Restless until they rest in You

JAMBO EVERYONE! That means "hello" in Swahili! It has been quite some time since I made another installment in the intern adventures of Ericka Lemire.  I hope you won't be too hard on me because a lot has been going on in the Garden State and in this intern's  life! 

Though our Fall Retreat was a few weeks ago, the effects of such a powerful weekend are still impacting our students. Thank you for your prayers! Here are some pictures from the weekend. 

Camp Tecumseh on the left here. The Retreat weekend was full of opportunities for Confession  Mass, Adoration, small group time, and powerful talks.  When you stepped outside to this view, it was yet another tangible sign of God's love!

It was a true privilege to be able to serve on this Retreat! I spent a lot of my time caring for the girls on the retreat, talking with them about their Retreat experience, and what they felt like God was saying to them throughout the weekend. If I have not said it already...I really LOVE being an intern.  

Super storm Sandy hit soon after our retreat! New Brunswick lost power for a while, but I think we made the best out of it here at the Catholic Center. The picture below is one of us having a Ladies Grill Fest (with a few guys mixed in there too:) with all of the food that was going to go bad in the freezer. You can't tell by the picture, but we had this hurricane dinner by candle-light. After dinner the girls in the picture spent the night in the CC. It was actually a fun way to spend time with the girls!

In light of the storm and it's impacts on Jersey, especially the Shore, we had a women's service day yesterday to help those impacted by Sandy. We traveled down to Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey to help  with "Operation Blessing." We labored for the better part of the day clearing out a whole U-Haul Truck of clothes that were donated to families who lost everything in the storm. "Operation Blessing" provided us with free t-shirts, food for the day, and a great opportunity to serve! We ended the day back at the Catholic Center with a home-made meal made by one of our Women's Staff! A successful day of service and fellowship for the women's community! Below is us being transported to the sight in an ambulance (awesome I know) and a picture of the cleared out truck that we worked on.

The Campus Ministries at Rutgers (including CSA) will be hosting a "Hurricane Prayer Rally" on campus this Wednesday for all those affected by Sandy. 

Between Retreats, Hurricanes, service days, and out reach it has been quite a busy couple of weeks. This week I will be doing a ladies dessert pizza and poker night in one of the women's dorm on campus. I'm hoping that this can be something that helps get some more girls connected to the CSA community. I'll also be starting up a new Evangelization program for the women here at Rutgers this week. Pray for me and for the girls who have decided to be a part of it. I'm very excited to share about my own passion for sharing about what God has done in my life! More to come on this new group in future posts.

The struggles, challenges, and situations of these past few weeks have taught me something very important that I'd like to share with each of you. God is on an endless quest for us, for our hearts. Whether it's been through power outages, shuffling around to find hot water, service trips to the Shore, or in my one-on-one meetings with students, God is continually showing me how He wants us to know how He loves us. I am becoming more convicted of His endless search for us and of our own search to find true happiness and Love. 

God’s heart is restless for us. God is waiting for us. He is looking for us. He knows no rest either, until He finds us. God’s heart is restless, and that is why He set out on the path towards us – to Bethlehem, to Calvary, from Jerusalem to Galilee and on to the very ends of the earth. God is restless for us, He looks out for people willing to “catch” His unrest, His passion for us, people who carry within them the searching of their own hearts and at the same time open themselves to be touched by God’s search for us. - His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI

I read this and felt like it articulated what I want people to know about the Lord who I love and who I am coming to know more and more through this missionary year at Rutgers! 

Be assured of my prayers for you all! 
In our God,
Ericka

No Fear

Retreat is THIS weekend! Just wanted to ask you all for your prayers for the staff here and for the students on retreat. I'm PUMPED and looking forward to seeing what the Lord has for us this weekend!

There are a few important announcements in this video, so make sure you watch it until the end :) Here's my address if you'd like to participate in what I mentioned on the video or if you'd just like to send me letters. I LOVE LOVE to get mail!

Ericka Lemire
84 Somerset Street
New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901

The retreat this weekend is based off Matthew 14: 22-33. Take a look! It's a very powerful passage! May the Lord's words, " Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid" be a source of comfort and joy for you!

