August Update
Blessings to all of you, my dear brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. August has been a month of reawakening for me. I did not realize that I had not been feeling myself as a Houston Seminarian until I left. I was listening to Air1, a Christian radio station, and the radio host spoke of how it is to have dormant parts of you waking up again. She said that it is not always comfortable when your arm falls asleep and you have to shake it to wake it up again. Nevertheless, you are glad when the feeling is restored. I have had a similar feeling this month. Similar to how when you date the wrong person for you, you do not feel yourself or that you are receiving much in the relationship, I felt that way while in that seminary. It was not a good “fit” for me, and that is not anyone’s fault. It is just the way it is. I feel much more comfortable in my skin again and confident in my missionary purpose. That does not mean I do not have fears and feel completely whole again, but it does mean I have a sense of God’s accompaniment, his presence through my future. I rest under the shadow of his wings and know he is my defender and best friend.
This month I have focused on reconnecting with family and raising money to pay off my college debt. I was able to raise about 1,500 dollars this month through the contribution of some generous family and friends and some of my own contributions by doing Uber. My goal is to pay off the remaining $61,500 before, God willing, I enter Maryknoll. I know it is a bit of a crazy dream, but I am going to be the persistent widow in the Gospels. If God puts it on your heart to give any amount ($1, $5, $10, $1000,) it is all appreciated. Feel free to give anyway you can. I am committed to praying for all my donors everyday and carrying you in my heart on the missions I go on.
Ubering has been a powerful experience because it is an act of trust in God: I push a start button and accept rides as they come, not knowing where they take me and whom I will encounter. I tell God, “I am doing this to pay off my debt. These are my loaves and fishes, Lord. I trust you to get me the right people, and I will pray through it all.” Once I was going to just keep the money for spending and I did not get any rides, then I said, “Okay, God. I will keep giving towards my debt in faith.” Almost right after, I received a ride opportunity. I have had opportunities to drive the blind, the mute, and the lame. In addition, I have transported a single mother with a special needs son and an infant from a WIC grocery store. Moreover, I picked up a very poor person who got my car dirty. Interestingly, I may have helped someone do a drug deal too…still not sure on that one. I see them as Christ entering my car and spending time with me, and I always sense his presence. Oftentimes my life goal of becoming a missionary priest comes up and it leads to an opportunity to talk about the Lord.
I also helped my grandpa work on his house for about three weeks: cleaning the house, organizing the garage, painting the porch and shed, power washing, doing yard work, and clearing junk from the yard. We had not spent a lot of time together in the past (maybe we would see each other about 3 or 4 times a year), so it was a blessing for me to be with him this month. I also got to go to Tyler, TX last week and see my Grandma and Papa and the spiritual mother that is my Aunt Kim and her family. I am very blessed to have a family that loves the Lord and supports me. I also was able to spend time with my mom, dad, and brother.
Another blessing has been the support of parishioners from my home parish, St. Charles Borromeo. The Suarez family, who leads Serra Club there, invited me to the anniversary event of this Club’s founding. They also took me to dinner last night to my favorite restaurant, Pappasito’s. They want to ask the Serra club to help with my debt, which is humbling and fills me with gratitude. Finally, I was able to have lunch with a good friend from Oral Roberts University. The beauty of that friendship is that we are able to pick up where we last left off and have deep conversations about life and the Lord.
Tomorrow I move in to China Town in Southwest Houston. I will be at Ascension Chinese Mission and living with the Vocations Director for Maryknoll, Fr. Rodrigo. In preparation for life in the parish, I was trying to finish DuoLingo’s Chinese lessons (there are about 60), but I only got to lesson 23 or so. I am still quite a beginner, but recognize a lot of characters and know basic grammar. I am excited to be with that community. It is uncharted territory, so it will be a beautiful experience. I may keep doing Uber and hopefully will be able to help some at St. Charles Borromeo.
Please keep me in mind some when you are consciously in God’s presence. Know I am praying for you all, especially when doing my Rosaries.
In Jesus’ Name,
Kyle
