What love really means...

I gave up 5 days of my life to go on retreat at Capuchin Youth and Family Ministries to help with Habitat for Humanity. But it was so much more than escaping reality. It was incredible. Utterly incredible. Brought back my faith in humanity and renewed lots of friendships with people I hadn't seen in a while and met a whole bunch of great people.

I built cabinets/counters for this transitional housing apartments (3 in total) carried bunches of doors up three stories and helped to get lumber from a lumber yard/through away scrap metal. Lots of work and sweat but so worth it, knowing that one day a family will be living there.

~ct

Pretending, being, encouraging, inspiring:

Watch Meryl Streep give her humble, inspirational speech:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-a8QXUAe2g&playnext_from=TL&videos=-Jdh8doa9Yc&feature=featured

She's incredible. And way too humble. 

I'm picking up what You're putting down

I walked into CYFM on Sunday, not afraid or intimidated but angry. Angry at the fact that I was leaving my friend's graduation party early, angry that I was not going on CAM, angry that I had to spend a week with some people but not others.BUT I was completely and totally wrong. 

  The week started with tons of hugs and love and joy at seeing people I knew already and meeting others who I hadn't, I still wasn't into the whole retreat, even though I usually feel the love when pulling into the CYFM parking lot. I don't exactly when I started feeling better about myself, others, and God. There wasn't one particular moment, but all of it. It ALL helped me to grow; throughout the week around those who did not have much time left helped me to love and appreciate every moment that I have. Life isn't about avoiding pain but learning how to deal with it. You have to get through all the bad times to know and appreciate the wonderful times in your life. COP was probably the best growing experience of my entire life and I will most definitely be writing more on it. I have learned acceptance of myself and others, genuine love, that peace speaks louder than force, and that I am a strong and beautiful individual. 

Love and peace. Love and peace. LOVE AND PEACE AND HAPPINESS. Just aim for that and you will be successful in life. I am so grateful that I had the chance to be near God and the amazing people I was with. I feel blessed and loved. Amen. :)

You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf them and enjoy the ride.