Caught in the Snow Storm

As I write this blog, St. Louis is GORGEOUS! We have balmy 80 Fahrenheit Degree weather, the spring sun is radiant and the sweet scents of blooming blossoms greet those that walk through the streets.  The memory of the bitterly frigid winter is behind us, replaced by the colors /allergies of spring and the fast approaching promise of a hot summer.  

Dominican Sisters of Peace - Eld Street in New Haven, CT

I invite you, dear reader, to travel back to the month of March with me.  I have been carrying the deep desire to write on a memorable experience that while simple, provided me a deep lesson. As a reminder, on March 12, you CDN Novices embarked on our East Coast Pilgrimage of our Dominican Sister Congregations and Motherhouses.  On the time period of eight days we traveled over 3,000 miles, 14 visits, six states, were the recipients of so much love by our sisters and rejoiced in our Dominican Heritage. 

We planned thoroughly a detail itinerary and revised it many times until it was perfect. We even planned a “fun” day in NYC where we would visit the site of the first Dominican Convent in Brooklyn, wave to Lady Liberty, pay our respects at Ground Zero, sing a song from the hit musical Hamilton at Alexander’s Hamilton’s resting place, visit with our Sisters in NYC and conclude at St. Patrick’s Cathedral!  We looked at the best and fastest subway routes, calculated expenses, a lunch stop at China Town.  The planned day was going to be perfect, fast paced and AMAZING.

Sr. Joan making pies during the snow storm!

I was in LOVE with our plan in its fullness!  I was also determined that were going to follow the plan in its entirety.  As a young university student, my amazing public relations professor would remind me to NEVER fall in love with a plan, slogan or campaign. The reasoning for her advice is based on the notion that once you are in love with an idea, it is hard to discover other options or even embrace flexibility if things don’t turn out as projected.  I had forgotten the advice given to me as a student. I was focused and determined.  I chose to ignore the threat of snow hovering over our trip.  The weather forecast was not favorable.  Forecasts keep mentioning a “nor'easter” or lovingly referred in the East Coast as savage snow storms that paralyze communities, yet I was going to stick to plan!

The start of our trip was AMAZING! We visited with our sisters in Columbus and Akron.  Our trip continued to Caldwell where we received as VIP’s and learned all about the stunning Denver of the East. Following we were warmly welcomed at the origins of the Regensburg Tree, Amityville.  Then we arrived at the beautiful Dominican Sisters of Peace House of Welcome in New Haven, CT. The following day we had a dynamic day at the United Nations with Sr. Margaret Mayce, OP, NGO in Special Consultative Status at the United Nations Dominican Leadership Conference and several Dominican Sisters from Dominican Sisters International.  Everything was going according to plan and we even had some gorgeous sunny days at the start of our trip.  Then the dark clouds show up, Doppler radar warnings are everywhere, closures began to be announced, yet I was sure the day was going to be OK and we would be able to enjoy NYC.

Sr, Bea and Sr. Katherine enjoying a sweet treat!

On March 14, I work up at 5:00 a.m., opened the window and saw a winter wonderland! Over a foot of snow had covered New Haven, CT and the snow was not stopping. I was very mad! My perfect plan was RUINED, or so I thought.  After morning prayers and my personal prayer I realized that the journey was long and I was tired!  I surrendered to the fact that I could not travel and payed attention to my body, I was drained!  The community in New Haven, was wonderful! They were very supportive, allowed us to rest and both Katherine and Sr. Joan baked delicious pies!  I was bummed that my plan did not work out, but things turned out better! We rested, enjoyed our sisters in New Haven and ate pie!

I am reminded of the brave German nuns who arrived from Regensburg, Germany at the invitation of a monsignor from Pennsylvania, whom never showed up to receive them.  In the face of challenge and adversity, they discerned and heard a call to minister in the unknown, uncomfortable and unpredictable in Williamsburgh, Brooklyn.  Out of their discernment, they gather strength in their reliance on God to amazing results.  Out of that original group of German nuns, 11 Dynamic Dominican Congregations branched in the United States creating countless founded ministries, various colleges and universities, hospitals, and ministering all over the world and preaching God to many!

The Amazing Dominican Sisters at Lincoln St.| New Haven, CT

Their legacy continues and survives in US! I am also reminded of the countless stories of challenge and adversity of our foundresses and various Dominican Congregations. There have been various points where adversity or the clouds of snow showed up, challenged everything and gave birth to new opportunities.  ONLY Through deep trust in God and blind faith the challenges are surpassed and something new is born!

As I continue to journey religious life I am reminded not to fall in love with an idea. Instead be open to God’s plan. While there might be a projected snow storm, God does not abandon us and is always working. We must rely on God, discern and gather strength from our foundresses and Dominican Foremothers.   Most importantly, I pray that we all are open to be instruments of God and not get in the way of God’s plan because we fell in love with an idea. I pray that we may be open to the voice of God when we get caught up in future snow storms.