This past month, we wrapped up my last round of summer camps. These days, despite the chaos, stress, and lack of sleep involved in organizing and running camps for two sets of twenty children from the slums of Chennai, the neighborhoods of Chengalpett, and our surrounding villages, are some of the most joyful days of...
Normally, I dread events like galas and fundraisers. But I have come to expect a pleasant surprise upon meeting up with the Con-solatio crew under any circumstances. There is always great dignity, purpose and grace in the air when we meet, and somehow this opens up possibilities I did not see. During the evening stories were...
Our partnered mission center in Dakar recently celebrated their thirtieth anniversary. A sneak peek into Senegalese joy in words and images:...
One day, M., an eleven-year-old girl, came yelling at our gate. This is a very normal occurrence with the kids of the neighborhood, so we weren't too shocked or worried. However, as I approached the gate, I saw that M. had been crying. As I ran to her, asking what the matter was, she responded,...
Since returning from Orientation in Brooklyn a couple of weeks ago, my time spent there almost seems like a dream. Not because it seems distant, but because of my experience of the Con-solatio way of life. The orientation was full of talks, meeting new people, and living a life that seemed really different. While I...
It’s summer here which means camp!! We were blessed to be able to take the kids from our neighborhood to camp. We spent 4 days, in nature playing games, playing soccer, swimming, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying time together. I felt our friendship with the kids grow, as we learned how to love each other through...
Every Wednesday we take the bus to a little village near Deva called Mintia. One of the people we visit in Mintia is a little girl named Vanessa. Vanessa is 8 years old and was born without kneecaps so she is only able to walk on her knees. Vanessa doesn’t have many friends because she...
Cienna is a friend that is characterized by the saying: “When our mission house was bought, she came with the house.” The first time I met Cienna, all I heard was banging on the window and a very loud yell, “LETIII”. I opened the door and before I could say hello, she was already inside...
At the turn of the new year, we welcomed 15 friends and Missionary Program Alumni for a Family Reunion. This Reunion gave us the opportunity to give thanks for the blessings received in 2022 and to entrust the unfolding of 2023 to our Lord. Here are some personal highlights...
My very first apostolate in Deva was at the Monastery, which is a home for children who do not have families to take care of them. The children are there either because their parents have died, their parents struggle with substance abuse, or simply because their families cannot afford to care for them. We try...