Sunday, February 26, 2012

We have now been in Haledon, New Jersey for three days. Thursday night, upon arriving in Newark I was able to meet up with my good friend and fellow missioner Mireya Carrillo at the Airport along with two beautiful Salesian Sisters, Sister Julia and Sister Girline, they were full of joy and life...

Yesterday, we were joined by a third missioner, Gloria Aguilar Martinez of Honduras.


There has not been much time to write we have limited internet access and have been busy taking our initial tours of the Big Apple (Thank you Sister Jeanine and Sister Denise!)

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Pure Joy... VIDES + USA Formation Service Camp January 2012, Austin, TX
Donate to my VIDES+USA mission work: http://www.crowdrise.com/freedomtolove1/fundraiser/nataliefontenot

Find out more about how VIDES+USA is working through youth to help others discover the freedom to love:
www.vides.us

Thanks and Praise


My journey towards the Freedom to Love officially starts tomorrow. Tonight, as I reflect on all the prayers, support and love that have been sent my way to make this faith journey possible, I search for the words to express the gratefulness, I sigh and then say “Thank you.” What else is there to say?

I am so thankful for all the people who have accompanied throughout my life in my journey towards Christ. I am surrounded by love. Thank each and every single one of you for sharing your light, your life and your love with me, for it is through each other that we discover Jesus. Thank you for bringing me closer to God. Thank you for helping me find the faith, the courage and the strength to allow myself be free to love and free to share God’s love as however He may see fit.

Tonight, I ask that you join me in a praryer for all Missionaries, and really a prayer for everyone – because we are all created with a purpose and mission:

Dear God, we ask you to bless VIDES,
the Volunteers who participate in the program,
and all who prepare them, walk with them, and sponsor them.
Help the Volunteers to commit themselves
to loving and joyful service
to continually strive to deepen their relationship with You,
to be Christian witnesses supporting others in their spiritual growth.
Help them to be like Mary
saying “Yes” to bearing Christ within them
and asking her to help them be instruments
in bringing Jesus to birth in others.
As they serve the youth and adults to whom they are sent
may they follow the Salesian spirit of St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello practicing “reason, religion, and loving-kindness.”
May they learn from other cultures and appreciate the good in them.
May they participate respectfully
in the religious community in which they live.
And may they honor and respect all peoples they encounter.
Help them to keep an open mind,
joyful spirit, and compassionate heart even when things get tough
as they share their time, talent, and treasure with others.
Guide them on their journey, bring them back safely
And as they share their experiences with us
may we also grow in your love. AMEN.

I pray that each and every one of us can find Christ as we accompany each other in our journey towards Him – establishing confidence, discovering the Truth of self... leading to the freedom to love. I pray that each and every one of us can go forth confidently into the world, acting on our deepest motives and inspirations. I pray that we can all discover our true selves and that we all can find the freedom to love as God loves.

I hope that you continue with me on this faith journey so that we can accompany each other in discovering Christ living in each and every person on our journey towards Him.

Sending you all the LOVE in my heart...