Prayers for Simon

I finished all my finals and they all went well I think. I am glad to be done for the semester. I enjoyed the classes for the most part. But I feel I want to get my hands dirty and do more of an active ministry.

Simon could use prayers. Simon is a first year Candidate from Kenya. He volunteers at St. Ben's food pantry in downtown Milwaukee. On Sunday evening someone asked if he could give him a ride and Simon gave him a ride but the guy robbed him and shot him twice. Simon is in critical condition. He had his spleen removed and part of his liver. The second bullet hit the head of the femur and shattered it. Simon is a very nice guy. It is really sad that something like this would occur. When working with the homeless you never know when someone is on drugs or psychotic or just desperate to do anything to anyone.

I ask you to pray for Simon and for whoever would do such an act.

Simon is the one in front giving the peace sign.

A gift from God

Finals will be here before I know it. plugging away on papers. It has been a good semester so far. A week ago I heard exciting news from Namiungo Tanzania. The have just received an ambulance. About a month ago I received and email from Br. Fulmance who i worked with down in the bush of Tanzania. He asked me to write and email about the poverty and the situation of the clinic in Namiungo. So I sent an email to this person in Austria or switzerland. I told him about the extreme poverty and the lack of means getting tot he hospital. I told him about the story of saving the 2 year old boy. I sent pictures as well. I still can't believe but the Lay Salvatorians of Europe bought a brand new ambulance for namiungo. I could not believe it. That is exactly what they needed. I just got pictures of it. God does work in magical ways. There was  drastic need there in Namunigo that I saw 2 years ago and it was met.
I have pictures from my first vow ceremony. I will make sure to post pictures of the ambulance. Other than that nothing to exciting.

Quick summer break.

 The Johnson's at sink hole canyon before Jake's wedding

i had 2 weeks for summer break. Hiked to the top of Gray's Peak in Colorado. Went to my cousin's wedding in Lander Wyoming. Drove up to Great Falls, MT with my parents. We then drove through Glacier national Park which is spectacular. I hope to get back there and go hiking. From there we drove up to Banff. banff is beautiful. We drove up the ice way freeway. I love the Canadian rockies. The mountains are very picturesque. They are probably the most impressive mountains I have seen. We were fortunate with good weather. The ride back to Minnesota was a bit long. Trans Canadian highway is flat as far as the eye can see for 2 days. We then stopped in Fargo ND. It was a good trip to relax and just sight see.
School has started. I 'm taking Pentateuch, Psalms and Wisdom literature, Hispanic Presence, Intermediate Spanish, Fundamental Moral Theology and Eschatology which is study of the end of time. Salvation. Teachers assign a lot of reading but I don't think the semester will be too difficult but at the same time it is too early to tell. I cut my beard off. I did it the day after the feast of the heading of John the Baptist. The rector of the school highly suggested I cut it off. At our opening mass for school there were more priests behind the altar than there were people in pews. There is something wrong with that picture to me.
I went to St. Michael's Church today celebrating the feast day. It is a multicultural church here in Milwaukee. They had music in Thai, Loas, Vietnamese, Hmong, Spanish and english. It was a very well done mass incorporating many traditions. The second reading was revelations. The children acted it out with one of those long dragons made out of paper mache. Do not be afraid was the theme for the mass.
School days are long I am school everyday from 9-5pm. Tuesday is 9am-8:30pm. Awkward school schedule. Class, 3hr break, class, 2hr break, class. It is what it is. The weather has turned cold fast were in the low 60's these days. i'm sure it will only drop from here.
One day at a time.

 Lake MacDOnald in Glacier national Park MT

 St. Mary's Lake in Glacier National Park MT

 The A Mountain just outside of Banff, Canada

 One of the many lakes of the Highway heading up towards Jasper

One last picture before cutting the beard off.

