What to do about refugees?

Just finished reading the letter from the president of the CCCB to Canadian Catholics on the refugee crisis.

It is a great letter, filled with positive suggestions, information and a call to prayer and fasting.

As Catholic Women's League members we are called to act and to act now.

I urge each of us to make a special effort to fast from something over the next two weeks. In that time of penance, pray for discernment and guidance that we may know what we will be asked to do.

As I mentioned at our convention, the founding leaders of CWL responded to the need of the day giving aid, support and companionship to immigrant women.

I thought one call for us might be in the area of palliative care, where people need someone to journey with them during their last days. And this may be true.

After reading this letter and listening to Pope Francis, our mission may be to find ways to intervene and give hope to refugee families.

The national executive will be discussing how the League will celebrate the Extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy from grassroots to the national level. Provincial presidents are consulting their members for ideas that we will review at our meeting in Novmber so we are ready for the opening on December 8' the feast of the Immaculate Conception. 

With Mary as our guide and patroness we look to make  bold decisions for the good of all.

 I ask for your prayers and sacrifice that we will hear God's voice and open our hearts.

Our theme asks us to have hearts of mercy and compassion, to speak with clarity, courage and wisdom and help others encounter Jesus Christ through us.

Thank you in advance for prayers to help us discern the path we should take,

Barb

Gratitude

God's plans... . I thought I had the weekend planned, to write thank you cards and sleep late, but here it is Sunday afternoon with not one note card written. Mike, Joanne, Maya and Sofia wanted to go camping. With such rare opportunities, we dropped everything and embraced this gift. The weather was wonderful, we had a lovely fake fire and S!mores without chocolate. The tent was pitched and makeshift sleeping arrangements figured out. It was a precious time as we waited for the stars to come out, talked and laughed at Maya's stories. The smoke haze from the forest fires near Winthrop covered everything except for the sliver of moon as it rose.

They made it through the whole night in the tent but were ready to climb into the warm trailer first thing! Maya was so happy, she was beaming. Sofia looked like an angel as she snuggled in.

After a full English breakfast we headed off to the pool for more fun and sun.

Now, in the quiet of early afternoon, Sofia is napping, Joanne resting in the hammock while Mike and Alan went to the river with Maya.

So I sit in peace giving thanks to God for all the good things he has given us. Life is so fragile and precious - I am reminded to stay in the moment. The breeze is soft and you could hear a pin drop. We are the only ones here today; another bonus!

The psalm at Mass was, "Taste and see the goodness of The Lord."

Indeed! How blessed are we? Thank you God for this precious gift of family and of time.

To St Anne de Beaupre

The images and grandeur found in cloud formations is ethereal and magnificent. I had to stop taking pictures after a time for fear of having nothing else ! A unbelievable sight...how can anyone not believe I God, the creator of all this. Everything so perfect, so in tune with the universe. Feels like a mystical experience!

The little plane is buffeted about.... Another moment of awe and thanksgiving for the gift of flight. Thankful for all the elements that go into getting us off the ground and back again. So many things have to go right, people doing their daily job, each a part of the big pictures.q waiting at Heathrow in a security pause, made me think how at rusting we have to be - or we would never leave home for fear!

Today I am most grateful for the security, the gift of being able to walk the miles to our gate, the gift of being able to find my own way. 

Onward to Lisbon, now trusting the transport to Fatima will appeare now that we are an hour late. Trust, again!

Kim, Betty-Anne, Margaret Ann, Velma should be there by now flying intomHeathrow early.

The adventure begins...

Air Transat to London

Let us listen to the voice of The Lord and ente into His peace....

Psalm to start this day as we prepare for fhe flight to London.

Big rush to finish packing and get to the airport.  Mike came early to collect us.

It was smooth sailing because we were in the club class so we no line up and we were able to board at our leisure. The sets were so nice and wide.

it never ceases to amaze me the magic of flying..... The trust we have in all those who have even the smallest part in getting these massive beasts in the air.

So far, so good. Terrific service by May who is taking such great care of us... Prosecco to satert..does get much better than that!

Watched a crazy movie about blended families. Sadly it is the kind of fairy tale story that only makes things worse and harder for those kids who so badly want their families back together. Nice scenery in Africa though!

Had fun with the IPad mini and made a great start on my new Louise Penny mystery...

Not much sleep though on what really is the red ey!o

Only 3 hours to go...

Travel thoughts and notes

Travel thoughts for be league....

Returned from NCCW on Thursday, worked Friday, enjoyed the long weekend and a fine Thanksgiving!

It was different in that Ian was away but mike, Joanne, Devon, MaYa and Sofi came; Rob brought Maria (delightful young woman!)' Fran and Laurelee came and stayed overnight. The biggest surprise was that Colin also arrived - just as if we saw him yesterday. He had hardly changed considering how long it has been. So we had a relaxed and pleasant time. 

Brunch with Cousins Laurelee and Fran, cleaned up, went shopping and tried to think about packing.

Tuesday I went to one of Amy Sunberg'S women's gathering but it was not well attended and in a poor location. Home by nine; still thinking about packing....

Thursday was the installation of the new Corpus Christi/St. mark's colleges president and principal. 

Check name - Meehan.

So glad I went; he seems a very nice man. Archbishop Miller spoke eloquently and passionately - he is so at home in that intellectual world. I was a guest of honour even!

Got home at 10.....really must start packing! sigh.

By Friday night, I was flat out of time with nothing left but to go for it...long story short, I never did pack the shoes I had been wearing indoors all week and I have no idea what happened to them!

Arrived Londom GATWICK at 6:30 am, found our way to the. Express train tat took directly to Moe's stop at Kentish Town. 

With nary a taxi to be found, we managed to find a bus that took us to her corner.

Lovely to see her and Alfand of course Soph.

We had a long slow day with lots of coffee and Moe drove us to Mass where we nearly fell face first we were so tired. But we persevered and stayed up til 8:30,