Be Not Afraid - Formation Service Camp

I arrived in San Antonio, Texas on December 28th and will be here until January 16th. From December 28th until January 13th I was in Formation and Service Camp. My FSC group was composed of one male and three other females - all of us in our 20s, coming from all over the United States as well as Australia. During camp we lived at the Provincial House for the Western Province of Salesian Sisters in community with over 30 sisters. (For the record, no I am not becoming a nun). Every day began with mass and morning prayer with the sisters at 7am. We also shared all of our meals with the sisters in community. The love and prayers that these women of God have for each of us preparing for mission is so incredible. Upon arriving, we found that pictures of each of us were posted in the dining room to remind the sisters to pray for us. We had no idea, but a whole community had been praying for us long before they even met us. We were loved, hugged and encouraged daily. 

The Provincial House is an active community but also a retirement home for many sisters. The architect designed the building to look much like a Roman Villa would (seeing as the Salesians were founded in Italy). He believed that these women who have dedicated their lives to God deserve nothing but the best and so that is what they got. The architecture, design and details are absolutely stunning.

The first half of FSC was geared towards formation and the back half was more focused on service. Seeing as the organization is run by the Salesians, the basis of our formation was rooted in learning about the Salesian values, St John Bosco and St Mary Mazzarello. We spent a lot of time learning the Preventative Method of St John Bosco and the accompaniment style of St Mary Mazzarello. The value that really rings loudest for me is meeting children where they are and loving them for their successes as opposed to focusing on their weaknesses or shortcomings. 
The second half of camp we were able to put our education into practice and we ran a Bible camp for the children at the local housing projects.

As I compose this post, I am wrapping up my time here in San Antonio and prepare to head off to my mission site of Tampa, Florida. In Tampa, I will be working at the Mary Help of Christians Center. In Tampa, I will take with me the many lessons I learned in San Antonio. I will forever hold a special place in my heart for the Sisters and children that I have met while here. 

Thank you all again 

for reading this blog; moreover, for sharing this journey with me. 

Peace and Love 

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