Trip to Maryland

The novices took a trip to Silver Spring Maryland to see the different Salvatorian ministries. On the drive out there we stopped at Akron Ohio. Fr. Reed's cousin lives there and treated us to dinner and we drove around Akron. We saw the Hotel where Bill W called Dr. Bob and say, "Im  a alcoholic and need to talk to someone. That is the first step in which Alcoholics Anonymous started. We drove past Lebron james high school which had a big banner that said Welcome Back Lebron. We then saw the House where Bill W. and Dr. Bob would meet. This house is where AA started. The interesting thing I found was there is exactly 12 steps from the side walk to the house. Is that where the 12 step program got the idea. It is an organization that has changed lives throughout the whole world. It is incredible what those two have done for the world.
In Silver Spring we went to the Frost School which Br. Sean was one of the co founders of it. It started as a school for Autistic children. Now it is a school for children will all kinds of disabilities. That is hard work and takes patience. We then head to the Lanham seminary. The old Salvatorian Seminary back in the 60's. The building is still standing and the original stain glass windows are still in it. It sits empty now. It is a christian theology school that went bankrupt and they have been trying to sell the property for two years now.
the next day we headed to camp St. Charles which is a camp the Salvatorians started in the 60's on the Potomac river. Beautiful spot. They have horses, rabbits, a pig, a duck and other animals for the children to play with. They have an archery range, soccer field , small ropes course, and paddle boards for the water. You can tell it has a rich history there. Also stopped at Captian John's to get some crab.
Some of us ventured into DC to tour the capital. It reminded me a lot of the Vatican. Tall pillars , lots of statues and the top dome has a picture of George Washington sitting on a throne in heaven and lady freedom is pointing to him. I found that interesting. We walked to Washington memorial, WW2 memorial which I found the very moving. I soaked my feet in the water and sat in silence.
Lincoln memorial was also powerful. To think that Maritn Luther King Jr. and all these other famous historical events have happened on those steps. Incredible. I was a little disappoint in the Korean, and Vietnam Memorial because of kids running around and many people talking. It was really loud at both. I felt blessed to be there.
We also checked out the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. If anyone is ever in DC check it out. Very impressive church. I was very surprised. Tons of mosaics and pictures of Our ladies and saints. Beautifully done. We also went to the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land. It was need because they have replicas of all the major Holy land sites. It is neat to see what these places look like today.

Then as soon as I got back the big project was writing a grant for the Helen Bader Foundation. I got it submitted and now I just pray we get it. If we do well have the funds to start Second Chance Employment Milwaukee.

July flew by.

 At the nationals vs the Brewers with Keith and Salie

 Dr. Bob's house in Akron Ohio. 12 steps. This is where AA started

 The old Salvatorian Seminary in Lanham, MD

Infront of the Capital with Salie

Cedar Lake Indiana

The World cup has been very exciting to me. Lot's of great games. I had the treat of meeting Noah's dad at a place called beer to watch the USA vs Belgium game. Great game but we did not favor in the results. I got to spend 4th of July with Mrs. C and Ned down in Chicago. We actually went to a wedding which was fun. It took place in a Mexican restaurant that the father of the groom owned. The highlight for me was no one was dancing on the dance floor except this probably 13 year old boy who is mentally retarded. So I decided to get out there and join him. He had a blast. We would just copy what ever I would do. I would pump my right arm in the air and then he would do it. The next thing I know there is a woman who is probably about 40yrs old and mentally retarded dancing with us and she was having a ball.  Sure enough then other people started joining in. Then the best was seeing the fireworks from Mrs. C's balcony. We saw the ones from Navy Pier and about 7 different sets front he western suburbs. It was really cool

