September/October 2019 | Page 33

things in my life; most importantly the knowledge to know that you do have to go through tough times and that you do need help from other people. We all need a little help sometimes; I want to always be willing to give it. What will I do to serve people in need in the coming months or year? I feel the call to help those who have what I call “brain disease” or mental illness. I do not think our society has even touched the surface on finding a cure or figuring out how to help so many of these individuals who do not have the capacity to help themselves. Did God reveal something new about myself, to me? I don’t know if it was anything new; I don’t think I have mastered what I have already been tasked to be; I felt reminded of the need for patience and for better communication. I was reminded that the strength to work hard will always be provided when you are helping others. I guess I did learn that late afternoon “showers” are sometimes better than bitter morning showers. Has the experience affected my relationship to possessions? To my faith? I have been fortunate to have already learned that material possessions are just that; material. I would always prefer spending time with loved ones over “gifts.” Our time is without a doubt the most precious thing you can give another. My faith grew stronger; the work Father Marek, Marta, and Sister Rita do for others is amazing and inspiring; I don’t think I have done what I have been intended to do here yet. And, I gained new relationships that I treasure from that week. I wish everyone had to do a mission trip before they embarked on their journeys in life to learn perspective. SEP TEM BER/OC TOBER 2019 | P EN N SYLVAN IA DEN TAL JOURNAL 31