Also, if you want another glimpse into the life of an intern, enjoy the video below. This was recorded before our 9pm Mass on the Cook Campus. Spontaneity before Mass at it's finest. I have no other explanation to offer other than I just really LOVE my job!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSICayHBmSU&feature=youtu.be


With many reasons to be full of JOY,
Ericka

Apples and True Beauty



Hello all! It has been an eventful past couple of weeks. I just went on a women's retreat this past weekend run by the women of the People of Hope (a Catholic Charasmatic Covenant Community http://www.peopleofhope.net/ ). It was a much needed weekend to recharge and just be with the Lord :)

Before going into talking about the goodness of the awesome pictures that are on this blog, I also wanted to share a little bit about a picnic in the rain that just occured in the last week! As I know I have mentioned before, alot of my job here at CSA is to work with the women here and help them in whatever way I can to go deeper in their faith. This past week we had a picnic with about 7 new girls and 3 veteran girls on a green by Scott Hall I realize many of you have no idea where that is, but I just thought I'd say it :) . I was just stoked to have so many of these girls come out. For alot of them, it was their first CSA event! It was great to have all those newer women connect with some veterans. I'm always trying to think of different ways to have some of these new girls get connected with the CSA community. It's a blast because you just have to be creative and sometimes have great conversation and food in the rain!



 Anyway...in the weeks prior, the women staff here have been very busy coming up with ways to bring all the women together. Women's Group happens each Thursday night. It's a meeting catered particularly for women to learn more about who we are as women of God. Sometimes, though we discover the beauty of ourselves covered in flour and rushing around rooms to carmelize apples. This past Thursday we brought APPLE IRON CHEF to the Catholic Center!!!

The set up room. Contestants were divided up into 4 different teams!

The DREAM TEAM! From left to right: Bobble Flay's aunt, Giada de Laurentiis, Anne Burrell, and Rachel Ray
It was a true priviledge to have these women come all the way to New Brunswick to be a part of our women's group!







Apples were the main ingredient OF COURSE! Prizes were given for "Best Overall Taste, Best Presentation, Best use of Bonus Ingredients, and Best Group Work." The girls were really creative and in the end we had some really interesting uses of carmel, ginger, and nutella! 








At the end of the night I gave a little exhortation to the women. Part of my job and one of the goals of the Catholic Center is to empower women. Not in the way the world thinks it should "empower" women, but in a way that really opens us up to see our TRUE beauty and to the One who can truly empower us.  Though the night consisted of apples, sugar, vanilla extract, and cooking oil I think it was a great way for us to come together and see  how we each bring so many different gifts to the table (no pun intended). We closed the night with some quotes that I'd like to share with you on true beauty and the gifts of women.

"True Beauty is when we love and when we love together..." Bl. Mother Teresa

'The feminine species has two essential characteristcs. Woman is, by nature, peron or subject focused rather than thing or object-oriented. Quite simply, the woman embraces the personal aspect of life, i.e., she is interested in living breathing people and all their individual needs. A woman manifests this natural feminine quality in a desire to assert her own identity and in her interest in the identity of other persons (Edith Stein).' Blessed John Paul II insists 'that because of a woman's moral and spiritual strength, God entrusts the human being to the woman in a special way.'

Much love and prayers,

Ericka

Tour de Palace

Here it is! The long awaited tour of THE PALACE!  It's been a great first three weeks of outreach. My schedule is absolutely packed full. There are SO many women here. It's hard because I just wish I could do it all, you know? I'd love to be able to carry them around with me and just make sure that they're ok and that they feel loved all the time. Well, I am learning that's where praying and interceding from them is just as crucial as getting together with these women!

In these past three weeks, I have told my conversion story at least 40 times. As I know I mentioned in my last post, being in an intern gives you alot of opportunities to own your faith. When girls ask if I'm here to find a boyfriend or to take grad classes, I have an awesome opportunity to witness to what God is doing in my life.  I'm not here at Rutgers for my health. I can't explain why I'm here without talking about who God is. It's incredible and challenging at the same time!

Hope you enjoy the video! Know of my prayers for each of you! And keep em' coming my way if you think of it!

In Him who Loves us,
Ericka

And it's only the beginning...

Greetings from the Garden State! I arrived two weeks ago into the Newark Airport and it has just been a whirlwind of an adventure ever since. The Brothers, staff, and students here welcomed me with that good old Jersey hospitality!

Since arriving I have been trying to just "throw myself in."  I've loved going to meetings, walking the campuses, and calling incoming Freshmen. Much of my time has also been used to grab lunch, dinner, or bubble tea (this might be my new favorite drink) with many of the older girls.

The girls here were SHOCKED that I never had bubble tea before. Thanks to them, now I think I have a new addiction!

The students here are absolutely WONDERFUL! Not only are they welcoming, but they have been so willing to share their stories with me.  It's been great to start to get to know them.  What a privilege it is to be able to serve this community! I don't know all of students yet and Freshmen have not yet stepped foot on the campus, but I love them already!

