Fall 2014 Semester Wrap up

Thanksgiving in Omaha: 

This year was my first Thanksgiving away form home, and I decided that it would be fun to host the big dinner at me apartment for some of the other students/missionaries that were not able to make it home! Since most students are from Omaha, there were only 2 that came, along with my missionary friend Jackie who helped me cook and clean. 

It also was very important that I held the dinner party, because Stephanie, who is from Colorado, said she could only go to SEEK if she stayed in town to work during Thanksgiving... and she was not wanting to miss out on an opportunity for a home cooked meal. I made a deal with her that if she registered for SEEK that I would cook a bird and all the fixings. I would say it was well worth the effort so that she could come to SEEK!! (Even if I had to buy a second turkey because I didn't understand that it could only sit in the fridge a few days before cooking it, not a week... better safe than sorry!) 

Decorated the table for the feast! 

Thanksgiving at my apartment, with Jackie, Stephanie, and Thomas.
It was so fun to host, and cook...less fun to clean. 

My good friend and fellow missionary Jackie Fischer, who
helped me to host the dinner. 

All in all, it was worth it and very fun to cook my first Thanksgiving dinner. My only complaint: with only 4 people you would have thought that there would be more leftovers!

Fireside Chat: 

About six times each semester a "fireside chat" is hosted on campus by Father Hoesing or Father Taphorn. They take on popular and relevant topics and answer any questions that the students may have. At the last fireside chat of the semester Father Hoesing did a Q&A about the Catholic faith and students did not shy away from asking questions on topics such as underage drinking, marijuana, sex before marriage, confession, family life and divorce. About 20 students were in attendance, along with 3 who just happened to be passing by and stopped to see what was going on.

Fireside Chat with Fr. Hoesing

Discipleship:

When I am not hosting dinner at my house, Bible Study or going to events put on by the Mav Catholic group what do I do? Well simply put I spend as much time with the students as I can. I first build the foundations of friendship so that, once grounded in friendship they feel comfortable coming me with the bigger questions in life such as faith, and everyday struggles that they are having. I love doing this, especially when I get to go out and experience what it is that the students have passion for. Below is a picture of Ali, whom is in discipleship. I am currently building up our friendship in hopes that after SEEK I can begin equipping her to share her faith with others. 

Tagging along with Ali as she works on her final Photo Project. 

Surprise road trip on a Tuesday night to Lincoln
for a Focus Greek hosted event with speaker.
The talk was about how to have
 faith in the workforce.
(From Left: Laura, Ali, and Me)

Fall Retreat: Heart Speaks to Heart

UNO hosted a retreat at the Broom Tree retreat center in South Dakota. Wayne State co-hosted with us, and in total there were about 25 students in attendance. The emphasis of the retreat was on the Father's love. There was a lot of time for personal prayer, and through it the students learned how to allow for silence in one's daily prayer life.  Fr. Hoesing was the main retreat speaker.

Students as the arrived to the cabin in Broom Tree, South Dakota.

Fr. Barron helped out, he is the Priest from Wayne State.

When students had free time, they played pool, air hockey,
 foosball and cards. 

Fr. Hoesing also hosted a trivia night! 

First Thursday:

On each first Thursday of the month, following the night mass for students there is time for adoration of Jesus in the blessed sacrament. It goes for about 30-45 minutes and is a great opportunity for the students to pray.

Each 1st Thursday there is 30-45 min of
adoration/prayer following student mass at
8:15pm at the St. Margaret Mary Parish.

A Party hosted by Arch Bishop Lucas:

December 8 marks the celebration of the immaculate conception of Mary, the Mother of God. Briefly put, we believe that Mary had to be conceived without sin, through the divine intervention of God, so that she could later give birth to Jesus. 

Each year the Arch Bishop of Omaha hosts an event for the students at his home in celebration of this feast day. It is a cocktail party, and a fun night for students to get dressed up. In total there were about 50 people in attendance this year! I had the privilege of co-planning this event with my team director Adam and couldn't have been happier with the turnout.

ICParty at Arch Bishop Lucas's home with students.
 About 50 in total were in attendance.

One of my favorite grad students
who is nursing school right now! (Laura & Me)

Closing Remarks:

As the semester comes to a close I am reminded at how grateful I am for the opportunity to serve as a missionary. I never thought I would end up living in Omaha, Nebraska but for now it is exactly where I need to be and I can't imagine living anywhere else. Thank you to everyone who has supported me both financially and with their prayers. I am looking forward to SEEK 2015 in Nashville and I cannot wait to see the impact it is going to have on the 96 students who are going with us! Please continue to keep both me, my team, and all the students in Omaha in your prayers. Peace in Christ, Jamie.