by Sister Jeanne Vander Bloomen
This is the 60th chapter of the book I continue to write on my life’s journey as a Sister of St. Francis of the Holy Cross. The title: “Life is Worth Living”.
Meeting people, sharing faith, fun and laughter are some of the memories I have as I enjoyed each place where I ministered as an elementary school teacher, school secretary, missionary in Nicaragua, pastoral associate, caretaker of parents, summer migrant work for the Diocese, and in-between cheering up patients at Bellin Hospital under the cover of JennieO the Clown.
The gift of my vocation at 21 came about because of the Grey House Project the Sisters were conducting in the late 1950s to encourage vocations. Besides special prayers, the sacrifice for those who could was to use the grey outhouse and not indoor plumbing. I became a Grey House vocation in 1959.
The memories of serving in Nicaragua are many. The Capuchins of St. Joseph Province had worked many years with the Nicaraguan men and they wanted Sisters to work with the Nicaraguan women. Our Community responded. I was volunteer #3. The faith of the people, the work of the Capuchins and other religious orders, as well as living in another culture can’t be put into words but remain in my heart.
After a sabbatical in the 1990s, while living with my parents, I looked for part-time work. I perused the classified ads. A new podiatrist moved to De Pere. After two interviews I was hired. God had given me a new way to help save “soles”.
Yes, life for me is worth living. Since 2013, I have been at our Motherhouse “in retirement.” As one of the aging class, life is still worth living! My sincere gratitude to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit for the gifts of my life.
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