This is life as I know it. I am now a college graduate and since I don't know what I want to do with my own life I've decided to give a year of service to St. Benedict's Prep in Newark, New Jersey. I got hooked up through St. John's Abbey. So far I'm digging it. I live about 10 miles from NYC (I've been there 3 times so far) and just a few blocks away from downtown Newark.
In an attempt to keep myself from rambling on about anything and everything I think I'm going to start out with a FAQ format (note: I will guarantee that I will have posts that have no central thesis and like this one, will be in the passive voice so deal with it).
Do I live in a Monastery? Yes and no. I live on Monastic grounds but the other two volunteers and myself live in a separate dormitory called Turrell House. I eat about 95% of my meals with the monks and I go to Benedictine prayer once a day (that's the idea anyway).
I do not have to wear a habit.
What do I do here? Great Question actually. Starting in September the official school year will begin and I will be a teacher. I am teaching a civics class that was started by Jacob Barnes, a Benedictine Volunteer from Last year. It's a bit odd though because I'm not exactly sure what Civics is.. I need to get a hold of the book and give it a read before I walk into that class room.
As for right now, St. Benedict's has a "summer phase" which is the first term that runs 5 weeks spanning from the end of July to the end of August. Students take some electives, start practicing their sports and what not. So Kevin,Trey (the other volunteers from St. John's) and I are visiting some classrooms to see how different teachers handle their class, it's also a way to get to know some of the guys here (did I mention it's an all boys school?). We are on call for being a substitute teacher if crisis occurs but basically we are just hanging out and settling in.
Do I have my own Room? You bet I do. It's huge. I have two Twin Xl mattresses pushed together but I only have one set of sheets. So I'm thinking about buying a King sized set and a king sized foam pad. Little did I know those things are like 60 bucks each! That is so lame. I mean I suppose I will spend one third of my time in Newark in that bed so it might be a good investment... But still.. Besides my bed I have two desks, like four office chairs (don't ask why but I roll across the tiled floor all the time), 3 cabinet / closet type things with all sorts of shelves and an AC unit. So I've got a pretty decent set up here.
The biggest difference between Newark and Home?
Sirens. Apparently cops and ambulances go by all the time when you live in a big city. Who knew? I don't live in a bad neighborhood (by Newark standards) but there is a Hospital a few blocks away and the Monastic Grounds are right on a main road, Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Other differences are: it's not the best idea to walk around at night by yourself. I'm from Le Sueur people. I always walked around at night, we played night tag for most of my life and we ran over the entire town. I walked alone down dark streets and to top it off I walked down the middle of the street because there are seldom any sidewalks. Out here it's a bit different and it'll take getting used to. One of the best things here is what is known as Chicken Shack. A Chicken Shack is any place that sells fried chicken. There are so many that it doesn't really matter what it's actually called. Be it KFC, Popeyes, or a Mom and Pop shop it matters little. To avoid confusion you just say you are going to the nearest chicken shack. And God Bless this place there is a chicken shack within 3 blocks of you no matter where you are!
Do I miss my Family and Friends?
Absolutely. I feel so blessed that I have such a great family and a wonderful group of friends to miss. It sucks being away but I am very lucky to be able to know what it means to miss the people you love and be missed by them. I say a prayer for you all everyday with the monks.
Will I be able to come home during the year?
Yes. I will for sure be home for Christmas and Easter. Thanksgiving is a long shot. Unless Mom and Dad want to buy me a plane ticket.. But I can't make that drive (24 hrs) twice in 5 days. Also, and I preface by saying that planning is in the wee infant stages but Kevin, Trey and I are thinking about coming back for SJU homecoming. It's Tommie - Johnnie weekend and it'd be nice to see everyone I've lived with for the last four years. We have no idea how we are going to get back and to be honest I don't know when Homecoming is; sometime in October I presume.
Do I want to Write anymore tonight?
Not really. This is beginning to feel like work. If there are anymore questions, fire away. The idea is to periodically write on here but we'll see what happens once I actually start working.
Peace everyone!
