Although I think that I have discerned that the religious life is for me, I know I must continue my discernment.

What is it that God is calling me to?

This is a loaded question. I am sure that God is calling me to be a priest with the Salesians…but in what kind of ministry? I am contemplating whether or not he is calling me to a life in the missions. Im not sure yet if this is my path, but it could be.

This past summer I spent quite a bit of time with the Salesian Missionaries from all over the world that were here in the United States making appeals for money for the missions. I became close to one of these missionaries in particular, who I think has had an impact on my life that I did not forsee happening. His name was Fr. Miguel Angel Ruiz, S.D.B. He is oringinally from Spain, and is now working in Pakistan. When he told me of the mission in Pakistan, I was overjoyed with what the Salesians did there. When the region was struck with deadly earthquakes a few years ago, the Salesians and their students there were some of the first to respond to the people most devistated in the area. They made huts for the people who lost their homes. They were Christians helping the Muslims in the mountains bordering India. They used the facilites in the school to build furniture, and other household items. The Mission in Pakistan has opened my heart, and my eyes to the possibility of a missionary vocation. Please keep the missionaries, and all Salesians in your prayers.

God Bless you all!