Finally, A Word from Cincinnati

We’ve had quite the journey thus far. Even just through our travels to Cincinnati. Today we had a free day and visited the Krohn conservatory. There was an entire greenhouse devoted to cacti and desert plants. I couldn’t help but think of my mother. I just wanted to take picture after picture. However, not having a camera was a problem. This caused me to ponder what I really wanted. I wanted her there with me. I wanted my mom to share the experience with me. This has been the case countless times in the past couple of days. . The tunnel in the Detroit airport, the cacti in the Krohn conservatory, the Xaiver campus library, the sun’s rays breaking over a fluffy bed of clouds; all different places, sights, and activities; all reminding me of different people I care about. Further reflection made me realize, the people I think of have touched my life in such a way that I wish to share my experience with them. Just thinking of them has changed my perspective, even if ever so slightly. As a result I have brought these people with me. All of us have brought different people, experiences, and skills to Cincinnati. They shape what we see and ultimately our actions.
Even though my friends and family cannot experience everything directly with me, when I return home, I will bring back all the experiences, sights, and people who have touched me while I have been here. Even though we haven’t officially begun our service, my life as already been impacted.
Tomorrow we being our service, and perhaps we won’t giving so much of our labor as we will give the more intangible things. As for right now, we are simply enjoying each other’s company and getting to know the group of Minnesota students we will be living with and serving with over the next week. Thus far I have no regrets about the trip. I am so glad to be here, and so excited for tomorrow. On the other hand, perhaps I didn’t need to sacrifice a clean pair of jeans by sliding into first during kick ball.
I pray this blog finds you all well,
Amy Reagor
P.S. I can’t wait for you all to meet the woman in the airport, the friars living next to us, and the gigantic campus library.