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although we are now in our second official week of the lifeteen missionary program, it feels like we are just now starting. the first week was a whirlwind of activity and business culminating with a weekend reatreat with 80+ high school teens in prescott, az.

After our moving in and welcome day, we began some of our formation with our director Tricia. Tricia is a long time friend of mine and we are blessed to have her journeying with us. i met Tricia when i was only 14 years old at CLI (christian leadership institute) where she was mentoring me and hundreds of other teens. luckily, we have stayed friends and she has continued to mentor me throughout my involvement in ministry.

the rest of the week we we're getting acquainted with the house, the office and each other. meals, stories and prayers were shared as we prepared to jump headfirst into st. tim's lifeteen program.

friday afternoon we left for camp tepeyac (lifeteen's camp in the mountains of northern arizona). the 6 of us, 20 other CORE members (adult volnteers), the st. tim's lifeteen staff and 80-odd teens all spent a wonderful weekend praising God and learning about Him and ourselves. it was great to be with teens again.

upon returning sunday night, we attend the 5 pm teen Mass where the homily was essentially given by the teens via "cardboard testimonies". to see more about "cardboard testimonies" watch this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ. then, Fr. Jack Spaulding, st. tim's pastor introduced the 6 of us to the parish and had them all pray over us. needless to say, it was a moving Mass.

monday we had the day off to recuperate and do a little costco shopping. buying in bulk will save us this year.

today is tuesday and we are back in the offices. however, i don't think i've ever been to happy to say that. we are all so excited about the work we will be undertaking. i, personally, will be working with Lisa Epperson and Mark Hart in the rescource development department. i am somewhat nervous but also very excited.

i am also very excited about the habits being formed here. everyday begins with Mass. everyday there are specific times dedicated to prayer. every week we have community meals. its a wonderful feeling. i feel as tho i am replacing old laziness with new dedication to spiritual improvement.

as this continues i ask that you continue to pray for me and the other missionaries as well as the lifeteen and st. tim's staff! thank you so much for your support. i miss you all.

Posted by adam at 12:47 PM Comments

this morning all the lifeteen missionaries were welcomed into the lifeteen family. the day began with the Lord, at 830 morning Mass. however, in the guys house, we were all up and awake by 630. apparently in arizona the sun comes out earlier, is much brighter and shines directly thru our windows. after our spiritual meal we went off to a veritable feast at the lifeteen offices where most of the staff and st. tim's youth ministry team was there to welcome us. a wonderful morning spent in community.

after some time in prayer, we began out bureaucratic parade. forms were filled out, copies were made, papers were filed. after the fun of paperwork, we had our "called to protect" (child abuse prevention) session. officially, i am now a protector of children in 3 different dioceses.

despite how it may sound, today was a wonderful day. we truly were welcomed into the family that is lifeteen. between lifeteen and st. tim's, we have the ultimate support system. i am getting very excited about the work we will be doing here. so much is going on, i can't wait to learn and be a part of this movement.

God bless and please continue your prayers for us. we will be praying for you.


ps - the missionaries were mentioned in the news box on the website. to check it out or learn more about lifeteen check out lifeteen.com

Posted by adam at 10:12 PM Comments

so, i'm leaving my home town of claremont, ca in 4 days. for the next few days i will embracing my family, friends and the sacraments. i cannot wait to see my new home in mesa, az and get to know my fellow missionaries. this is going to be an incredible experience no matter what.

please pray for me and the others who will be joining me in arizona.

thank you all and God bless.

Posted by adam at 11:30 PM Comments