Saturday, October 3, 2009

Washington D.C. Here We Come

The Maryknoll Lay Missioner Mission Statement says: MKLM is a Catholic organization inspired by the mission of Jesus to live and work with poor communities in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, responding to basic needs and helping to create a more just and compassionate world. To help the Orientation Class of 2009 begin working toward that goal we are going Washington D.C. This adventure will start tomorrow (Sunday).

We have been given $50 cash to pay for subway and taxi fares for the week. At 7:30 am we are going to be driven to the train station here in Ossining where we have a ticket to Grand Central Station. From there we must find our way to China Town where we will catch a bus to D.C. at 10:50. We have to arrive at our destination in time for dinner at 6:30. Why? To experience what it will be like traveling in our future homes in developing countries.

Our first two days will be spent with two other lay missioners groups: Society for Mission in Africa and the Franciscan Mission Service for a retreat. With our class of 12 it looks like there will be about 20 - 25 people involved.

Wednesday we will be meeting with Maryknollers in D.C. who make up the Maryknoll Office of Global Concerns. Their job is to work with the United Nations, the US government, governments of other countries, international financial institutions and corporations on behalf of peace, social justice and environmental issues.

Thursday we will be visiting with NonGovermental Organizations (NGOs)currently working in the countries where we are assigned.

Friday we have visits scheduled with our congressmen.

We have the option of returning home Friday afternoon or staying over the weekend to do some sightseeing. John and I are planning to stay and see as much as we can in a little over a day.

It sounds like a busy week!

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