Today has been a productive day. We had a talk in the morning regarding Catholic Social Teaching, went over some things concerning Safety and Security, and had an impromptu lunch with a former RdC volunteer named Mike. These three events were really great and have helped me get into the spirit of RdC more this orientation, much like many of the other talks and programs the orientation team has put together.
This afternoon's talk, though, was very grounded and touched me in an interesting way. Fr. Jack Butler (I think his first name was Jack...) gave a fantastic talk on the broad topic of Mental Health while away on this trip. He went over core things that we needed to keep in mind (exercise, sleep, nutrition and being open), made sure we understood that building community is different than being best friend with everyone that one lives with, and to make sure to look out for addictive personalities. I listened to this talk with rapt attention. I loved his style of talking, very plain, didn't pull any punches. He wanted us to understand the gravity of the things that could happen while away in a different country. It made me wonder.
How much do I really know about myself? How much can I really know about myself, and with what I do know about myself, how well do I know those parts? Why did I decide to do RdC in the first place? Have I already divulged too much information about myself to my community-mates already? All of these things circle my mind as I type this. It's a difficult thing to know when one has gone too far and one has not gone far enough in terms of sharing what one feels. Communication is a must and love has to permeate everything. The one thing I'll remember most about the talk is that we have to make sure to meet people where they're at and help them understand where we are as well.
I guess my fear is that I'm not really sure where I'm at right now. This orientation has been a sort of "limbo" feeling for me. I'm excited to leave, but I'm enjoying my stay at BC immensely. My mind is in Monte Sinai and right now. I'm confused as to focus on my time here or to begin to refocus on the new community I'm about to enter into. It's difficult to know that balance right now I guess. I think it'll take time and a lot of patience. I suppose in one week I won't have a choice. I'll be in Monte Sinai and then everything will sync up.
The further I delve into orientation, though, the more I feel like I am becoming more conscious of the things to help me prepare for this adventure. The journey continues.
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