Anthony, Irene and Will

Alas! I have finally arrived in Cambridge, MA. Actually, I flew into Boston 5 days ago and it has been a whirlwind both in the literal and figurative senses. I write literal because Hurricane Irene was on the prowl the past few days. Fortunately here in the Boston area, we were only hit with some heavier-than-usual-winds and rain. However, we did not see damage like other parts of the east coast or northeast part of the United States for that matter. The most disheartening part about the storm (besides the 25 souls lost and countless number of people affected) is the fact that our fourth teammate, Ashley will not arrive until Tuesday evening. She was supposed to be here on Sunday night but all the flights were cancelled and the public transportation shut down. Irene did not live up to the hype here in Boston, but indeed prayers go out to all those who have been affected by the hurricane further south.

On the way to the airport in Kansas City!

The figurative sense of whirlwind, in regards to my current status as a FOCUS missionary, refers to the fact that ever since I stepped off the plane it has been non-stop! My teammates Joey and Ann picked me up and we jetted off into the tunnel streets of Boston. It is such a beautiful city and there are so many neat bridges and parks. I have enjoyed running over the Harvard bridge and throughout the streets in the mornings. It wasn’t long after we arrived at the house we would be living at (the men in an apartment on the third floor and the women staying just the floor below) that one of the missionaries serving at Boston University, Katie, invited me to pray a holy hour and attend Mass. God works in awesome ways as I was certainly in need of time to calm down and reflect on the journey I was about to embark upon at MIT!

77th & Massachusetts Avenue, MIT

We went by train to the Shrine of St. Anthony in downtown Boston and it was really amazing. The best part of the experience at St. Anthony’s was our shock at learning the Mass was to be celebrated in Spanish! Nonetheless, we enjoyed celebrating with others and being reminded of the beautiful universality of our faith. After a couple of hours, and visiting with some locals, Katie and I walked around the Boston Commons and along Commonwealth Avenue soaking up the rich history and beautiful day. There were so many people out and about running, playing music, and enjoying life I felt as if I fit right in. That evening we met the rest of our teams and reveled in the evening at an Irish tavern. Our server even had an Irish accent…either that or she was a great actor! Thursday and Friday were spent settling in, unpacking, running, lots of walking and daily Mass and prayer. Friday night I watched Good Will Hunting which deemed very appropriate as it is set in South Boston and on the campuses of MIT and Harvard. 

Saturday provided some interesting entertainment as we headed to Boston’s North End (the historically Italian district) and joined in the celebration of the St. Anthony’s Festival. It is truly a challenge trying to describe the atmosphere as thousands of people fill the streets dancing and singing in honor of the Italian Saint Anthony. The Italian culture was evident in the forms of a stronger than usual loyalty to family AND loyalty to food. And the food was awesome! Pizza, pasta, Italian sausage, cannolis, and fried dough were some of the delicacies that could be indulged upon. It was a great evening and even though Hurricane Irene interrupted the weekend-long festivities, it did not stop them. Today they are celebrating the Feast of Saint Lucia (Lucy) and the 10-hour long procession with the statue of St. Anthony will be held next weekend. While not being able to attend the festival on Sunday due to rain, my team spent time in prayer and baked cookies with one of the incredible students of MIT, Maita.

St. Anthony's Festival 2011

All-in-all, my first few days in Cambridge have been a wonderful taste of life. I am continually amazed at the people in this world and how apparent it is that we are all striving for love and happiness. I only hope that in the coming weeks as we continue to meet more students, that love will be radiating from our FOCUS team, reaching the students of MIT.

Below is a picture of the MIT Chapel. This is where all of the Religious Activities take place on campus and where we hold Mass for students. The artwork that appears to be falling from the ceiling is entitled, “Manna.” This is one of many places where my team of FOCUS missionaries will be praying and working with students.