Once again

Sorry for missing a few days again.  It has been difficult to find real inspiration of things to write about.  Some of you have been asking if I have been making friends with other students in the class and what that has been like.  In general, I feel like the students respect me and why I am there.  I gave my presentation earlier this week (the only one of the the class for me).  The students seemed interested, had some good comments and questions, and grateful for my thoughts.  Not everyone in the class is Christian.  And that is really why this is a great class for me.  Just yesterday (Feb 4), I was sitting in front of a young student who is an exchange student from Japan.  So when we were told to get into small groups, it was just us.  She was very interesting and pleasant.

Have I made real friends?  I wouldn't say so.  Last Saturday evening, I went to Mass with the added agenda to hopefully meet someone to just have dinner with on occasion.  After Mass, I was able to at least make the effort to introduce myself to one person.  He was not able to have dinner as he still had responsibilities at home that night.  But at least I reached out.  And that brings up a topic that I have not really seen in either of the churches I have attended in this last month -- not much in terms of greeters/ushers to welcome.  The priest and the deacon made remarks about how everyone is welcome, but for someone new to the community, I find that it's more up to the visitor to make the first move.  Maybe I can find a way to change that in my future assignments.  I've seen parishes who have new people stand and be recognized, but some people are embarrassed to do that.  I hope I can think of something creative.  Plus, not everyone is in my situation where I am going to be consistently in attendance, but not a permanent figure.

The other thing I am finding about myself is that I just don't feel as comfortable as I normally would about just striking up a conversation with a total stranger.  Maybe once or twice when another person dropped something and I leaned over to get it for them, or vice versa.  Otherwise, I guess I feel a little hesitant.  I may say hello to someone if we make eye-contact, but not out of the clear blue yet.  Need to make that adjustment.  I know I can.