Reflections on the Spring 2010 semester: A few months Later

Trish Irvine, who wrote for the blog in the Spring 2010 semester, wrote me the other day. Part of her e-mail is below, in which she reflects on her past experience of the Gaming semester:

"Over the past few days I have thinking about all of the blessings I have received recently, through my semester in Austria and my summer doing Totus Tuus. There is so much about Austria that I love and miss. I made some new friends in Austria but it was mostly the growing deeper in friendship with my previous friends that I will remember. That semester was one of so much beauty. Beauty in people, in creation, in God....

....Sometimes when I think about all I experienced, I am amazed and slightly doubtful. I don't want to claim yet that it was my best semester (I hope there are wonderful semesters yet to come) but I will say it was life-changing, life-enriching. I grew in what it means to be Catholic and now there are places around the world that have pieces of my heart. If I hadn't been to Europe I don't think I would care as much or be as interested in it as I am now. When the president of Poland died, it was more real to me because I had been there, I had experienced part of the culture.....

.....This turned into a longer e-mail than I expected, but I just wanted to thank you and let you know that Gaming is very much on my mind. Now perhaps even more so than when I returned. It seems odd to not be in such a close-knit community and eat at the Mensa. But I know God will be working in my life here as well; He made it clear in Totus Tuus that He is equally in the US as in Europe.

Updated Tea Kitchens

One of the improvements to the Kartause over the summer was two upgraded Tea Kitchens for student use. Located on the second and third floor of St. Francis House (dorm for Gaming students) these kitchens are now just waiting to be used. New appliances, cabinets and countertops make the space inviting and functional.

The second floor kitchen boasts a 12 seat bar complete with bar stools.

In the smaller space of the third floor kitchen an innovative counter can comfortably seat three.

We're pleased with the way the locals completed construction and think the students will enjoy using the area for food and fellowship.

Preparations are underway to welcome the Fall 2010 students to Gaming. The semester RA staff arrives on Monday for a week of training and planning.

This weekend the Kartause is hosting an international Chopin Festival with performers and audiences convening in our little town for an amazing compilation of music and culture.

We're looking forward to having the new students here!