to go to college . When the news of the ending of the daca program was announced , I feared not just for me but for my family . I had worked so hard to get into the college I wanted to attend . Then in less than a month my dream of attending college would be interrupted in a way I didn ’ t expect . I cried most of that day , as people tried to explain to me what the president had said , but I was still hesitant . I thought to myself that it ’ s not fair that all the work we did and sacrifices we made could be for nothing , because some people have different ideas on issues , and even view us as criminals . My parents reassured me and made it very clear that they could support me in any way possible and that this news shouldn ' t bring me down or tear down my hopes of becoming the first generation to finish college .
For the past three years I have been working with children over the summer and right now I am a substitute at an early child center , but I don ' t want to be just a substitute . I want to become a teacher and once I have my teaching degree I will start my next project in life which is becoming a nurse . Although college is not free , being a daca student makes it a bit easier for me to find a job that can help me pay for college .
These young people — and thousands more — will be waiting this Advent with the consolation of the Lord ’ s promise . They will ask , “ How do we follow our King ?” in the midst of all that is swirling around us . They will live with the original hope that a child is to be born who will heal the rift between humanity and God . As a hopeful people , they will long for a world of fairness , integrity , and justice . During this coming Advent Season , they remain awake , carrying on with their lives in the midst of the challenges that they face . They will wait with joyful anticipation longing for something good that is coming . �
South Side Hospitality , continued from 11 when I make my first vows as a Sister of the Precious Blood , invites me to meet my brothers and sisters who suffer in different ways in our society with that same unconditional love . I feel my main call is to love , to serve , and to walk with the suffering even when it is not easy . It is Christ who unites us through his Precious Blood and invites us to be Eucharist , to be givers of life in our broken world , to bring hope , healing and hospitality , especially to those who feel “ far off .” �
Companions Retreat , continued from 9 and we talked . He held both of my hands with both of his , and I knew that indeed he had the authority — passed down through the ages — to do what Jesus had told the apostles to do : to forgive sins and reconcile us to Christ and each other . A warm feeling washed over me , and I felt forgiveness , unconditional love , acceptance , and a real peace and reconciliation with Christ and my brothers and sisters .
I left the retreat reconciled , renewed , and full of hope . I sense an ability of our Precious Blood members and Companions to fulfill our part in God ’ s plan to bring forth His kingdom , and to end evil , violence , poverty and injustice in this world which God created so lovingly for us . May it be so ! �
Bursting Bubbles , continued from page 10 students and faculty at the University of Notre Dame . In his talk he mentioned how , despite his many years of leading pbmr and being involved in the lives of those he serves , he has only stories to share . They are stories , because he was not the one going through the suffering . He recognizes that he can be empathetic , but there is no real way to completely suffer the same pain as those he serves . It became clear that having a similar past to those we help is not a qualification to build a positive and long-lasting relationship with them . What matters is to recognize this limitation and to still be willing to give your time and effort to help those in need . I like to think that when we encounter new people with different perspectives , then it is up to us to decide if these experiences burst our bubble , or if they help us grow that world view to encompass more people . �
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November 2017 • The New Wine Press • 13