As if having awesome students were not enough, the Lord has also sent some awesome women staff to CSA (Catholic Student Association) this year. I could not be more pumped to work with them. We just had our first Women's Pastoral Staff Meeting (be not confused by the fancy words- basically just women's staff). After talking with some of the student leaders and meeting with the Women's staff, I can't help but think that God is going to move powerfully in the women's community this year! Keep us in your prayers!

Classes don't actually start until September 4th. I am so thankful that I have this time to get to know the community and get used to Rutgers. It is SO different from Florida State! Rutgers used to be four different colleges, so the campuses are very spread out. I am the Mission Leader for the Cook/Douglas Campuses. I'll be in charge of the women's outreach, tabling, helping with the Mass on campus, and helping to plan the local socials.

The Catholic Center (CC) is across from the College Avenue Campus and I've gotten lost several times traveling to Cook/Douglas. It may only be 10 minutes away from the CC, but it's easy for a person with no sense of direction to get a little turned around :) Again, I'm glad I have so much time to explore the different campuses. Stay tunned for my Rutgers bus adventures. I'm attempting to ride a bunch of them next week...
The Executive Board (E-Board) and staff have decided to use Pope Benedict's declaration of "The Year of Faith" as fuel for everything that we will be doing this upcoming year. This past Sunday we had a Leadership Day for our returning students that focussed on Papa Benny's apostolic letter,  Porta Fidei.  This year will begin on October 11th, 2012. 

Our Faith. Something that is NEVER talked about in the public arena. It's definitely under attack, especially on the College Campus. I was so impressed with the E-Board's reflections on this document during leadership day. They encouraged the community to take time to reflect and rediscover the Faith. Within the past two weeks I have told the story of how the Lord saught me out at least 20 times. Each time I tell it to one of the students here I am reminded of how powerfully the Lord has moved (and IS moving) in my life. Being an intern gives you ALOT of opportunities to OWN your Faith!

Here is the document if you're interested!
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/motu_proprio/documents/hf_ben-xvi_motu-proprio_20111011_porta-fidei_en.html

 When I say that I am learning so much- I really could go on and on! I'm learning so much about campus ministry, the Faith, leadership, out reach, and so much more. Most importantly I am coming to know more of who God is and who He has made me to be.  Now, I understand why it's so important to go to another campus to do this mission year. It's one thing to do out reach as a student, on a campus you know well, with tons of people who know you. It's just another thing all together to do out reach in a totally new environment. One thing the Lord is starting to show me already is that being a missionary isn't something you can do on your own. I can have tons of zeal and enthusiasm about sharing the faith, but ultimately it's God who changes hearts.

Thank you for visiting! I can't wait for the year to kick off and to keep posting about my missionary adevtures!Stay tunned for a video tour of my apartment in the CC. I basically live in a palace ;)

Love,
Ericka

Au Revoir Tallahassee

   There is nothing like a putting your room in boxes to get you feeling nostalgic or to remind you that life is coming your way. Oh Tallahassee! It's time to part ways, for now at least ;)

   When I drove up here four years ago, I don't think I knew what I wanted out of "the college experience" other than a degree in Elementary Ed. Who knew what would await me right? A God who was head over heals sold out for Love of me, people that would change my life, and experiences that would forever change the woman I thought myself to be.

Here's me moving into Bryan Hall in August of 2008

.(I just thought I would take you all down memory lane with me!)

   It's a little surreal to be honest. I'm not on the "life plan" I had for myself when that picture was taken. I'm up and moving to a state I've never been to to go and share my love for the Lord and hopefully help a few people find this God who has transformed me. I am nowhere where I thought I would be. I am exactly where I want to be.  

    Tallahassee is a town very dear to my heart. It's taught me many valuable life lessons like how you should really look both ways before you cross the street, sleeping has to take a backseat sometimes, ALWAYS balance your checkbook, try not to procrastinate (too much), and the pivotal role caffeine plays in the spiritual and academic life- just to name a few ;)

   But really all I can be is so very joyful and full at wonder at the ways He has drawn me to Himself and excited for the rest of the adventure! I am beyond grateful for the ways that He has also used so many people to show me His Love. (Thank God for the phone and Skype!). Thank you to each of you for being who you are in my life (and even to you- random person reading this blog- without you this world would be lacking in something only you can offer). 

   Thank you for your prayers (keep em' comin') and your willingness to help me raise the funds I'll need for this upcoming year. People have always told me, "God will provide, God will provide..." and I don't think I ever truly believed that until now (Better late than never right?). It always sounded so cliche to me, but He has. I'm well on my way to meeting my goal. I thank each of you from the very bottom of my heart for your love, support, and staggering generosity.

