Profession Anniversary

Today I celebrate the anniversary of my first profession.  

In 1999, I said Yes to living life as an Ursuline Sister of the Roman Union.  

It is hard to believe that was 14 years ago. 

 I can remember the day like it was yesterday.  

But when I think of all that has gone on since then, I realize it has been a while. 

Such a short time in the life span of so many of my Ursuline Sisters who celebrate 50, 60, 70 years. 

 I hope I can say that some day.

I am very happy that I said "YES".

Sr. Jeannie

Living Angela's Words

It has been almost a month since I last posted.  I promise to be better about this during this upcoming school year.

I  have a new full-time ministry at Concordia College, NY.  I am an Assistant Professor in the Teacher Education Program and mainly I teach graduate students interested in obtaining their masters in general and special education (grades 1-6).  This past few weeks have been an whirlwind of activity of meeting new people, learning new policies and getting used to a new routine. It's been a bit tough for me.

So I am going to live out the words of St. Angela Merici-founder of the Ursuline Sisters in 1535

Do something....Get moving... Be confident...Risk new things....Stick with it.....Get on your knees.. Then be ready for big surprises!!

Sr. Jeannie

Weather Struggles

Last week, it was very hot in New York City-high 90s each day but with humidity, the heat index was well into the 100s.  It was really miserable.  Today, though it is much cooler in the upper 60s.  I heard that in Malone, NY, it was 34 degrees this am.  Wow!

All last week, we complained of the heat and today I even heard someone say they were chilly.  Honestly, I was very hot and uncomfortable last week, but today I am just right.

I am struck by the fact that we can have such huge differences in temperture in such a short amount of time and in the same state.

When I was a child growing up, I went to the Catskills all summer long and we do not have air conditioning in our bungalow.  I was in that same Catskills resort this weekend and was grateful for the air-conditioning and am unsure if I would have survived staying there without it.

However, I don't remember it being as hot when I was a child.  But people are telling me it wasn't-the temperature nowadays are just extreme.

This is making me realize that something is happening within our atmosphere-the talk about climate change and global warming is true.  These are topics I have heard about but haven't paid attention to; however the recent weather is causing me to think I better!!

Connections

Last night, I was able to get to dinner with 2 Mercy Sisters who are around my age. We grabbed dinner together.

Both are nearby taking a week-long course with Ilia Delio, OSF on Love, Evolution and the Emergence of God. They spoke about how good the talks were and the importance of figuring out who and what it is that you love because then you will see and experience God.   Relationships are so vital to our living.  Also they mentioned how everything is always changing-nothing stays the same.

It was great to be able to connect with them, hear their stories and share about our heart's desires. Each one of us believes in the importance of community and sharing and we discussed how we have to continue to find different ways to nourish that desire. We encouraged one another to keep growing and evolving.

It was a great evening.

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Important Quotes to Remember

Faith makes all things possible.  

Life itself is not a destination; it's a journey.

Home

In the house where I had my novitiate training, we had in the kitchen a picture very similar to this.

Those words,  home is where the heart is, keep coming back to me. Currently, I'm visiting my Ursuline Sisters and friends in Malone, NY.  I spent four wonderful years in this town living with other Ursuline Sisters, teaching at the local public school and made many dear friends.  So many say Welcome Home to me when they see me up here and I have to admit I do feel at home-part of my heart is here.

However, parts of my heart can also be found in Soho, NYC, the Bronx, New Rochelle and other places that I have lived in and places where I have worked-SPN, Cooke Center, St. Ignatius. 

I guess that part of loving is sharing your heart and you always leave a piece behind. But I'm very fortunate I still get to touch into those home places through visits, memories and contacts with people via phone, Skype, or Facebook.

Thank you God for giving me so many homes and for allowing my heart to get touched!!

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Be Happy

Recently I relocated to a different apartment.

While I was going through my belongings, I came across the following mini poster:

The place to be happy is here; the time to be happy is now.

How true and I need to remember that. I can't keep thinking I'll be happy somewhere else or at another time.  Live in the present-find the enjoyable times now.

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu