HALLELUJAH!!

Today has been absolutely beautiful! Joyous and simple. I'm also on a PCN high and definitely a sugar overload! I just love my life and the people in it. Initially I was sad because I was not at home celebrating Easter with my family as I always do. I was not there to join hands in church with them, to sing Alleluia, to spend an hour in the bathroom with my sister curling our hair and doing our makeup, to run madly all over the yard trying to beat Adam in the egg hunt, to witness my dad consume his entire chocolate bunny in one sitting as he does every year, to eat my grandma's deviled eggs and my mom's honey ham, to help my mom dye the eggs pretty colors, to just BE with my family on a day as special as Easter. But today helped me realize that I have entirely redefined (heck yeah PCN!) who I consider to be in my family. Because today, I definitely spent with people who I consider my family. Robert and I made an Easter brunch consisting of omelettes, chocolate chip waffles, and strawberries. It was a good meal and amazing bonding time. We helped set up student dinner at Newman, which I basically consider to be my home. I saw many of my friends and I just felt pleasant. I totally kicked Jo's and Matt's butts at the egg hunt! That specific event allowed me to reconnect with home as well because it easily paralleled the moments I have with my sister and brother every year. Racing for eggs is still so exciting! Then, Xio got permission to set up a foot-washing station so that we could partake in the Holy Thursday ritual. It was incredibly thoughtful and I almost cried as I was having my feet washed. It is impossible to not feel continuously blessed with a life such as mine. Some time later Robert came into the sanctuary, and the three of us sat hand in hand in the front pew. In the dark we sat facing the long banner that proclaimed ALLELUIA. The image of the three of us, silently being present to one another, is one of the most meaningful visuals of my entire college career. God has blessed me immensely. I ended the night with a nice chat with Jo and a lovely mass. I got to help sprinkle water on people after the baptismal promises renewal. That was FUN! My day grew better and better and I realized that I was with my family the whole time.

I am continuing to realize that I am always where I am meant to be.
Happy Easter everyone!
Peace be with you.