I arrived in Madrid this past Tuesday and checked into my hostel.
I am so thankful to be here, as I did not think I would be able to make it due to funds. However, everything fell into place at the last minute, although the meetings were not exactly in place as I did not know if I would be able to make it here. But I did make some ground and 'some' is better than 'none' -- praise be Jesus Christ who provided the way.I booked my room the day I came in and was lucky to find a nice hostel. Normally filled with 6 females, I had the room to myself for a couple days. I think God gave this to me as a gift to prep me. You really have to be careful with what you pray about! As my trip has neared its end, I've prayed much about how much I wanted to experience more community. Well, my prayers were answered and God has the best sense of humor -- praised be Jesus Christ!
My next hostel from the weekend till my departure was a mixed room for ... 14 people. Yikes! I had to switch hostels because the dates I needed were already full. Last night, I only woke up about 9 times. I still like community though ... that is probably a good sign, right?!
When I first arrived, my lunch was fabulous. I understand why the Spaniards like a siesta after lunch ... what a great culture!
After getting settled, I set out to connect with folks planning World Youth Day for next summer. Since the summer, I had experienced difficulty trying to get to the main website and contact information. For the first time, I found contact information. For those interested in going: here's the link ... http://www.madrid11.com/. I hope some form of collaboration might be possible.I also tried to connect with other organizations in Madrid to see what kind of work they are doing here; and if there's any opportunity for collaboration for next summer.
I did hear back from one organization who addresses violence against women. The coordinator informed me Tuesday is a national holiday in Spain, so the days leading up to the holiday are extremely busy. If anything, I am satisfied with having made brief contact and realize any relationship that would develop will need cultivation and the best way to develop is to show the work we are doing in Chicago as a viable and effective approach to healing families and individuals.
Before entering into my second hostel, my first hostel was practically next door to the main office for the Archdiocese of Madrid. The thought to visit it kept coming to mind several times, so I went and asked if it was possible for me to speak with someone who works in the area of domestic/sexual abuse or violence. I also described a little of the project. They were extremely responsive and helpful in directing me to Caritas Madrid, the social welfare arm providing services to help families. One conversation led me to receiving the contact information of someone I am to send a proposal to of what the collaboration would look like, praise be Jesus Christ!
While the ultimate decision of collaboration rests in the hands of someone I have not met yet, the people I was speaking with were very curious and interested in the project's approach ... that With Mercy and Justice's approach to healing is centered in Christ, the liturgy, sacraments, prayer, and leadership formation.
Yesterday I went to a Dominican-run parish for Mass; and after communion, the thought to talk with someone at the parish about the project came very clearly to mind. I thought I was done networking but I guess the project wasn't! So, I found some information on the activities of the parish, and it turns out they have a program for mothers and fathers that involves formation. So, I asked a priest who I could contact regarding the classes they offer and the project. He referred me to one of the brothers who not only facilitates workshops but also writes on the sacraments. I am curious where this lead will or won't lead to ... but am open.
I wish my stay in Madrid was longer ... I realized this as the week passed. While here, I enjoyed the wonderful people, the culture, the music, the friendliness of the Madrileños, the food, the architecture, the museums - Prado et Reina Sophia - , gardens, plazas, and the Spanish fashion!
I am tired but am looking forward to returning to Chicago. I will rest the week and then be back in the scene next Monday. There is a lot of following up on my end ... thank you email's and writing and planning. I look forward to reconnecting with Cabrini and the leads I had before I left in the summer.
Praised be Jesus Christ for his guiding hand leading the way. How he has provided! Wrap up blog tonight.
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