Narragansett, RI and Danbury, CT

On Sunday, September 20th, I arrived in Narragansett, Rhode Island, to stay with the Christian Brothers. After being introduced to all of the Brothers, Brother Kevin treated me to a burger and ice cream! On Monday, I had the chance to help out at Ocean Tides School. On Tuesday, Brother Kevin gave me a tour of the Lasallian schools in town. First, I went to the San Miguel middle school. After that, we went to La Salle Academy and St. Raphael Academy, the two Lasallian high schools in town. Following the tours, I headed back to San Miguel. While school was in session, I took down and put up a bulletin board. After school, I stayed and helped the kids who are in the “scholar” homework program. Once I was done at school, the Nocera family treated me to dinner!

On Wednesday, I left Narragansett and headed to Danbury, Connecticut, to stay with the FOCUS missionaries. Once I arrived and introduced myself, I jumped right into the action and started moving objects from one room to another to help prepare for an upcoming garage sale. That night was spent engaging in great conversation with the FOCUS missionaries. I started my Thursday off by watching the Pope’s address with Father Peter and some of the local parishioners. Following some discussion about the address, Father let me share my story with everyone! After everybody left, I headed to the front of the church office building to paint the railing with one of the employees. After about an hour of painting and good conversation, we cleared some more space for the garage sale and then headed across the street to do some painting at the school. When I got back to the apartment, I found a hand written letter from one of the women that I was working with on Wednesday! Never underestimate the impact of a kind deed!

On Friday, I went to Mass in the morning. At the end of Mass, Father let me talk to everyone briefly about my trip. After hearing my story, a kind couple offered to take me out for breakfast and continue to the conversation. After a meal filled with good food and great company, we headed out. On the way out, the couple introduced me to their friends, one of which worked in the same city that I used to! Small world! Following breakfast, I headed back to the school to do some more painting. After an afternoon of phone calls and emails, the FOCUS missionaries and I went out for dinner! Following dinner, we headed to a bonfire for young adults that we were invited to.

On Saturday, I caught up on some much needed sleep and then went bowling with the FOCUS missionaries. After a fun time bowling, I headed to Mass. Following a night of phone calls and laundry, I headed to bed to rest up for New York City!

Thank you to Brother Kevin and all the Brothers for your generous hospitality. Thank you to all the teachers and staff at Ocean Tides and San Miguel. Thank you to the Nocera family for meeting up with me! Thank you to Father Peter and the FOCUS missionaries for hosting me. Thank you to the woman who took the time to write me the letter. Thank you to the couple who treated me to breakfast. And thank you to all of you who continue to support me and pray for me! You are all in my prayers!