Just barely passed the first test of the trip. I couldn't check my baggage until I filled out this official form from the Polish government which asked me to fill out the address of the place I was going to visit. Sounds simple, doesn't it?
Siostry Służebniczki
ul. Kapitulna 5
37-700 Przemyśl woj.podkarpackie the address:
ul. Kapitulna 5
37-700 Przemyśl woj.podkarpackie the address:
Street? Number of the House? Zip code? Yikes! After my fourth try, I figured it out. Imagine how challenging it was for my Polish companions who were unfamiliar with scrolling, etc. I will be staying with Przesmyl which is a lovely town on the border of Poland and Ukraine.
As I sit here entering this blog, I am filled with mixed emotions: some excited about the mission, strengthened by God's very tangible presence and your prayerful support, but also a little anxious. Surprisingly at the top of my list is how life will be at the monastery. When I arrive in Rzeszow, two Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception will pick me up and welcome me into their home of 13 Sisters. I will have no trouble spotting them, but the same can't be said by them. Knowing that hospitality is a very strong characteristic of our culture, I know that I will be warmly welcomed.
I am also still overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who donated to help provide for the needs of the refugees. My suitcase weighing in at 49,4 pounds is filled with toys, coloring books, candy including salt water taffy from New Jersey for the nuns and various drugstore items. which were requested by the Sisters. Thank you for your support and I count on your prayer. I must end quickly because we are going to start boarding soon.
One of our dear Sisters gave me a quote that I have turned into a mantra: "Travel in grace, surrounded by love". I take deep breaths as I say these wonderful consoling words.....and I know that God's grace will be with me when I hear stories that tear my heart, when I get angry at the injustice of this war and the recent bombing of the military base in Ukraine and even when filling out an address that I don't understand. Travel in grace, surrounded by love....breathe in and breathe out. I just have to remember one of our maxims about not racing ahead of the grace. We're boarding. Breathe in and breathe out.
Celeste, I really look forward to reading this blog. Safe travels!
ReplyDeleteThank you for bringing us to your journey. Your words tell … you are being led.
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ReplyDeleteI feel so blessed that you will be sharing your kindness and love with people that you will meet. They too will know how special you are. I so look forward to reading about your journey. May God continue to bless you and all those you will be serving.
ReplyDeletePraying for you, Celeste, from Lancaster, PA. Thank you for sharing your journey. Chris Miller
ReplyDeleteCeleste I will be praying for you and all who are working at the border of Poland and Urkrain!
ReplyDeleteCeleste, My sister sent this blog to me. It is incredible all of the work you are doing and all of the people you are helping. Thank you. I know that God is with you and that you are lead by the Holy Spirit. I'll pray.
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