Second Week @ ND

My first RCIA meeting was today. We began with a talk on the sacraments. I found it to be very clarifying and simple. I took some notes and learnt some interesting things I didn't know about the sacraments. Like for example, the sacraments have three dimensions: past, present and future. They celebrate God's saving activity through the life and ministry of Christ and are a lived reality now that point to the future glory of the kingdom of God.

After the homily, the catechumen were dismissed from mass to go prepare for entering the Church through reflecting and sharing on Scripture. We were called up to the front and the priest gave us a blessing. It was really nice! After that I turned around and the sun was beaming so intensely into the church, illuminating the entrance and the fountain of holy water. So when we walked down the aisle to leave, we walked into that light. It was really beautiful... one of those symbolic moments when you know it was from God.

There is plenty of community on campus but still I haven't nestled in yet. Who said that coming here was going to be easy? Oh that was me... haha! I was wrong :) How can I expect everything to be just given to me without a little effort on my part? I can't wait to be inspired by everyone I meet! Christian or not.

I found the Grotto this week! It really is a special place of prayer. I can't wait to see it at night - apparently it is spectacular. I will take some pictures of it at night soon! The rosary is prayed daily at 6:45pm here but I'm usually at home then. I'm not comfortable enough to stay that late at night then walk home in the dark (I have a 30 min walk!). I love being at the Grotto. I love how Catholics have so many symbols that help us in our faith. Each candle holds a prayer - or maybe many prayers. I have found the beauty and connectedness one feels to God and Our Mother using candles. I love it.

It's official. My name is up outside the door of the lab. I've developed a passion for research this past week, quite to my surprise. I praise God for that. I can't wait to see where this research goes. We are interested in studying DMSO as a radical scavenger and I found it to be an odd choice. All I knew about DMSO was that it is a mild oxidant used in SWERN oxidation for the transformation of primary and secondary alcohols to aldehydes and ketones, respectively. I researched it on the internet and it is such a curious molecule. It first became of interest when Dr. Jacob discovered in the early 60's that it can penetrate the body without harming it. It also is great in delivering drugs throughout the body.

 These American squirrels really make me laugh! They are so funny! Although I have yet to see one jump out of a garbage can onto a poor unsuspecting student :P