The Mission to Magadan According to Theresa, The Catholic Parish of the Nativity of Jesus, Magadan, Russia

The Mission to Magadan According to Theresa, The Catholic Parish of the Nativity of Jesus, Magadan, Russia

I do not feel worthy to write this short glimpse into the beauty of Magadan.

How can a person put into words the glory of God?

There is no limit! There is no end!

And I, the least of His followers, a nursing major from Holly, Michigan endeavor to give it justice.

In the words of C.S. Lewis, "We are mirrors whose brightness is wholly derived from the sun that shines upon us."

The temptation has come to me to think that I have accomplished great things for the Lord here in Magadan or that I have somehow been the cause of conversion in northeastern Siberia.

The truth is that God’s brightness in Magadan is brighter than the midday sun. God’s love and truth is so real in Magadan you can almost touch it; you breathe it with every breath.

I did not expect to find Him in hotdogs for breakfast, misinterpreted translations, or Russian friends who have become family; but I have.

Here in Magadan my spiritual vision is growing with the aid of a brand new pair of glasses.

One of the biggest ways my interior vision improves is in through the vision of myself.

The Lord is showing me my great humility in Magadan and freeing me to allow His love through me as He chooses.

I see Him touch so many lives in Magadan.

I have seen Him in everyone from Fr. Michael Shields to the grocery boy we buy our vegetables from.

I see Christ in the children and our English students.

I see Christ in the parishioners and in my mission team.

The love, joy, and generosity of the people of Magadan flows from true hearts that know God.

Even though most people do not even know if God exists, their hearts know what their minds do not.

Sharing in the creation of the connection between the head and heart is the greatest miracle I have seen in this mission.

There is also a real struggle and spiritual battle in Magadan to live for God and embrace the truth that engulfs you.

His mercy is greater than every evil; His healing more powerful than any pain.

Though the pain of Magadan is great, God was, is, and shall always will be greater than that pain felt in Magadan.

I do not know why He chose me to come to Magadan but I am glad that He did.

I praise Him for choosing me to be Catholic, to know Him, and to come to Magadan. While I intended to give much here in Magadan, I have received so much more than I could have ever expected from the Mission to Magadan.

*Look for Katalyn and Hannah’s testimonials in our next newsletter.

Mission to Magadan e-news July 2014 http://conta.cc/1tDqfwo

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