Carol's In Uganda: ORIENTATION

There is something about Orientation that makes things like giving away all your belongings, leaving your job, moving across the world seem suddenly real. There is something very scary about "suddenly being real"... HMMM

Stella Maris Retreat Center

We (there are nearly 20 of us) are in Orientation for CMMB for the week 9/17 through 9/21/12 at Stella Maris Retreat Center. The retreat is located on the New Jersey Shore right on the ocean. I am listening to the waves crashing on the beach and the crickets sing as we speak (by the way, you can hear both through earplugs). The food was really fabulous esp the desserts!...Thanks Chef! Hell's Kitchen has nothing on you!

I have to say that our group is a pretty amazing and talented group of professionals of all age spans and all skills...MD's, RN's, researchers, Public Health professionals, OTs (you hear that Robin???) psychologists, surgeons, NP's, PA's, pastoral care. I have loved getting to know these amazing people and hearing their stories...all similar callings and synchronicities.

The ocean view from the back

CMMB has done a fabulous job at bringing in people from the field to give us as much information as they can to help us prepare. There is no way to be 100% ready....there is the leap of faith one must take and the courage to follow one's calling.

During the special Mass and hand blessing, Father Kaeding reminded us that we are not alone...God is always walking with us. How easy to forget and how silly that forgetting seems. The 7th grade class of Holy Cross Church hosted us after Mass to a wonderful food fest. The whole class was delightful and fun to talk to!