dear catherine

this past weekend, the lasallian volunteer program had its final retreat of the year. it was a nice weekend to relax and reflect on the past year and get ready for the summer. at our midyear retreat that was in january, we were asked to write a letter to ourselves that we would get in the future. of course, i forgot about this project and was surprised to find my letter to myself this weekend. when i read it, it summed up how i was feeling pretty well, so i figured i would share it here...



dear catherine,

you made it! one whole year of volunteering in racine, wisconsin. a place that you NEVER thought you could live, work, or adjust to.

while there have been struggles and challenges throughout the year, there have also been many successes and triumphs. you have been able to conquer many new tasks and have learned what that "i've never done that before" is no longer an excuse!

you have made new friends, kept in touch with old ones, formed relationships, and ultimately changed the way you look at the world- not bad for 9 months time :)

as you continue on your journey of service, never lose sight of who you are, what you are passionate about, and why you are doing what you are doing. a path has been laid for you and good things are in your future!

don't forget to take time for yourself, continue to speak up, and do what makes you happy. you have many gifts and talents to offer and those that you work with are lucky to have you in their lives. and you are lucky to have them too!! :)

love, cath