The Beginnings in Syracuse, NY!

I arrived to Syracuse, NY yesterday for the beginning of my journey!  Why Syracuse you might be wondering? FrancisCorps was founded in Syracuse13 years ago, and this year seven volunteers will be living here in Syracuse and working within the community.  The Costa Rica location began service 7 years ago, and this year there are five of us who will be working in San Jose, Costa Rica.  During the next two weeks all of us are in an orientation and retreat session together, which is lead by three FrancisCorps co-ministers.  The eleven of volunteers are all staying at the Syracuse house--10 girls and 1 boy. Needless to say, he is just a tad out numbered! Don't worry...we will be nice and try not to scare him away!

Yesterday we were welcomed upon arrival to the house by the co-ministers with a delicious barbeque! After hauling my things up a steep, narrow staircase to my temporary bed, I started to realize just how humid and hot it was here! Nothing like arid Spokane. Windows wide open and fans on high, we cooled down a tad as we chatted with the other volunteers and their families. Mom and Dad came with me, so they were especially happy to have had the chance to meet the people I will be living and working with for the year. As my parents peppered the co-ministers with questions :) and I talked with the other volunteers and co-ministers, I realized how truely blessed and fortunate I am to have this service and growth opportunity amist such amazing people and with a strong support network.

Today we awoke in time for a little breakfast and chatter before heading out to Assumption church for our commissioning mass.  During mass we were each called up, blessed, and given a Franciscan Tao cross which officially marked the beginning of our year with FrancisCorps.

I am so grateful for this experience, and I am hopeful for all that the year will bring. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.  I would love to hear from you throughout the year, so please don't hesitate to contact me and update me!

My snail mail address (where all mail will be received with arms wide open!):

Amanda Connell
c/o FrancisCorps Volunteers
St. Francis College
P.O. Box 358-2150
Moravia, San Jose
Costa Rica, C.A.

With love,
Amanda