You have been told, O mortal, what is good,
and what the LORD requires of you:
Only to do justice and to love goodness,
and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)
The Lord is the grounding point of my life. From driving a tractor on a dairy farm where I grew up, to teaching in the country-like ambience of Kauai, I think he wants me here. I did not ask to come here, it was an appointment made by my superiors. So, I try to do his will, what he requires. And, I have found a lot of joy in serving him thus.
One thing that gives me a lot of joy is the family-ohana spirit in our school and in our parish. Even when I go to Sacred Hearts Mission in Waimea, I am greeted in the same loving way as at St. Theresa. In school, there is a strong sense of cooperation among everyone. You can see the older students helping the younger ones in church as Mass buddies. They also listen to the children practice their reading.
On the playground, it is easy to observe the older students watching out for the younger ones. That is really nice to see. Likewise, my class is also wonderful with each day holding many delightful little stories. When the Sisters come home near the end of the day, we gather and share these gems. I assume that it is the Holy Spirit that makes us all one wonderful ohana.
As I enjoy meeting people, I like to walk home to the convent after school. There are the regulars I see along the street, as well as some new people to greet in the neighborhood. I have even learned the names of some of their pets. In addition to the cats, dogs and roosters around, there are horses that can be seen and even a pen of goats. I do love all of nature from the beauty of the ocean, to the trees and the flowers, the sunshine. And, like St. Francis of Assisi, sometimes as I walk I humbly pray that all these lovely things may lift my heart and mind even closer to God.
Sister Janet Rose has been a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity for 51 years. Her first assignment to St. Theresa School in Kekaha, Kauai, was after Hurricane Iniki struck the island in 1993. She left after five years, and then was re-assigned to the school in 2010. She resides at St. Francis Convent, Kekaha.