Divine Word College

So this past weekend, I had one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I spent my time at what I think as the most inspiring, thankful, inviting, friendly, and holy community that I have ever been to: Divine Word College. With only about 150 students, everyone becomes a family and boy did they integrate me into their family! I met some of the greatest people that I have ever met in my life, and each one had an amazing story. Everyone was just so amazingly friendly to me, and I just need to thank them in any way that I can. So here you all go: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOU DID FOR ME!!! I could tell that the Lord was present in their lives, and played an amazingly big part in everything that they did. Their hospitality was outstanding. Like, I got to eat almost every meal with the President and great friends! I met so many people whom I wish to stay in contact with as they continue throughout their life's journey.

One of these people is Long Hoang whom I mentioned in my last post earlier today. At Divine Word, there was just something about the general atmosphere that intrigued me so much. I think it was just that everybody was joyous! There were no "Debbie Downers", as some people call them. Everyone was just happy, and not even the scary happy (like when people are too happy). They all had the perfect amount of happiness to make the whole experience almost dream-like.

While I was there Fr. Adam MacDonald took me on a tour of the surrounding area (DWC is in Epworth, Iowa which is near the city of Dubuque) and while on this tour we made one of our stops at the local Abby. Now, this was my first trip to a Monastery (a monastery is the same as an Abby) and I had no idea what to expect. Truth be told, I didn't see much. Only a small gift shop, some coffins (which were what they make), and a chapel; but something about the whole place spoke to me. There was just a crazy holy presence there. I don't know what it was. Maybe it was all the monks praying that made the place more holy because God was with them there. I really do not know, but something amazing was there.

Over the entire weekend, not much really happened. It was just amazing. The entire time I just couldn't stop thinking, "This is the place for me." and that is how I still fell. Granted, its only been 3 days since I was there, but it was just too amazing of an experience to sweep under the rug. If you ever get a chance to take a trip to Iowa, I would recommend stopping by at Divine Word.

Ok, well that's it from me for today. I'll post again in a bit. May God bless you, and Mary keep you.