Old friends

I think one of the miracles of my life is the oppurtunity to catch up with old friends. Isn't it just great? It is just wonderful to be able to look back and see that particular things in your life happen, and that perhaps in some small or big way each person who has walked in and out of your life has influenced you somehow…

Ok, so here’s a general rule for everyone: If you ever want to get into contact with an old friend from ages ago, just type their name into Google. That’s just what I did, on a whim and with nothing to lose I found my old buddy, who I will call EJB, on a website somewhere.

With EJB, I always admired her natural ability to achieve. To set high goals, work hard and reach them. Consistently and no doubt, with much challenge, I see the same temperament and attitude reflected in her life now over 11 years later.

There are particular people in your life who you can call life markers- you cross paths with people, here and there and soon enough, you see that it’s ok, and you’re on the right track.

To my friend EJB, it’s great to hear from you again.

Tonight, I taught Paolo with the sister missionaries in the city again. We had a good discussion about what he had read and at times, we found ourselves going around in circles. At one point we just encouraged him to pray about it.

It is so interesting to me to see how much of my Italian I do or do not remember. Since we don’t use masculine and feminine words in English, I keep on saying things that translated into something else, like telling Paolo he’s beautiful instead of the city he is visiting. I found though at times I would speak, it would flow out fluently, but then I would think back and try to remember what I said, but I wouldn’t be able to remember it! Ah, how wonderful is the work, and that it’s not really you talking.

It amazes me how fast time has gone by. I remember Italy like it was yesterday though. But I hear a prayer in the bella lingua and I feel the reality of the work. How humbling it is to hear the words “Please help me to speak better English so I can communicate with the sisters”. It’s like hearing someone breathing and knowing they’re ok. Hero and his work- it’s alive and jumping, and all you need is the desire to be there, and of course, to do. He’ll make it happen for you.