I then headed down to Cedar lake Indiana for my six day retreat focusing on the vows of celibate chastity, poverty and obedience. I state at Lourdes Friary in a hermitage wight he Franciscan. The hermitage was about 10ft by 20ft in the woods with a view of a pond. I had many encounters with animals, deer, raccoon, to every single colored bird you can imaging from orioles, cardinals, blue jays and more. I went to mass and prayer int he morning with the Franciscans then I would usually spend most of the day by myself. I spent probably half of it in silence and the other half reading my old journals from the past couple years. Then I would try and reflect in where is God in all of this.
What I have learned from me my old journals thus far is that I do love living in community. I really feed off of others ideas and it is great being around people who seem spiritually sound and want to make a difference in the world.  It seems like the best community I ever lived in was the CAC which is surprising because I lived with six women then. Praying and eating together was a blessing. Some of the best times and conversation I have ever had. I have said numerous times in my journal I like being in community. I also enjoyed working Nuc med and making a difference in peoples lives. I loved the patient interaction. It was a goal for me to try and get to know them and turn there day around if they are having a bad one. I loved being in Tanzania. I had a blast there. The people are incredible there. Time didn't exist. I felt I was present in every moment. There seem to be a sense of peace in me. I loved leading Boyscouts at the boundary waters canoe area. That was the time of my life. I had great joy being in the wilderness an on an adventure with the excited boys that really looked up to me. I love working with the youth. I love working retreats and attending retreats. I have felt God's presence in many retreats I have been on and come back fresh and renewed.
Wow 2013 was a miserable year. Probably the most miserable year of my entire life. So much bull shit and drama. So many unnecessary things. Even though it was the most challenging year of my life I have probably learned the most from that year about myself and others. I'm glad it happened even though I wouldn't want it to ever happen again. I also struggled with God a lot in that year. 
The Franciscans have a real deep faith and trust in God. I'm so impressed. I really learned a lot from these old men when I talked with him. Fr. Sergis is 96 years old moving good and entirely with it. Infact he is heading to South Africa for 3 months. He was an exorcist there for 15 years. He said I know the devil. The devil is real and I have seen him. Interesting man. Then Father bert was my spiritual director for the week. An old peaceful Polish man. He taught me the power of prayer and what it can actually do. He said, You have so much fire in you to help the world and make it a better place. That is great but that is not only your job. That is mainly God's job. He really helped me get in touch with listening to God and surrendering to God's will what ever it may be. He said, If you keep praying to God "Show me your will Lord. He will answer when the time is right and it will be crystal clear. I promise you that. But you have to have deep faith and believe with all your heart".

I do feel I am in the right place at the right time. I am very peaceful right now. There is no rush to life. I am going to take one day at a time. First vows are a 13 month commitment. I see how the vows allows one to love more and be there for people. They are a gifts given from God if there taken seriously and responsibly. I am going to take first vows on August 10th see how the rest of the year goes and probably re-evaluate my life at the end of december. I have confidence I will know when the time is right. I notice a lot of the great spiritual writers always talk about surrendering to God. Once they surrender and listen to God's will they are at peace and have an internal knowing. Paul Wigley said, I was made to be a music teacher and I feel so blessed to have been able to do that. I will know some day why I am on this planet.

 Dressed up for the USA vs Belgium game.

 Fr. Sergis, Myself, Fr. Bert, and Fr. Tony

Big pond with a statue of Mother Mary in the middle.

