Friday, July 6, 2012

GC-Day 2

Yesterday (Thursday) was the first official day of General Convention. I began my day with Community Eucharist where I had the wonderful opportunity to help serve communion. This is probably one of the coolest things I've ever done. I served to priests, bishops, and many others from all over the world. I really enjoyed getting to be a part of that.

After eucharist it was time to head back to the Seminary of the Southwest booth and begin to set up for the day. After lunch and much frustration, I was finally able to get internet and better able to keep up with what is going on during convention via the internet.

Later in the afternoon, I sat in on the meeting of the House of Deputies and had the opportunity to see how the legislature of the church works. During the discussion of one amendment, which was regarding requiring all churches to have a website by 2015, one woman stated "We don't exist unless we can be Googled." That definately has become true.

Today I am headed back to the convention center and will be hanging out at the SSW booth some and also will be sitting in a World Missions Committee meeting. I also hope to sit in on another House of Deputies meeting . I'll keep you posted on all that I see!

Peace,

Jaime

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

GC-Day 1

So, today was my first full day of General Convention here in Indianapolis. Already it has been a great learning experience. This morning I visited the House of Deputies and found the Diocese of Alabama. I was saddened to see that the tables were decorated with UA (University of Alabama) megaphones and shakers. My sadness was quickly turned around when I found out that the tables would later be decorated with equal amounts of AU (Auburn University) and UA paraphernalia. From there I left and headed over to the consecration of Bishops and the opportunity to see Diocese of Pittsburgh Bishop-elect Dorsey McDonnell be consecrated. This has to be my favorite moment of the day. I know very little about the history of this particular diocese but after hearing the passion and devotion that Bishop-elect Dorsey spoke with about his love of the Church and Christ, I completely understood why he was elected and for one brief moment, I wanted to move to Pittsburgh so that he could be my Bishop. I believe great things are going to happen for this diocese.

After leaving the consecrations of Bishops it was time to head back to the our booth in Exhibit Hall B, where I had the opportunity to meet and greet SSW alums. I always enjoy a good story about what things were like in years past. Then we were off to lunch and ran into Dean Travis.

After lunch, I had the opportunity to check out other booths in the exhibit hall and had the wonderful opportunity to meet and speak with the ladies of the Order of St. Helena, which is located in Georgia. They were a great group of ladies, full of love for what they do and also very talented. Each sister has a particular talent. Many of them are rather artistic. They have a writer, a jewelry maker, an artist. All of their work was beautiful.

Later in the day, I had the opportunity to sit in on my first committee meeting for World Missions. I found the governmental process to be very interesting. This is another group of very passionate people. It is great to see first hand a lot of the behind-the-scenes action that I normally don't get to see.

Tomorrow's sure to be as exciting, if not more than today. I have to remind myself to pace myself. It's still early and I don't want to be completely exhausted by Friday, since I still have many more days to go. Tomorrow I will attend my first Community Eucharist and then head back to the SSW booth and off to committee meetings. I'll fill you in tomorrow night on the goings-on of the day. Till then Happy Fourth of July! Blessings!

Peace,

Jaime

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Being Blessed

Two weeks ago today I met my nephew for the first time and got to spend really good quality time with friends and family I hadn't seen in over a year. I had such a wonderful week at home with everyone that I began to re-think my plans for the future. Before leaving Austin two weeks, I was fairly certain that I would be leaving the U.S. once again in about a year. There's something about going home, being with family, being a part of the life of a brand new person, another of God's wonderful, beautiful creations, that really puts a new perspective on my own life and how absolutely precious it is.

I've now been back in Austin for a week. Austin's been good to me. I've learned so much about my self and grown in ways I could only imagine. But I know where my heart is...home. Nope, I'm not homesick. I know that I've been called to do something in this world, my part to help make this world a better place. I'll continue to embrace "being the change." However, I've realized that I'm still on my journey, my path of discovery of what's next.

Seminary has been one of the best things that's ever happened to to, one of the best experiences of my life. It's strange to think that one year from now, I will be finished and on to the next big thing in my life, whatever and wherever that may be. But I trust. I came to Austin with a two suitcases and not much else (the same belongings I had with me during the year I spent in China). I came to Austin with less money than I took to China and didn't have an earned salary to expect. That was quite scary. But God saw me through every single second of it. Every single need I had was met, often with abundance. I trusted God then and I know God will continue to provide for me and will reveal to me what I need to know when I need to know it.

In just two days, on Tuesday at 12:40 pm to be exact, I will head to Indianapolis for the 77th National Convention of The Episcopal Church. I couldn't be more excited! I am excited to have been chosen by my seminary, to the have the opportunity to represent a place that is so dear to heart and to have the opportunity to meet some amazing people who are involved in the church. While I am there, I will be following a great passion of mine, in that I have the opportunity to follow the World Missions committee of the church and what they are doing. I can't wait to hear and learn more about what they are doing and what their plans are for the future. I'm hoping for the opportunity to get more involved in their work.

Yes, I have been blessed and continue to be so with every breath. Sometimes it's hard to believe that my life is my own. Have I chosen this life or has it chosen me?

You'll be hearing lots from me while I am in Indianapolis. I'll let you all know once I land safely in Indy! I'm getting very excited!

Thank you for coming on this journey that is my life with me!

God's peace and love,

Jaime