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