Light a Fire

Today is my second day here in Digos City, more importantly it is my second day on the campus of Cor Jesu College. However, I have not really started what I came here to do and that is to work in the campus ministry office. Br. Poloy and I went out to run some errands, but as we were walking through the school we stopped by Br. Kokok's office to see him and then the campus ministry office where Br. Dan was having a meeting with the head guy in the office. As Br. Poloy and I ran some errands we made a pit stop, which was to Jolliebee, which is a fast food place, I know I know, I shouldn't have gone, but by golly they had cheeseburgers and I wanted one real bad, hehe. Br. Dan was still in the meeting once we made it back.

I had a quick little orientation in the campus ministry office today. I was shown a slide show displaying there mission statement and some of the programs that they sponsor. My nerves started to kick in because I am nervous and really doubting my ability in what I can actually bring to campus ministry here at Cor Jesu College. I felt this way because the Filipinos have such a deep spirituality. The head guy believes that there is something I will be able to offer. He wants me to write down some of the areas where I might be able to contribute. In one area I feel like I can contribute some what to the worship and animation of the college as well as the religious formation that students go through. One thing that has been mentioned to me is to go talk to students about our two founders and there history, which I would love to do. I am also very limited in a work day though because Br. Dan is only giving me 3 hours to actually work in the school day, so I really need to use that time wisely. I know it might be rough for me at first, but I think the Holy Spirit will be guiding me in this process. I will keep you all updated on this.

This afternoon Br. Poloy had a really great time just sitting down and chatting. He asked me what drew me to the Brothers and then he told me how he was drawn to them. I also expressed to him some of the challenges that I face in community back in the states. One of the things I learned about Cor Jesu College is that the teachers are not mean, but speak out of compassion, so if they kick you out of class it is out of compassion, they might ask you to go to the library. So maybe that is the answer, to speak to one another with compassion. Br. Poloy also expressed to me that he was nervous when he found out that an American was coming to stay here. He was afraid that I wouldn't be very personable, well I am and he is really glad. After Br. Poloy and I chatted, I went and played with one of the puppies the Brothers have here. They have 6 puppies, all adorable, and all named by me. My favorite one, which happens to be the shyest one and the one that is scared all the time is named Socks, only because the rest of his fur is brown and black mix, but his front paws are white like he is wearing socks. I am trying to teach him his name and try to make him not as nervous.

I also went to the store with Br. Kokok today to pick up some supplies. While we were there, I was stared at and heard two different people say "Hey Joe!" So when Filipinos see white men, they say "Hey Joe" because of how the U.S. came to the Philippines during WWII. So Joe actually comes from G.I. Joe. Go figure huh! I made a lot of the employees laugh because I had no idea what they were saying.

Today we also had Mass in the Brothers chapel. The priest had a really great homily. One thing that struck me when he was talking about is that we have to be the living flame to light the world and to spread the Gospel. Afterwards I was talking with Br. Poloy and we both agreed at what he said, it really is by being who we are that we can make a difference in the world. I think we are both really comfortable coming out of our comfort zones that we have no problem facing new challenges.

I went out again tonight with Br. Roger and Br. Eli to play basketball. Let's just say I am hoping that I soon can keep up with the students. They do enjoy playing with me, so much so that more showed up tonight.

Till next time, God Bless!