In one month from today a deadline will arrive that I have set with Cap Corps. Volunteers. Friday, March 7th, 2008 is that day, which is ironically a “new moon.” This means that at 12am on March 8th, if my visa has not arrived, I will be unpacking about 100 lbs. worth of traveling bags.

It’s a black or white, night or day, go or stay deadline.

This is very upsetting to me on many levels, not to mention a profound source of anxiety. Still, it’s a step I feel I must take. I need some assurances; I need to move on with my life. (My patience tank is on empty and I barely have a desire to go anymore.)

Unless something miraculous or unforeseen happens post-deadline, I will be making other arrangements in my life.

I am not about to post reasons for this decision here, but I would be happy to talk about it. I have given this enormous thought and consideration. I hope this dramatic approach doesn’t alarm anyone. Those who know what I have been through appreciate this decision.

May His will be done.

In an epic battle, 7th ranked Michigan State Spartans fall to the wounded and struggling Penn State Nittany Lions in (very) Happy Valley.

Freshman Talor Battle was one of the stars in this huge win, but..

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 …some experts say that William Leiner III made all the difference in leading the team to victory.

For details on the game CLICK HERE

 

(for those who don’t know Will is my baby brother)

There is still no word on my work visa. Though my time here is far from a waste I feel unproductive and stuck, just waiting around for my ever-evasive departure date. Patience is not a virtue I excel in.

Although I would rather leave within the next few days, it appears I will celebrate my birthday with family. I am very happy about this, especially because they would like to see me. I will miss them so much…

I tend to think that once I am there I will wonder what all the impatience and rush was for. Still, I need to get acclimated to the new culture, climate, and surroundings quickly. The school year starts February 18th and I hardly know the difference between an adverb and an adjective! (I hope they are not expecting English teacher of the year.)

Oh well, I have always been able to turn a few lumps of coal into diamonds.

Lord have mercy…

During my time in Washington, DC I fell in love with a beautiful woman. Although there were numerous reasons why it didn’t happen sooner, it took seven lonely years before I had a girlfriend. What were the chances that I would fall in love three months before departing to paradise? I have no idea, but I do know that I have left paradise in deciding to leave her.

 

(Great Sushi)

(Great Flan)

(Great Game)

(Many Great Times…)

 

Getting to this phase in my life was an enormous challenge. Even as I type this I’m still waiting for my visa. Hopefully I’ll get it in a day or two so I’ll be able to leave in under two weeks. Truthfully, much of this process has been an absolute nightmare. Had I known it would have been so trying, it’s unlikely I would have taken this leap of faith. However, in the grand scheme of things, the cross has been bearable. Many sacrifices were made. I had a good job with great potential. I loved the area. I had many family and friends there. Still, something deep within me was missing. I felt I was being called in a different direction.

In the midst of discerning my vocation to the priesthood/religious life, I discovered an opportunity to serve in Papua New Guinea for two years. Hearing about a former missionary’s experience animated my imagination as he spoke of exotic regions and peoples, half way around the world. I cannot say that my initial attention was solely to serve the poor and the lost. No, it was largely selfish. In some ways it’s still is, though I attempt to spring all my actions from a pure heart. The program I came to know is through Cap Corps. Volunteers.

To the right of me is Br. Jim. He was the one who originally convinced me of the program. Since that time he has been a strong support through this frustrating process.

To the left of me is Fr. Bill. He’s the head guy where I’ll be staying in Madang, PNG.

All the phases of my training were helpful and enlightening. Most parts of the application/visa process were a pain in the ass.

The first stage was spending approximately two months in a suburban parish in York, PA. (Saint Joe’s York, PA) It was a great time of prayer, service, and community living. I was exposed to many different ministries. The people were fantastic; I was especially impressed by their dedication and charity. Saint Joe’s is a very wealthy parish with many successful professionals, however, it has wide arms that certainly embrace the outcast and the marginalized. Of course, this is how a church should be.

St. Joe’s Capuchin Friars

Fr. Joe, Br. Mike, Fr. Louis, Fr. Robert

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The second stage of the program was at Franciscan Mission Service in Washington, DC. The best part of the program was the people and the community life. The goal of FMS is to enable missionaries (a.k.a. missioners) to be mentally, spiritually, and emotionally prepared for their respective countries. There was also an emphasis on country study so each individual could be better informed on their particular placement. Though I found elements of the FMS program a little unorthodox, overall, it was a wonderful experience with great people. Living in the DC area was also a real treat. I had the opportunity to explore many places I would have likely never experienced.

Franciscan Mission Service

Megeen (Director), myself, Connie, Sharon, Iga (Society of Missions for Africa), and Chris

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Next stage: I really want to get out of this country soon! Yes, I will miss my family. I will miss my friends. I will miss many “conveniences.” However, the fact is I have been going through this process far longer than I should have. (So it seems) My patience will not last forever. I need to move on with my life, whatever that may mean.