Wednesday, September 26, 2012

You've Got to Have Friends

Happy Kairos!

For those of you who are unfamiliar, Kairos is a four-day retreat that many high school juniors and seniors, as well as at certain colleges. Kairos is a Greek word meaning "God's time." It's based on a Jesuit tradition, and the seniors and eight juniors here at Cristo Rey Jesuit are on their way to the first EVER Kairos here!

I went on Kairos when I was in high school, and it was honestly one of the most influential experiences I've ever had. I'm pretty confident that I wouldn't be here as a JV had I not gone on Kairos! I went as a junior and lead the retreat in the fall of my senior year. I learned a lot about myself and my relationship with God in those four days, and while I'd love to tell you ALL about it, I don't want to give it all away! Pretty much everything that happens on Kairos is a huge secret, so I don't want to post anything on here that could be found by a future retreatant. Let's just say that A LOT of work goes into preparing for Kairos, and I have been supporting our Campus Minister to get the retreat off the ground.

I was supposed to be attending the retreat, but things got mixed up with different substitute needs, so I'll be here instead. I was pretty disappointed when I first found out that I wouldn't be going on retreat, but I absolutely understand the reasoning behind it. I don't teach seniors (though I will in the Spring), and I honestly don't know many of them yet. I do teach six of the eight juniors going on the retreat, but I have too many other responsibilities to go on Kairos unfortunately.

I ask for your prayers and good thoughts for my students on the retreat! They'll return to school on Saturday afternoon, and I'll be here to greet them :). I have been very nostalgic about my own Kairos experience, and I have one of the journals from one of my retreats with me here in Houston. I am anxious to be able to talk with my students when they get home.

I'm missing home today, especially as I come to realize that I'm not going home any time soon. It's September 26th, which means I'll be home in just under three months, and I'll see my parents in just under two. It's a long time to be away. Thanks for all the support, though! I have gotten cards, drawings, Alex and Ani bracelets, and letters- I wouldn't be able to do this without the support of my wonderful friends and family.

This is something I came to realize six years ago on Kairos XXXIV (I can't believe that was six years ago...), and I guess I needed another Kairos to remember it! I would be nowhere without you all. So while my students are on God's time, and I'm still on school time, I'm trying to remember the lessons I learned, and have my heart be on God's time. Tonight is about doubt, but then tomorrow is about love. Friday is about trust, and Saturday is about living.

This one goes out to XXXIV and Mrs. Sajeski especially :).



Also: I got asked to Homecoming by a freshman today... story to follow.


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