Transplanting yourself in a foreign environment begs for adventure. A new environment, new friends, new languages, new classes and new teachers bring many stresses, no doubt. On the forefront of “things to do” is learning how to successfully navigate big cities, come back to the Kartause after weekends of travel, and balance school work all the while maintaining a healthy and consistent prayer life. In the short three weeks the spring 2010 class has been here, my peers and I agree that Austrian program at Franciscan University has prepared us well as we embark on a life-changing semester.
Franciscan University has a clever way of accustoming students to the different lifestyle here in Gaming. A trip to Melk Monastery and Vienna helped us overcome our jetlag as we were too fascinated by our new (although quite old) surroundings to sleep. A trip to Salzburg and Munich during the second weekend introduced us to how hostels function—which is a service we will be using quite frequently on our travels around Europe. Seminars here at the Kartause gave us tips for safe traveling. The school trips have provided us with opportunities that many of us would not have known about otherwise. It has been a blessing to travel with the experience of our residence directors, priests and religious as we adjust to life in Europe.
Life here in Gaming is not all about traveling. Living in the Kartause is a rich experience on its own. There is a simplicity and quiet so dominant here in Gaming. One of my favorite aspects of the Kartause is its history of holy men who lived, prayed, worked and died here. As we go to class, offer Mass, or roam about, we walk in the footsteps of incorruptible saints who are inconspicuously and humbly buried nearby. Our success here at the Kartause may be attributed to their prayers. Jessica Michaud, one of our residence directors, mentioned that when we sing in the beautiful chapel, our voices mingle with those of the saintly men who lived here before us. While time separates us, we have the common goal of praising God and growing in holiness. Just as these men lived a hidden life, so have we been inspired to learn how to live one here as well.
There is a tangible excitement as we are excited to see God unfold the plans He has for this semester. Meanwhile, as we are busy discovering a completely different part of the world, know that we are thinking of and praying for all of you back home!
Post written by Monica Rust, Spring 2010 student
1 comment:
Hostels tend to be more concern their guests.The hostels staff are hospitable and kind.
Hoteis Em Joao Pessoa
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