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| Susan at 40th Anniversary Maryknoll Lay Missioners |
SMILES
For me this has been a month of smiles. On 8th August I was in Maryknoll NY for the 40th celebration of Maryknoll Lay Missioners. I was asked to give the keynote address and said yes before I really knew what I was getting into. I thought this was just another talk of the normal kind I'm often asked to give. Thanks be to God it went well and I can send you a copy if you're interested. There were about 150 people present and I met many I hadn't seen for years. It was a wonderful celebration of laity in mission with Maryknoll.
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| Nagele Family Reunion |
Next, on 15th August we were able to take Dad to the Nagele family reunion in Sheldon Illinois. Besides being able to see his 96 year old sister Genevra, who is next to me, he saw about 80 others from the Nagele clan. He also enjoyed looking at the corn and the beans which are doing well.
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| Marty and Susan at St Patrick Parish Activity Day |
Then on 16th August I participated in the Activities Day at my parish in Urbana Illinois. Marty works with youth in the parish and we hope that more young people will learn about Maryknoll and think about joining us in overseas ministry.
I've also been smiling at the way the campaign for the next presidential election is unfolding. It's hard to find people discussing issues. The candidates start so far ahead of election day and we spend so much money. People my age are telling me they will vote. That makes me smile more. I remember how Kenyans stood in the blazing sun and pouring rain for up to 11 hours to be able to vote. Few of my nieces or nephews plan to vote but I'm still one of those who cherishes the right and feels it's my duty. There's no new news from Kenya so, for the moment, all is quiet and life continues on. I will be in the US until 29th September when I leave to return to Kenya.
I'm also smiling because Pope Francis has declared today
World Day of prayer for the Care of Creation
I have begun to read the encyclical, "On Care for our Common Home" by the Pope. This man is truly inspiring and gives me a lot of hope for the future...which is even more reason to keep smiling. Hope it helps you to smile too!
PEACE OF THESE SMILING PUFFINS TO YOU!!!
