Parkinson's Unity Walk

Each year my family attends the Parkinson's Unity Walk which is a huge fund for research for Parkinson's disease. Since my mom was diagnosed my family has made it a priority to participate. Each year it is such a gift all of the people who come out to support my mom and her team, Team kelty. So many who can not make the actual walk come and support through donations of money and time to keep Team Kelty's efforts to raise fund for PD alive. This year my mom and her army of devoted helpers were able to raise over 7,000 dollars for the walk. This is awesome!

Also, for the walk itself we had a great turnout. It was an alright day..a little cold but the rain held out. Many of my friends in the area came...thank you all for the support...it means more then I can write!

Have you ever known that you are right where you needed to be?

I have been struggling a bit lately finding time for things I need in my life at home in NY. My family is so busy, but busy in a different way then at the farm(I still do not have a grasp on how exactly just yet). I feel like there is always something that needs to be done and yet I am not finding time for God. I need to find a way to make room for God in my daily schedule...and yet I also feel that this is where I am meant to be.

Today I had a couple of those moments where things felt so perfect. I was so grateful for the day I was given and I know now that these are the type of experiences I came home for.

It was hard for me to leave the farm and I think part of me could have stayed and been very happy there. Yet, I wanted to reconnect with my home. I was tired of missing out of family time, younger cousins growing up, my siblings sporting events, family TV time, and the ability to soak in all the love and wisdom from my grandparents. All these things I wanted back...and yet it was still hard to go.

Today, I knew I was where I was supposed to be. I spent the day at Marist speaking to campus ministry students who volunteer weekly. Students came at different times through the day and it was neat getting to practice my ministry skills...running the discussions and sharing My story with the students. In between talks I was able to wander campus. I ran into many old friends from coaches to fellow alumni to favorite professors. The love I felt by so many amazing people was overwhelming. Towards the end of my day I was invited to a dinner and talk on campus. At first I felt uneasy about the invite because I was not dressed for the occasion. However I said yes( Michaela was sleeping over a friends house and the rest of the fam was in Ireland so it was a perfect set up). Long story short I got to have a fancy dinner with some of my favorite professors, I got to eat great food and listen and partake in good conversations. Also another highlight was the guests speaker who works at the University of Dayton. I got to meet him and talk about the program I am going to. I also enjoyed his speech and the questions asked afterwards. Overall I felt like it was a day meant for me and I am thankful I am back to be able to participate in such things.

Refelctions on Noah's Ark

The more time I find myself removed from the farm, the more I find myself finding wisdom in the experiences I had there. My time at the farm has transitioned from my current life story to more of an abstract memory...its hard to believe I actually did all those things...little old me(with the help of one big God that is)

One thing that has struck me is the image of Noah's ark. During my last week at the Farm, I was looking at my room walls trying to soak in the space...wanting to preserve it to my memory. As I looked around at the decorations that the room came with and the ones I added, I looked at familiar images of what I believe and love. suddenly I noticed a wooden image of Noah's Ark! It had been there my entire time and I lived among that symbol during my 18 months at the farm without realising what it stood for. Even during the floods...which I consider a dark time in my faith life...I was tired. I was so in the middle of it all I forgot to breathe and rest. And yet, God had this little sign of hope in my own bedroom...in my comfort space there was the symbol of this ark....that life moves on, there is hope after the hard times as long as you have faith there will always be hope. I found it interesting that I found this ark special not during the floods but only after I was to leave that space. I guess sometimes even when you are looking for signs of hope, we are too consumed in ourselves we miss what is right in front of us.

New York Transitions

In the last month I have been working on the transition from KY life to NY life. At first I have to be honest...it was difficult. Not that I was not excited to be home...because boy, did I miss my family! But, I was sad to leave my KY families and scared to how I might fail living the GOD life outside of the farm where it was up to me.

I think I was confused and st some times I admit socially awkward..not used to the NY type of business. Yet, after being here, I have slowly been able to let go of the farm...and not worry so much about those I have had to say goodbye to. I think as I have relaxed a bit..I have been able to find my rhythm at home...be present with the ones I love and have missed so very much...and enjoy the change back.

Here is a song whose lyrics have been helpful in my journey
"This Is The Stuff" Lyrics
by Francesca Battistelli | from the album Hundred More Years


I lost my keys in the great unknown
And call me please
Cause I can't find my phone

(CHORUS)
This is the stuff
That drives me crazy
This is the stuff
That's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff
That gets under my skin
But I've gotta trust
You know exactly what Your doing
Might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use

45 in a 35
Sirens and fines
While I'm running behind

(CHORUS)

To break me of impatience
Conquer my frustrations
I've got a new appreciation
It's not the end of the world...

This is the stuff
That drives me crazy
This is the stuff
Someone save me
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff
That gets under my skin
But I've gotta trust
You know exactly what Your doing
Might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use