Oh boy.

Wow. 

This has really been the best summer--perhaps break is a better word--that anyone could ask for. Filled with hilarious moments and unforgettable memories, this summer was a great send-off for my Bolivian journey. 

To start it all off, following graduation, I headed off to Tennessee to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel with Gannon's family. (Just peruse a couple of the pictures on Google... They've got nothing on the real thing.) So neat. You could spend a whole week just finding new nooks and crannies in the place. We did, however, venture out a couple of times. I got my very first hole-in-one in putt-putt, BUT more importantly, I beat Gannon.  Another day, we went onto the Nashville strip. I fell in love. Maybe three times? I love live music. I love good live music players. Our week ended with time on Norris Lake, basking in the rays and getting back up on the waterskis! 

Returning from utter relaxation, I was able to go back to Respite's Kidz Kamp for a couple of weeks and reconnect with all of the precious gifts I have had to joy of working with for the past year. Just call me Miss Lainie. My bud Christian still remembers me! And Kordell is still singing with the best of them!! These beautiful children make my heart swell with every fond memory, even some sore ones too. 

Christian and I went through a lot. But just look at that smile!

My singin' Kordell. He is incredible.
@Miss DanielleLevesque can vouch for that.

Although not at Kidz Kamp, Stevie and I had great couple months together singing songs and laughing at my ridiculous dance moves

My stint with Respite ended with some delish brownies and the annual trip to Norris Lake with the whole Sanker clan! Fully equipped with Doodles and a party pontoon, we were prepared for a great weekend of family, food, and fun. And, boy, did we get tons of each!!

Jumping off a bridge...
Just like leaving for Bolivia
Totally freaked but totally psyched
I've just got to jump.

Returning home from Norris, I packed up my home in Columbus and drove a honkin' big UHaul from Columbus to Cincinnati. Then, it was time for THE BIG APPLE with my fellow Salesians!

Orientation with the Salesian Lay Missioners was a three week-long orientation/retreat/hangout/awesome experience. It was full of amazing individuals, spiritual awakening, cultural training, lessons in the ways of my buddy Donnie B, using our elbow grease, great fun, and lots of my favorite thing: SINGING. :)

The week started with a goofy scavenger hunt around the village of Port Chester. My team got 3rd place.... Clearly by this picture, we deserved first

We had an off day and a group of us traveled our way into the city. Best memory of the day? Dessert at Ellen's Stardust Diner. GO!

After a week of service in Port Chester, cleaning and helping out at the soup kitchen, we went to the Marian Shrine in Stony Point, NY--sharing in a retreat with the Salesian priests and brothers and the Salesian Domestic Volunteers! 

Father Richard

Do you see any resemblance? 

One of the running jokes of the week was that I was his daughter.

Our commissioning mass was held by the Bishop Luc Van Looy of Ghent, Belgium! He was alongside of us throughout the week. What a loving, holy man. Funny, too.

All of the SLMs and SDVs. What a year we have ahead of us!!

The SLMs and SDVs entertained the Salesians, singing "Hail, Holy Queen" and "My God" from Sister Act
And let me tell you, we were goooood :)

All in all, my three weeks in New York were incredible. My placement has now changed, and I could not be more ready and excited. I am now working in Montero, Bolivia in the Centro Sagrado Corazon, near Hogar Sagrado Corazon. I still don't know exactly what I will be doing, but I do know I will be around a kindergarten and daycare. I might teach English. I might help with computers. It's like jumping off that bridge--just got to have faith it will all work out. A feeling of ultimate peace in the journey I am about to embark on began in New York among my amazing comrades and has continued throughout the rest of my time here. 

Since returning home, I have connected with family and friends: going up to Columbus on most weekends to see friends and football--having an awesome time--and spending the weeks with my family and preparing my self and my things for Bolivia! I am leaving this Saturday! The 22nd!

This past weekend, my family had a going away party. It was a great time of laughs and some of my favorite desserts!! You've GOT to try out this recipe!! Don't be put off by the name. It is DELICIOUS. As a gift, my cousins decided they ought to prepare me for the Bolivian cuisine--by getting my a PIG'S FOOT and PIG STOMACH. 

We even fired up the grill for them!
Thanks Maria and Ben!

Goodbyes are never easy, and I have deeply felt each one of them. I am so blessed to have so many tremendous, loving people in my life. I have been changed for good knowing each one of you. 

So, I'm feeling pretty good. Better than good. I am ready. It's a nice feeling. God's with me, the Holy Spirit is in my heart, and I am doing this. 

"Lord your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same."

--The Summons

Until next time, which will be FROM BOLIVIA,

Lain