Many Visitors

Wow I keep getting visitors. V came and visited in which we went biking and hiking. My parents came and spent a few days with us in which we saw the Twins play the brewers. Then the Grinnell brothers came for a day and we biked around Milwaukee and went to Polish fest. Then I get a call from Rus Swanson and his family that there coming to Milwaukee for a wedding and there is no hotels due to the Jehovah Witness convention at Miller Park. So he, Bridget, Ade, and Ruby stayed with us for the night. I keep asking my house mates if it is ok for guests to stay here and luckily they have been flexible. It is a real treat having guests come.
The story I would like to tell is a situation I had with Rus' 3 year old girl or maybe she is 4 now. I met Russ, Bridget and the girls at Fred’s for hamburgers. I just came from an ordination so I am wearing my habit. By the way their girls are so cute. I love their little girls. Ade had to go poop and wanted me to take her so I walk with her to the park holding her hand. She then wants me to go into the girl’s room with her. I said I can’t because I am a boy. I was able to convince her I can’t go in. Suddenly she calls my name. MJ MJ MJ MJ MJ. So I open the door and say what? She says I’m done pooping I need you to wipe me. I said I can’t go in the girl’s bathroom. She says yes you can. I am in my habit at a public park. So I call Bridget and she said it is ok you can go in. So I thought screw it and I go into the girls bathroom and she is in the back stall sitting on the toilet. Then she said there are spider webs. Can you get rid of the spider webs and I said ok. So I get rid of the spider webs. Next thing I know a lady walks into the bathroom. I try to be quiet and say nothing. Well Ade then asks me a question. Well now I have to speak up. So I start talking to Ade and hoping the lady in the stall next-door thinks I am this little girls dad. The lady leaves the bathroom. I’m thinking ok ill wipe you and lets get out of here. But then she says I don’t want you to wipe me. I want mommy to wipe me. I thought great. I said no I can do it. She says No I want mommy. I thought what ever I am not going to argue with a 3 year old. So then I walk out of the girl’s room. A teenage boy sees me walk out of the girl’s room and I’m wearing my habit. He didn’t say anything or maybe didn’t put the connection together. Well I don’t want to leave her by herself yet I need to go get mom a block away. I call Bridget and no answer. So I start walking away constantly turning around at the bathroom to see if anyone enters or leave. Thank God I see Bridget walking towards me. I know this seems stupid but I could have gotten in serious trouble. And that really bothers me. Anyone can make assumptions and really tarnish a person’s character. The way society has portrayed priests I could have easily gotten thrown in jail for being in a girls bathroom wearing a habit. I felt I was doing the right thing but it doesn’t matter. Is this a struggle I really want to deal with for the rest of my life? I will say it was a real treat having Russ and his family around. They made my day.

 The mountain biking crew along the Milwaukee rive.

 klement sausages at miller park, Hot dog, chorizo, italian sausage, German Brat

 Mom with the Bronze Fonz

Having a silly picture with Ade and Ruby.

The Zoran hitchhiker

I had a God sign on Wednesday. I just turned off Highway 94 and as I was driving I saw a man in a dress shirt running on the side of the road. So I turned around and asked him if he needed a ride. He said his semi truck is in the shop being fixed for the day. So I gave him a ride to the movie theater. He said his semi truck broke down and he had to have it towed to the Volvo dealer. He is from Yugoslavia. Well I dropped him off  and he thanked me. I didn’t realize until I got to the school I tutor at that he left his glasses case in my car. So I thought after tutoring I will stop by the movie theater and hope he is there. Well after tutoring I was following Bruce in the car  to go visit one of the kids I tutor who is in another school because he got kicked out for having weed on him. I’m looking at the time and I realize I still need to drop off the glasses case and get to my 3:00 meeting. So I turned around and went to the movie theater. Of course he was not there. Well I thought oh well. So I am driving and want to get on 94 heading west but the exit is closed so I had to follow a detour on the frontage rode. Sure enough as I’m going I see the Volvo truck place and I immediately slow down and park the car and sure enough there is Zoran standing outside. God works in funny ways. Amazing how that works. The timing couldn’t have been any better.

Today it is 62 degrees and sunny. Beautiful day. I was just driving by Bradford Beach and it is packed. Everyone is in there swimsuits too. People want the sun so bad. I just couldn’t people seeing all the people in swimsuits when it is 62 outside. Hearty Northerners.

Marcel's Birthday

 Went with Sarah for a Ride in Chicago

Is Summer here?

Well we have just finish our ICN classes which is good and had a picnic celebration. The also finished our Just Faith classes and classes for Fr. Andre. It has been a very good informative year of really digging into the bowels of oneself. Summer is finally here and I am happy about that. I spent a day in Chicago biking around with a friend. Spent a day on lake Michigan riding on Dave’s boat. I have mainly been busy working on getting Second Chance Employment off the ground. Our goal was to raise $20,000 by June 1^st so we can get it up and running for the summer. Right now I have been working on grants for different foundations and trying to figure out ways to raise money. This is not an easy task. I made a video for Kickstarter but that website isn’t really for nonprofits. There are websites for nonprofits to get started but I guess they don’t work as well as kickstarter. I am also trying to get in collaboration with other nonprofits to gain there support.

I hope everyone enjoys there memorial day.

 Rob and I mountain biking along Milwaukee river

 Our Just Faith Group