reflect on the things that I have read in Josh and John's entires, it fills me with a sort of awe at how open these two young men are. I mean, sometimes I know that I am an open book, but I normally just keep most of my thoughts in a private journal, marked with the letters "FOR MY EYES ONLY." Granted, I doubt anyone would find anything interesting in there... However, on a postive note, seeings as how I always try to be postivie, I spent an hour with the Lord in Adoration on this the Feast of St. Nicholas. Ahh.... the blessings God has given me while I have been down here in Springfield. I never, in a million years, thought I would be called to teach, but lately as I spend my time teaching in RCIA and PSR, I truly feel that God calls me to teach while I am in the Monastery. Then there is the leadership qualities that I have found in myself since I have been down here. Getting Adoration together, mailing out fliers and bulk mailing, becoming floor president... God wanted me down here, if not just for myself, but for others. The people I have met of late are so amazing to me. Even with my extensive background of friends, I don't believe I have ever found such an inspiring group to befriend. I wonder sometimes if most of them think that perhaps they never teach me anything, but it is always astounding to watch as one of my friends grows, especially with me. Lately, as my life has become more complex and I get more adjusted to the life down here in Springfield, I often think that it would be nice to settle down, in a nice apartment, get a small job... perhaps a clothing store... and put God off for awhile. A lot of this has been surfacing beacuse of the knowledge of the things that I will be giving up... friends especially. I know that my calling lies in the Benedictines with vows of Stability, Conversion of Life, and Obedience. God wants me to be in Springfield at this time, but I know when I am ready... He will lead me to Conception Abbey....

Pax