As I begin to wrap up my stay here in the high desert of southern New Mexico, saying goodbye today to the group of volunteer men who dedicate a lot of their free time to helping maintain this spiritual oasis in the desert, my mind spins backwards to when I was 16 years old, and traveled with a friend over Christmas break to the Northeast corner of Oklahoma to volunteer at the Cookson Hills Children's Farm. There are so many similarities between Holy Cross Retreat Center here in Mesilla Park, NM and the Cookson Hills farm, in that both are dedicated to helping those most in need, and to promote the spiritual and emotional growth of all who they come into contact with. Being a somewhat smart aleck 16-yr old in 1976, I was not prepared for the emotional experience of participating in something as significant as changing the lives of children. Thinking I was so "worldly' at 16, I did not expect to become so emotionally attached to some of those kids in such a short period of time, and nearly cried the entire way back home on that 12-hour bus ride. To say I returned "changed" would have been an understatement, even though my friend had tried to prepare me beforehand. Although I am a little more "seasoned" now, and able to anticipate and handle these spiritual awakenings when they occur, saying goodbye to many new friends today was just as emotional as I remembered it back in 1976. They embraced me as one of their own, invited me into their homes and lives as if we'd known each other for years, and shared with me many of their own stories and struggles they have encountered. To say I'll be returning home changed again, would also be an understatement. From Fr. Tom and all the Friars who live and work here who accepted me as one of their own, to Debbie, Margaret and Tom, full-time staff members who got me settled as soon as I arrived and pointed in the right direction at all times, to the entire kitchen staff who have fed me every day (and even allowed me to raid the walk-in freezer and refrigerator!) to Dee and Donna who do the tremendous task of clothing and feeding the most needing of Gods children, as I had been served by them in numerous ways since I arrived, I wanted to cook our final group meal together, as a small way for me to thank them for accepting me, opening up to me, and giving me that sense of familiar belonging. Holy Cross has a huge outdoor grill (oh, how I want one now!!) and it was such a pleasure for me to be able to cook and serve those who will forever be a part of my memories now. I was able to hold it together better now than when I was sixteen, but just long enough to get back to my room! Until we meet again, my friends!
This is beautiful!