So, I am not sure where to begin! I have had a wonderful eleven days here in PA! After two days in the office, a day off, then the beginning of the first Head and Heart Immersion course (6 days) at Black Rock Retreat Center in Quarryville, PA, I would say I was joyfully overwhelmed! I spent yesterday and today relaxing in West Chester- went to the pool, went out to a bar/lounge last night with new friends and had my first PA brewski—it was a Yuengling (Yang-ling) from Pottsville, PA –America’s Oldest Brewery!
As my dad tells me, “Whatever guy takes you out is very lucky because when he buys the drinks, he buys two and gets to drink 1 ½!” That is also true as of last night; I can only finish ½ of the beer successfully before it gets warm, usually! But it was a good beer! http://www.yuengling.com Tricia (the lady I am living with) bought it for me because it’s local and it’s a must-try! Also, Tastykakes are local in this area—they are a tasty baking company! I have tried them and I am not disappointed! http://www.tastykake.com/ I love trying and visiting local places!
BUT If I could add one thing to this weekend- I would have taken my lovely father & my family to the Yuengling brewery to celebrate on this Father’s Day! Happy Father’s Day!
Which relates to TOB (because once you start learning TOB you know it relates to everything- and as Bill Donaghy, the instructor, would say, “You are going to be ruined!”). One of the biggest themes in TOB is the importance of understanding our masculinity and femininity—why God created us male & female! The way the male and female bodies complement each other physically as well as emotionally too! I know I like to talk and woman (typically) pay attention to detail and we may analyze a little too much but it’s great when the man can help us and we can help them. We all have strengths and weaknesses which we bring to each relationship we have.
As my parents celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on Monday, June 13th (first full day of the TOB1 course) I really reflected on the grand blessing of their marriage in my life. I would not be the WOMAN I am today if I didn’t have the support, stability, and example of my parents and their love for each other.
If you don’t know a lick about TOB—know that it’s all about the sincere GIFT of LOVE! It’s a new way to look at the world. Blessed Pope John Paul II said he didn’t re-do the theology of the Church; he is just expressing it differently- the new evangelization. And he said he fell in LOVE with human LOVE!
It’s all about the eternal exchange of love between the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, which is made visible in healthy, loving relationships between friends, siblings, and most importantly the love between husband and wife! Marriage is a sign of what is to come in Heaven! I could say so much more and by writing this blog, I am compiling my thoughts, learning, and beginning to process all that is being thrown at me. (A lot of spiritual bombs!!) I am meeting a lot of new people!! There was over 65people at the course this past week and we all got along so well. Some wonderful priests, a wonderful sister from China, seminarians, married couples, single people, divorced individuals, college students, mothers, fathers, grandparents and everyone was blessed with something from studying TOB. It’s just the beginning to a change of thinking/living the world really needs!
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The grand bonfire at the end of the week-- the rain didn't keep the fire from flamin' |
A good ol' game of spoons--Can you see me? :)
I have so much I want to say—just the usual ‘kel rambling’ and I will be working on more posts in the next couple days because I have a few stories of individuals who really taught me something this week. Please give me a call or shoot me a message if you want more! I don’t want my posts to be too long but I don’t want to make light of this.... It really is amazing!!
Theology of the Body & the Catholic Faith, specifically, is so beautiful it’s like a good tasting hamburger—if you shove it down someone’s throat they are not going to enjoy it no matter how good it is because they are probably going to choke! No Joooke. And they are going to hate you and dislike the burger. So, you have to just buy the hamburger and let the yummy aroma attract them to it and then you let them try it!! And usually once they smell it they ain’t gonna say no! ;) (That is a little something Bill shared with us- hope I explained it well).
If you like what you are smellin’--- let me know! J Love you all! And I miss you guys too. Continue to pray for me—because it’s all by the grace of God.
The sunset at 5:45am - Quarryville, PA (all photos courtesy of Bill)
Kelli I <3 this. Seems as if you're doing good :) I love the sunset. Hope you are having fun with Kristen!
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