Blessed Transfiguration

When I haven’t written in a while it’s a good thing. It means I haven’t been on my computer as much, and it means I’m keeping busy. It could also mean I just didn’t blog because I didn’t feel like it. I promise in this instance, it is not the latter. Upon return to the hogar, I found my inbox full. I kind of liked not having internet access, and having not to worry about anything. Of course, the longer I stay away from it, the more I have to deal with when I come back. There was lots of news and emails from Juniata, which only makes the fact that I am a senior in college that much more realistic. Yikes!

A team from a Greek parish in Indianapolis arrived Wednesday afternoon. Most have been here before. They are a very sweet, cultured group. 2 were born in Greece! Because they are a returning group, I don't work with them as much. I was able to watch a presentation on a couple's trip to Greece though. They visited many holy places on their mini pilgrimage. They told this miraculous story of healing from an icon of the Panagia, that gave me goosebumps (in a good way..ask me if you are interested in hearing it). It made me even more excited for the (God willing) Pascha in Greece adventure with little Hatch.

Yesterday was the Feast of the Transfiguration. Happy Feast day to all! We had Divine Liturgy led by Father John Schmidt. Communion hymns were sung by the team, as well as this woman who chanted Arabic (so neat!). Afterwards, he blessed the fruit which Madre Iness handed out after services. This feast day is special for the hogar because it is the name's day for the church, Holy Transfiguration. Mother Ivonne gave a little talk to the children about how important it is to be grateful for everything God has given us. She said she hopes the children's souls "transfigure" from the darkness of their pasts to His eternal light. Father John's sermon on Confession was a good complimentary piece to Madre's words. He explained how at Baptism, a little flame is ignited in our hearts, and every time we sin, the light grows dimmer. Confession is our chance to strengthen that light. Every time we receive confession, it is like we are being re-baptized or "transfigured." He closed with warning the children not to let Satan blow out that eternal flame.

We have Great Vespers in about a half hour, so I should go prepare for that. I apologize for the lack of detail in this post. I am also trying to catch up on uploading my pictures to facebook, so check them out too!