Monday & Tuesday - Days of Service
Both Monday and Tuesday found the boys working hard in the service of others and in the care of the environment. We have discovered much about the Australian sense of care for nature and of their connection to the land. Especially in their Aboriginal heritage, the boys have begun to see the need for the care of God's creation. Our own Pope Francis has written of this, and it is an important concern of the Society of Jesus, worldwide.
Monday brought us to a training and residential facility for adults with disabilities, mostly intellectual and emotional. Our work was very simple, raking leaves and spreading mulch. But, as the boys discovered, our efforts had significant benefits for their community, even if indirectly. We helped beautify part of their common space, and saved many hours of work for their small maintenance staff.
Tuesday was spent under the direction Ms.Sue Martin of the staff here at Riverview, who is their 'environmental officer'. She led us in a project of clearing an invasive weed in their 'Nature Space', where they are developing a varied natural habitat and garden. We were joined by a team of intellectually challenged young men, working for a program called BushLink. They have great skills in the care and restoration of natural habitats. Finally, we were joined by one of the classes from the local pre-school, who were also there to help with planting and care of the area. It was a marvelous blend of 'differently abled' young people, caring for the land and appreciating the responsibility for God's creation.
The day ended with an overview of the natural history of the Riverview Campus and an explanation of the efforts they are making to operate in close harmony with nature and the bush.
Our final day, today, included time for written reflection and conversation about all that this trip has meant to us. That reflection will surely continue in the days and weeks ahead. And we will all look forward to the visit of our Aussie brothers in September.
So much to share when we get home! So many blessings, lasting friendships, and new understandings. Thanks to all for following our blog, for your comments, but especially for your prayers.
Cheers!
Monday brought us to a training and residential facility for adults with disabilities, mostly intellectual and emotional. Our work was very simple, raking leaves and spreading mulch. But, as the boys discovered, our efforts had significant benefits for their community, even if indirectly. We helped beautify part of their common space, and saved many hours of work for their small maintenance staff.
Tuesday was spent under the direction Ms.Sue Martin of the staff here at Riverview, who is their 'environmental officer'. She led us in a project of clearing an invasive weed in their 'Nature Space', where they are developing a varied natural habitat and garden. We were joined by a team of intellectually challenged young men, working for a program called BushLink. They have great skills in the care and restoration of natural habitats. Finally, we were joined by one of the classes from the local pre-school, who were also there to help with planting and care of the area. It was a marvelous blend of 'differently abled' young people, caring for the land and appreciating the responsibility for God's creation.
The day ended with an overview of the natural history of the Riverview Campus and an explanation of the efforts they are making to operate in close harmony with nature and the bush.
Our final day, today, included time for written reflection and conversation about all that this trip has meant to us. That reflection will surely continue in the days and weeks ahead. And we will all look forward to the visit of our Aussie brothers in September.
So much to share when we get home! So many blessings, lasting friendships, and new understandings. Thanks to all for following our blog, for your comments, but especially for your prayers.
Cheers!
What a great note to bring this journey to an end - and the beginning of new journeys for everyone on both sides of the globe! This has surely been a learning & growing experience for all. I am sure this experience has broadened everyone’s perspective more than we imagined just a few short weeks ago. We are praying everyone has a safe flight and can’t wait to see all of you tomorrow night at Logan!
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