   Typically, I am not a huge fan of change, but I feel really at peace knowing that I'm about to embark on something that is His will for me and something I SO desire to do! I feel like this internship is a way that I can respond to what He has done in my life, but it's also His gift to ME!

This is graduated me, with those Bros who just can't help but impact your life. 

There's so much that I just don't have words for. But, as a final thought I'd like to leave you with this quote that I came across:

"Being a Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction...Since God has first loved us, love is now no longer a mere "command," it is the response to the gift of love which God draws near to us."

Pope Benedict XVI

   Please feel free to e-mail me, call, or message me any prayer intentions. It would be my sincere pleasure to pray for you- just send em' my way!

With my whole heart,

Ericka

Promo Video!

So, in addition to those responsibilities that I wrote about in my last post, I also have the task of fundraising my salary for the year. My goal is $6,000 to support all of my out reach to the students at Rutgers. But, money, giving, financial support, pledge cards, it's all a little blah-blah-blah after a while don't you think? Exactly my thoughts as well...


There are a million different ways to ask for financial support. As I've thought and prayed about how to do that I realized that I've got to share at least a little bit of my story. There's a reason behind why this upcoming year is so important to me  and I don't want to bore you with words(You might be noticing how late at night I posted this. I guess I'm just that excited about it!).


This video is my personal invitation to you to be a part of my story and upcoming adventure!  Whether it is through your faithful prayers or generous support-

I appreciate you. 

 I appreciate you reading what I have to say 

and watching the video :)

This is my little attempt to show you-not just tell you about the "why" behind all this internship stuff. 
Regardless of whether you are able to become a mission partner, I just want the world to know that I'm pumped for this. If you could, share it on your own blogs, on facebook, twitter-let's get the word out there! 


 A big shout out and thank you to Katie Cerni for the filming and editing. I think she's an artist and a genius. You'll agree after you watch it! 


Ladies and gentlemen there's not much else to do but press that play button. ENJOY!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPju_iIcOn8&fb_source=message

RU interested in becoming a mission partner? Please click the box on the right hand side of the blog to e-mail me your address. From there I can send you a pledge card. 

In Him who Loves us,

Ericka

a year of Love

Hello Everyone! Thank you for visiting my blog. I am a recent graduate of THE Florida State University. I majored in Elementary Education, but this upcoming year I am taking some time away from regrouping in subtraction, lesson plans, assessments, and school supplies to do something pretty darn exciting!  On August 13th, I will begin my internship with the Brotherhood of Hope at Rutgers University in New Jersey! (Never heard of the Brothers? Here's your chance-visit http://brotherhoodofhope.org/ to learn about them and what they do on the college campus.)  


 I started this blog so that I can keep my mission partners, friends, and family up to date with all that's going on at Rutgers. I will try and mix it up with some pictures and videos to keep it exciting :) So, please click the "Follow by E-mail" button on the right hand side of the blog to receive updates easily through your e-mail.


Maybe you're wondering what an "internship" actually involves? Well, basically, it's a year of forming relationships with people, particularly the women at the Catholic Center at Rutgers. I will be helping new students get connected with the Catholic Center at RU along with their Catholic faith. The internship is a year for me to take to share what God's done in my life and hear how He is working in the lives of others. 

Here are just some of the ministries I will be serving with at Rutgers next year (I always find it helpful to have some examples!)

• Outreach to new students through weekly events such as Spirit Nights and Intramural sports.

• To invite students to, run, and attend our 2 retreats! (150 students attend!)These retreats immerse students in understanding who God is and who they are!

• Organize women's groups that will help foster fellowship, accountability, and a greater understanding of who we are as women of faith.

• I will also help with Bible studies, and above all one on one relational evangelization!  

Here are some of the wonderful people that I will be working with, serving, and have the privilege of loving...

 In response to this very first blog post please do 3 things for me:

• Please follow this blog so I can tell you all about my New Jersey adventures! If you are interested in learning more about what I'll be doing please contact me through e-mail: eel08@my.fsu.edu 
• Keep me in your prayers. I am very excited about this upcoming year, but I know there are also many challenges ahead.
• Please prayerfully consider supporting me financially. In addition to all of the responsibilities I listed above, I also have the task of fundraising my salary. My next post will have more on what it means to become a Mission Partner-so stay tuned:)

Thank you all for your love and support. A promo video for my internship is coming up next! Thanks for visiting.