by Shaista Gill ~ Sisters of Loretto at the Foot of the Cross
I'm having a great time in this program. The most fascinating aspects are community, study, ministry, and Chicago city. This place teaches me a lot about living in a community. I discovered how to create a community out of strangers. Initially, we were all random, but now we live together as a nice community. Each of us has a distinct nationality. We have a deep understanding of one another. Within three months, we take care of one another. Our friendship is strong. I believe we have lived here for a long time. Together, we offer up prayers. To have fun, we go out together. After the prayer, we engage in indoor games.
I prepare breakfast for them every Thursday. I don't do that in my daily life. However, I create because I enjoy doing it. I knead the dough to make small balls, roll it, and make paratha and eggs for them. They all enjoy it.
My ministry day is enjoyable as well. Every Wednesday, I have meetings with various individuals. The cost of the meal is beyond their means. They are migraines. They inspired me since they don't consider the weather. All of them stand outside in the cool before us. It doesn't matter if it's chilly, raining, or snowing. They wait for their turn while standing. I'm happy to have the opportunity to collaborate with them.
I like Chicago City as well. Without a car, I go where I want to go. Because we can walk and take the bus, I can walk to a pharmacy, grocery store, and lake. I like every event that takes place here. There are numerous parks close to our house. I enjoy my walk. I go to the gym, which is also close to our house.
I thoroughly appreciated every aspect of the ICCN curriculum. In that class at CTU, I learned about interculturality and religious life, meaning knowledge of how cultures and religions shape the life and beliefs of a person. I also learned that each culture has different traditions and values, and religion plays an important role in guiding one's activities, decisions, and social interactions. Thus, this class helps me to understand how to respect differences in cultures and religions. Secondly, how these influences relate to society. This semester, in the winter term, I am taking a class on spirituality and mission. The class speaks to how spirituality shapes one's life and helps an individual connect with others. It also looks at how various religious communities represent their beliefs and values in their mission to the rest of the world. I am learning about the importance of helping others and how spirituality can help us to influence positively the world that surrounds us. Every Friday, I attend classes regarding various subjects relating to religious life. In these classes, I cover the various dimensions of religion as they pertain to belief systems, behavior, and community for individuals. Some of the discussions include rituals and practices, how faith interacts with daily life, and more. It is one way of grasping better the ways religion creates the world and the lives of those in its different walks of faith. Overall I am enjoying my time at ICCN
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