Tuesday evening as I gathered with those in my house to watch the fireworks, we agreed that they seemed like a fitting conclusion for our trip to Mexico City for the Inside Mexico experience and for our return to the Akron motherhouse community for a couple of days. Filled to the brim with the study of language, culture, and human rights situations, what also touched me was the community at Casa Xitla led by Pablo Romo Cedano, Martha Elena Welsh Herrera, and the wonderful administrator, Sandra, and all the staff. I could visibly see the love and care they have for each other and for those who come for peace building strategies, retreats, or other experiences, especially as we celebrated Sandra’s birthday with song and dance one of the evenings. Their eyes shone with delight as they laughed and affirmed each other. I could not help but think of them on July 4th during our celebration of the Eucharist in Akron as we sang, "This is my Song". The lyrics reminded me of how each person, each community in all parts of the world simply wants to live in love and peace, meeting the needs of family and community, and having opportunities to grow. I invite you to take a moment to read the lyrics below and listen to the words of this song on YouTube by clicking here. "This is my song, O God of all the nations A song of peace for lands afar and mine This is my home, the country where my heart is Here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine But other hearts in other lands are beating With hopes and dreams as true and high as mine My country's skies are bluer than the ocean And sunlight beams on clover leaf and pine But other lands have sunlight too and clover And skies are everywhere as blue as mine O hear my song, thou God of all the nations A song of peace for their land and for mine" As I return to my work, I am well aware that the experience in Mexico didn’t end the day I returned, rather, I am called and challenged to continue to work for justice and peace here and to help strengthen connections with those I met and to share their stories. And if you are discerning vowed life, married life, single life…, consider calling one of our vocation ministers. They are excellent at walking with women who are exploring how they are being called to live their lives to the fullest potential as followers of Christ.