Fueled By God's Strength
Early each summer, CMC missioners who are concluding their ministries return to the Philadelphia area for several days of debriefing with CMC’s Directors. From June 27-30, Jayne Pickett, Judy Flichtbeil, Blake Kightlinger and Leanne Grzyboski gathered for debriefing at St. Cabrini Residence in Philadelphia, PA. It was a time for them to retreat, to reflect on and share the stories of their mission experiences. We ask your prayers for them as they transition and continue learning the lessons of mission.

Two years ago a close friend, a city dweller, asked me, “Could you ever see yourself living in a city?” Without hesitation I answered, “No.” One year later, I found myself saying “yes” to volunteer in the city of all cities, New York City. I will always remember vividly the moment the skyline came into view during the van trip from orientation in Philadelphia. The feeling in the pit of my stomach and tingling in my hands was a sure sign I was experiencing pure nervousness. I thought, “What have I gotten myself into?” Repeating that question while watching the skyline come closer and closer, I realized, “God works in mysterious ways and for some reason, which I am not fully aware of yet, He has decided He wants me here.” And so was my entrance into the city.

As the van I was in drove along 14th Street, I heard Madeline, CMC’s Director, saying something about an L train connecting to another train that would take me to visit my fellow new missioners Blake and Judy in their community “uptown”. I nodded my head while secretly thinking, “Can I do this?” The next thing I knew I was dropped off, Madeline said good-bye, and I was left standing amidst two of my new community members I barely knew. I thought, “Okay. What do I do now?” And so was my entrance into community.

The elevator doors opened onto the 15th floor of the inpatient rehabilitation unit of Cabrini Medical Center. I stepped out, looking for the Physical Therapy department, and was intercepted by a man who asked, “Who are you?” I became somewhat flustered and felt like an intruder. I introduced myself and explained why I was there. He smiled, shook my hand, and introduced himself as the Director of Rehabilitation. He led me to the gym, opened the door, and I stepped into the gaze of my future co-workers. I thought, “Here I go.” And so was my entrance into mission work.

Now a year has past and not only have I survived the city, but found a real liking for it. During our first retreat of the year I was asked to ponder something I was seeking to find during this coming year, and I was adamant about “discovering a passion.” I believe I have found it here amongst the plethora of museums, theaters, clubs and concert halls—the arts.

Living in community has been so meaningful that I came to refer to Sagrado Corazon as home and my community as my second family. I will forever cherish our time together, and cannot thank each of them enough for welcoming me with open hearts and helping me grow in faith.

Mission work at Cabrini Medical Center was challenging in many respects, but I left there without regrets. I am thankful to have worked beside a warm and supportive rehab staff and to have met God through my interactions with my patients. It was here I realized the direction I want to pursue as a professional physical therapist and for this I am grateful.

I was commissioned to “go forth with an open heart and mind to share your compassion…may your ability to heal be fueled by God’s strength and love…may you learn to stand firm in your faith…may the Lord continue to be your inspiration as you traverse along this new path in life.” My goal this past year has been to make my mission statement a reality, and I feel I have succeeded.