First of all we would like to apologize that it has been almost a month since our last post. Our goal is to share a blog once a week, or at least every two weeks, and we have fallen short.
Since our last blog, we have spent about two weeks back in Louisiana wrapping up Intake and participating in a week long retreat/ reflection period known as Year in Review. Most missionaries travel back to Louisiana for this retreat. It is a very grace-filled and busy time full of amazing stories, reconnecting with other missionaries and a logistical miracle for the staff at Big Woods. On December 7 we had a beautiful commissioning mass for all the missionaries that went through Intake.
After a delay due to little Naomi getting sick, we left our new family and home in Louisiana to visit for about a week with our family and home with Maria's family in Dayton, OH. Then on December 18th we traveled back up to our family and home back up in Buffalo, NY.
Throughout this time back up north, we have blessed to be around family and friends that have given us warmth and support. So many of you have taken time out of your schedule to visit with us and hear our stories. We have been reassured by a little bit longer hugs, words of encouragement and prayers. And while the love that we are receiving in some ways will make it harder to go, this love is also what gives us the strength to go. I honestly believe that Christ's love has been poured on us through you!
During these seasons of Advent and Christmas, I have frequently prayed on Mary's visitation to her cousin Elizabeth. Luke 1:39-56. Mary, after being visited by the Angel Gabriel and giving her "yes" to becoming the mother of Jesus, goes and visits her cousin. Elizabeth welcomes Mary and gives her love and support and encouragement. The fact that Elizabeth is also pregnant is itself a source of hope for Mary in God's plan. But Mary does not stay with Elizabeth indefinitely. After three months Mary goes back to a situation which would prove difficult and challenging. Her time with Elizabeth, is the opportunity of divine grace that strengthens Mary so she can return to her home and Joseph.
We can relate to Mary. We have been so blessed by so many of you as we have returned from training and the field. You have been Elizabeth to us. Knowing that we have your love, your support, and your prayers is a vehicle of God's grace in our lives and allows us to journey forward. So thank you! Thank you for saying yes to journeying with us! Thank you for being an opportunity of God's grace in our lives!
For the next two weeks we will be in the Buffalo area before swing back through Ohio and down south. We hope to see many of you so we can share how God has been working in our lives. Here are some of the places we will be publicly sharing our story.
January 1- We will be speaking at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in East Pembroke, NY after the 11 AM Mass.
January 3- We will be speaking at Frassati WNY at Our Lady of Pompeii in Lancaster, NY at 7 PM.
January 4- Josh will be visiting Canisius High School and speaking to senior classes.
January 4- We will be speaking at St. Gregory the Great Parish in Williamsville, NY in Gathering Room 2 at 7 PM.
May the Lord bless you and your families during this sacred time of year. May the Incarnate Christ give you the grace to beware of His presence in your lives, that you may recognize Him and be strengthened by His daily visitations!
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