One Step at a Time

I can't believe how fast time flies. (such a cliche, but so true!)

I have been leading skills groups for two weeks now- or is it three? I can't even remember. It has been going better than I might have anticipated, though yesterday brought with it a tough group, but I had support from my coworkers. That's really the key in surviving in the mental health field anyway. That, and practicing the DBT skills that I'm teaching. Like telling myself that the situation could've been worse. It does really help. My job is finally feeling like work- work I like, but work nonetheless. The orientation/honeymoon phase is over. The real work begins. I wouldn't really trade it for anything else right now (except maybe an extended vacation on a beach, all expenses paid... but that's just my imagination running wild).

In flipping through channels on the tv tonight (the minimal amount of tv stations we get), I came across something interesting about Women to Women International on one of the public broadcast stations. This is the site for the organization: http://www.womenforwomen.org/

That then made me think about the Not for Sale Campaign, and human trafficking. It was a reminder of how important these issues are, and how passionate I felt about them just several months ago when I attended a conference on human trafficking. That also makes me think about the women that I taught English to, and listened to their stories during my JV year.
I come to understand the term "ruined for life" more and more each day. I just can't look at things the same anymore. Social Justice has taken on a new meaning in my life. I may not always be doing something, but the thoughts are often there. Spirituality has changed it's shape in my life, my work is my prayer. I notice in little interactions with people, or in over hearing conversations at work, that God is all around, in each of these people. I still think it's important to go to Church because it helps keep me grounded. The problem is I feel like I am searching for a parish to call home. For now I just hop from one place to another. I can't seem to find a place that feels as much like home as some in the past.
The parish I grew up in is okay, but there's something about the masses that doesn't quite feel right to me- I think they are often missing the aspect about what we can do to help and love our neighbors. Sometimes the priest focuses too much on what we shouldn't do, I think. Or on finances, and the restructuring that may need to take place in our diocese because of the lack of priests. Which reminds me, a couple weekends ago they mentioned that the laity is being asked to brainstorm about what could possibly happen to help the situation. In my head popped up some answers that surprised me myself- to change some of the standards about who can be a priest- broadening the spectrum- maybe having women as pastors would be helpful, or (i hesitate to say it, but...) allowing married men to become priests. Or perhaps all that needs to happen is greater responsibilities be given to lay people during masses/in running the churches. After my catholic school education I didn't agree with these things... however after the past year of developing my thoughts and listening to the opinions of others/making observations I have come to the conclusion that it might not be a bad idea to make allowances. I mean, there are plenty of other religious sects that have married/women ministers. Jesus had women as his closest followers (the Marys for instance).

Okay, so i went off on a tangent. Just felt the need to get those thoughts out there. Now I am very tired and need to go to bed. Gracias, Adios. Gracias a Dios.