Mission Trip to Calcutta
It is quite difficult to fully address these four
questions in a one page essay but I will try to shortly express my undying love
to serve others as Christ, the perfect example, portrayed for us and as Mother
Teresa has further exemplified in her life-long commitment to the poor.
Before I even came to Ave Maria I had strongly contemplated visiting the Sisters
of Charity in order to discern a vocation with them. When I was little, I
had a strong fear of those people who were unlike me, who were disfigured,
sick, or mentally disabled. For me, I felt that in order to purge
myself of this unholy fear I needed to delve directly into the midst of the
poorest of the poor and devote myself to working with them. It was not
that I was void of love for them, but that my love was restricted by my fear of
the physical aspects. As I became more familiar with Mother's faith life
I grew in my own and mostly fell in love with her mission and her immense love
for all, especially the poorest of the poor. Thus, there has been a great
longing in me to experience this work of Mother Teresa, to be able to care for
those who need it the most, where recognition is not the desire but full
self-giving. One of her sayings that has stuck with me the most and has
truly helped me numerous times to deal with disappointment or to humble myself
is: "I can do no great things, I can do only small things with great
love." She has taught me to work with persistence and not to give up
hope regardless of the outcome. My devotion to Mother Teresa came at a crucial
time in my life and has persisted with me still. Although I never did end
up going to Kolkata [my discernment led me to Ave Maria instead :) ] the
presence of Mother Teresa in my life has brought me to a greater degree of love
and devotion to God and to all people. I could not believe the providence
of God when I was placed in Mother Teresa Hall as a new student here. Her
protection has been over me and has strengthened me through the many struggles
that I have learned to deal with and grow through here. Her many little
sayings, her example, her beautiful smile amidst her many wrinkles have
provided me with inspiration, love, and a true desire to commit myself fully to
living my life solely for God, by shedding His love upon others. Most
especially, her dealings with the "dark night of the soul" has
brought me much strength and consolation. I too feel very often so far
from my Lord. I follow through the actions because I know it's right and
I believe the Truth because I know I must, but very often I have doubts and I
find myself fighting to understand, to see, to feel even a moment of
consolation in the Lord. I cried reading her book "Come be My
Light" realizing that her darkness was so deep and lasted for so
long. Her commitment never shed any light upon her internal
darkness. Her actions revealed only the love and depth of compassion she
had for those who were so less fortunate and who were helpless outcasts from
society. To me this example is what draws me to Kolkata. I want to
be able to follow in her footsteps, even if just for a week. To experience for
a moment her work, her love, her passion. It has been a great dream of
mine to one day travel there and be able to participate in this great ministry
she has begun. To respond in turn to the "ripple" of her
actions, which has affected me so deeply. For she said, "I alone cannot
change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many
ripples." Her ripples have reached far and wide. Her life is a true
inspiration to me, one which I try to follow every day of my life. To
live simply, desiring only to love as completely as I can. I was very
privileged to be able to participate in a Mission Trip to Cuana in Mexico last
Spring Semester 2012. During which time the spark within me to do mission
work was ignited and has been burning furiously in my heart ever since.
The things I learned there really changed my perspective on life and made me
realize what is important in life. That true love for one another and
full devotion to God are the only things necessary. I have desired to
return to Mexico but when I heard about this trip to Kolkata I knew that it
would be a wonderful blessing if I would be able to participate in such an
experience. I have also been quite intrigued by the Indian culture with
their deep and beautiful traditions and devotions. I have even
started learning the Hindi language. Just to travel to India is
something I have truly desired, but to be able to do that while ministering to
the poor in the very same place that Mother Teresa began her work is truly dear
to my heart. I do not know what to expect to come from such a trip.
I truly believe I can never prepare myself enough, for God alone knows what is
necessary for me to receive in such an experience. I am fully open to
anything that may come from my time working in Kolkata, if I am blessed
to go. God is truly the gardener, pruning his flowers in this garden of
life so that we in turn can rise strong, basking in His light, inspired to live
life to the fullest in selfless offering to one another, providing the scent of
sweet love to all people. As Therese the Little Flower inspired Mother
Teresa so too am I inspired to live my life for others. These words of
Mother Teresa are so simply put but are truly the crux of life, "A
life not lived for others, is not a life." I would like to have the
opportunity to give of myself for a short time to the people of Kolkata, if
this is truly the will of God. Thank you for your consideration of
my application and regardless of your choice I know that the hand of God is
present in your decision making and my prayers will be with those who do
participate in this Mission Trip to Kolkata. God be with you!
Needless to say...By the grace of God I was accepted as one of the students to participate in this Mission Trip and now I am branching out to seek support in this mission and to carrry wtih me the prayers and needs of those who can support me with monetary means and/or spiritual means through prayer for me as I embark on this journey.
Thank you and God Bless! God love you!