June Orientation 2026: Receiving an Inheritance
By Grace H., missionary-in-training to Argentina
Having finally made it through the terrible rush-hour traffic, I hadn’t been on Olive Street for more than ten minutes before a large group of us set out for the inaugural picnic at Brooklyn Bridge Park. I had only met the team two months prior at my come-and-see, but reuniting felt like visiting family. I was embraced with the kindest affection and was so pleased to get my first glimpses at the newest missionaries who would be journeying alongside me (albeit in a different country).
Food was eaten, and songs were sung, but as the sun sank over the Upper New York Bay, I felt myself beginning to pre-grieve the loss of my soon-to-be old self. It seemed impossible to take such a leap and not be totally transformed. Was I ready? I looked around at the beauty of the wonderful men and women who had walked the same road before me, and just as the moon and sparkling Manhattan skyline lit up despite the impending darkness, so too did my soul.
The following days in the city were packed with visits to local friends and preparatory talks. In addition to meeting new friends, I got to reconnect with some I met at my come-and-see. They joyfully celebrated the news of my upcoming mission to Argentina, and a couple of them even helped me practice my Spanish.
The various questions that begin popping up in me and my fellow missionaries’ heads were nearly, if not all, answered in talks or conversations initiated by the team. It was almost as if they had done this before!
The talks continued as we transitioned to the country house, and rightfully so. The insights gained through these presentations about both the practicals and theoreticals of the mission were priceless, although I must admit, a bit overwhelming. I, lost in the ideal image of a missionary, found myself repeatedly overcome with fears of inadequacy. Why me, Lord? I realize now why several team members kept saying something along the lines of, “There is no perfect missionary” and “The mission is far bigger than just you.” It was once again a great consolation to be surrounded by those who’ve gone before me, especially those who had recently returned. Those young women had also not imagined themselves to be called to love Christ and His people in this unique way, and yet God had chosen and sent them, gifting all the appropriate graces. Although they were no doubt processing their own missions that weekend, their peace and confidence in God’s work in their lives left a great impression on me. Not to mention it was ridiculously cool to randomly hear them speaking Spanish, Romanian, or Portuguese.
The final days of celebration and preparation passed quickly. Whatever form it took, much of our time was spent in prayer, for it is truly the largest pillar of the mission. For it is through Him and in Him and with Him than anything can be done, and our presence is vain without the loving presence of Jesus and Mary.
Finally aware that I was not being called to a desolate mission of impossible feats, I found myself saying “see you later” to the community with the largest smile and tears rolling down my cheeks. What a profound and yet simple call to love. What an inheritance.